Writer on the Move: Part Two
Moving?
Finding Your Writing Flow in a New Place
Moving can still knock the pencil right out of my hand! Actually, I never use a pencil....so in reality, moving can shut my computer? Close down scrivener? Knock my fingers off the keys?
Anyway, since I last wrote the first moving blog in 2014, I’ve moved a few more times-- it's kind of a thing my husband and I do. I love moving, living in new places, and meeting new people. But the challenge of staying creatively connected always feels exhausting. Life changes, geography shifts, and with each move, all my routines and rituals disappear. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the writing community is resilient—and everywhere, and so am I.
If you’re feeling unsettled and your writing feels scattered, know this: today’s world has more ways for writers to find connection and community online and in person.
My advice to you after thirteen moves...
BE BRAVE!
Introduce yourself.
Get out of your house.
Join a group of like-minded writers.
Here are a few updated strategies to rebuild your writing life wherever you are today:
Digital Writing Communities
Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote town, online communities bring writers together from all over.
Check out platforms like Substack Notes, Mastodon, or Discord writing groups, where writers gather for critiques, accountability, and support.
Twitter (now known as X) still has a strong writing community (not everyone left); try using hashtags like #AmWriting, #WritingCommunity, or #KidLit to connect with like-minded writers.
Local Bookstores and Libraries
Bookstores and libraries continue to be hubs for literary connections. They’re more community-focused than ever, offering workshops, events, and even small critique groups. Ask your local bookstore or library if they host any writing groups—or if they’d be open to starting one! Libraries often offer free meeting rooms that make for great, neutral spaces for new writer meetups.
**As always, please check groups out before committing. I have made this mistake in the past: joining a group just to have it not quite fit me or me not quite fit it. I recommend going to at least three meetups before deciding to join or not.
Find a Writers’ Meetup Group or Hub
Meetup is still a great tool for locating local groups, although I find it challenging to find a solid group that meets with the same people every time. And now they are charging more to be on the platform, so I don't know how that will work out. However, you can find people within those groups who want to schedule an ongoing meeting.
There are also new options like Eventbrite and Reedsy, which offer local events and virtual gatherings. And if you’re into genre writing (mystery, fantasy, etc.), there’s often a community for that, too!
Online Workshops and Classes
Staying connected doesn’t have to mean face-to-face. Platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, and SCBWI offer virtual workshops where you can learn and meet other writers. There are even virtual writing conferences where you can connect with mentors and agents.
**Always double-check these sites for sales on classes. They have them often...so never pay full price!
Social Accountability Groups
Online accountability groups have made it easier to set goals, share progress, and get feedback. Try NaNoWriMo’s year-round forums, Write Practice, or join a Facebook group like 10-Minute Novelists to commit to regular check-ins with other writers.
Connect Locally—Beyond Writing Circles
Remember, other types of creative groups can spark inspiration and offer new connections. Art collectives, book clubs, or theater groups can give you fresh perspectives and the sense of belonging we all crave when building a creative life in a new place.
When I move, I take art walks around my new town, noticing local artists and their voices. This helps me ground in the new energy and gives me a sense of place to write from.
If you’re in transition, here’s the game plan:
- Reach out: Tell people you’re a writer, in person and online.
- Get social: Don’t be shy—virtual or in-person, reach out and explore groups near or far.
- Ask for connections: Let people know you’re looking for writer friends. (This one is toughest for me, but I'm starting to ask. I even told my hairdresser, and she is going to give me a list of friends she has who love to write.)
- Stay open: Inspiration may come from other creative communities as well.
- Volunteer at local schools: If you want to write for kids, you MUST be around them. They evolve faster than you think. So you have to stay involved!
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- Meetup.com – Search for local writing, book clubs, or critique groups. Meetup is widely used for in-person and virtual gatherings, and you can often find genre-specific writing communities.
- Eventbrite – Eventbrite has listings for writing workshops, readings, and literary events in many towns and cities, offering both free and paid options.
- Reedsy – Not only does Reedsy connect writers with editors and publishers, but they also have a community tab and offer events, online courses, and resources for writers at all stages.
- Substack – Substack isn’t just for newsletters; it’s become a platform where writers share their work and engage in community discussions. Writers can follow others, participate in discussions, and even start local Substack groups to meet and share work. (I haven't really used this one yet, but I am playing with it now.)
- SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) – If you’re a children’s book author, SCBWI has local chapters with regular meetings and workshops, plus an online member directory for connecting with other writers.
- NaNoWriMo Forums – NaNoWriMo’s website has year-round forums where writers connect by location and genre. Many local NaNoWriMo groups organize write-ins and meet-ups throughout the year.
- Facebook Groups – Try searching for groups like Writers in [Your City/State], [City] Writer’s Group, or genre-specific groups like Mystery Writers of [Location].
- Poets & Writers – Their Literary Events Calendar and Directory of Writers allow you to look up events and connect with other writers, as well as discover local writing groups and readings.
- Library and Bookstore Websites – Many libraries and indie bookstores list local events, book clubs, and workshops directly on their websites, making it easy to find nearby writing activities.
- Discord Writing Groups – Many Discord servers cater to writers by genre, interest, or location, allowing you to interact with people directly through text and voice chat. (If you haven't tried Discord, you must try MidJourney for art inspiration! It's a blast!!!)
Top five websites for new children's writers:
KidLit411
A comprehensive site providing information on writing, illustrating, publishing, and marketing children's books, along with a supportive Facebook group.Children's Writer's Guild (CWG)
An online magazine and community for writers, illustrators, and educators, featuring essays, news, and advice on children's literature.The Purple Crayon
Offers articles and resources on writing and publishing children's books, including insights into the business side of publishing.Inkygirl (Which has moved to debbieohi.com) A blog by author and illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi, providing insights, tips, and resources for children's writers and illustrators.
Children's Book Insider (CBI)
Offers a monthly newsletter, articles, and resources tailored for children's book writers, covering topics from writing tips to publishing advice.
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Write~on,
Angie
**Want to join the list of authors and industry professionals on Teazurs? Reach out - let's do this! I LOVE supporting writers. ALL writers! Newbie writers not yet published. Seasoned writers with over 100 books. They've all been interviewed and well respected here.
You matter!
ALL of you.
We need your voices out in the world more than ever.
Be seen.
Be heard!
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