The Importance of Writing Communities
As everyone here at Nostos dives head first into this season’s screenwriting retreats, our thoughts turn to the importance of being around creative peers and the relationships that develop from that environment. More so as we’re slowly starting to gather in person again, after a long separation and seemingly endless isolation.
Writing is by its nature a solitary activity. Even in a co-writing situation, each party will retreat to their own personal space to produce the work in hand. Whether it’s holing up in a corner of their home, or setting up office in a busy café, ultimately, the relationship between writer and writing is highly intimate. It is a visceral process between creator and work, which invariably requires a certain level of isolation, be it a couple of snatched hours around a busy schedule, or whole days / weeks to really delve into a project.
As most of the world is realising now, coming out of that isolation can be unnerving and intimidating. It can be done gradually, step by step, but it has to be done.
This also applies to writers everywhere. We’re happy and safe in our own space, experiencing the joy of creating and satisfaction of seeing our ideas come to life. Mistakes are easy to handle — without an audience, there is no embarrassment. We have free rein over our creative impulses and can competently appraise our own work; there is no one to answer to but ourselves.
Moving out of this comfort zone is one of the most important things a writer can do for themselves. I joined my first group ten years ago while taking a writing class, and have since bounced around various others, with people coming and going, until settling on certain groups that stuck, people who I trust and whose opinions I value.
The benefits of connecting with peers who understand the process of writing and can give honest, constructive feedback, without negativity or judgment, have been immense.
Regular meetings provide structure to working schedules as well as goalposts; there’s always a sense of achievement when I have a completed piece to share. Identifying strengths and weaknesses together in each other’s work affirms and adds to my knowledge of technique, structure and rules that apply to different formats. Bouncing ideas around to offer suggestions give my brain a work out and keeps the creative juices flowing.
But undoubtedly, the greater benefits have been to myself as a person. Being part of a writing group has taught me to listen, to be objective and positive, and to look past first impressions. Sometimes a story may not pique my interest (sports, for example, not my cup of tea) — however, I have learnt how to look past personal taste and examine the functionality of its structure.
Being part of a writing community, whether it’s a group of friends meeting weekly, a professional set up, or the luxury of a few days at a retreat, is integral to our development and growth. It may take some courage to make that first step but finding and having those trusted peers benefits not only the work, but our craft, skills and mental health.
Engaging with other writers has encouraged me to always be helpful and supportive. It’s given me a real sense of security, knowing that my work and I will be treated with the same respect in return.
And most of all, I have made some truly great friends along the way.
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written by Patty Papageorgiou
