My Two Favorite Writing Communities
As an author, I’ve learned the value of a writing community. Although there is a stigma around writing that “writing is a solitary endeavor,” that’s only true in part. The putting words on a page, yes, you do on your own. But the rest of it? It makes a huge difference having a community around, because you have a group of people with different experiences than yourself, and likely different skillsets. This enables you to ask questions and find answers, receive encouragement when needed, gain accountability and writing sprint buddies, and even acquire a critique group to help polish your writing.
Over my last 10 years learning about the publishing industry, I’ve encountered several questions I couldn’t answer on my own—or even find the answers on the internet. Well, I might have found generalizations, but specifics? I’ve only ever found those within the writing groups I’ve found a place within. So whether the questions are about traditionally publishing (via an established publisher) or indie publishing (doing everything on your own), a writing group is an excellent place to find specific answers.
So today, I thought I’d share a couple of my favorite writing groups—groups I’ve been part of for years, and will continue to be a part of long into the future. Both groups have helped me elevate my skills as a writer, an editor, and a marketer (because, unfortunately, authors have to do a lot of that nowadays). More than that, I’ve found some of my best friends through these groups, and I have a community to surround me when I’m struggling with imposter syndrome, doubt, and even the urge to quit pursuing publishing altogether. Honestly, I’m not sure I can truly express in words what these groups have done for me over the years, but the people I’ve met by being a part of them are the reason I’m still on the writing and publishing track today.
Realm Makers
I know I talk about Realm Makers quite a lot, but that’s because it’s a community I’ve been part of ever since I attended my first conference in 2016. That means I’ve been part of the group almost since its inception in 2012, and I’ve only seen it continue to grow. Why? Because the community is welcoming, kind, encouraging, and providing for the writing genres that have fewer learning opportunities. They ask a lot of excellent questions about the writing and publishing industry, especially in the realm of speculative fiction, from tips on self-editing and writing a certain genre to the eccentricities of publishing on Amazon and Kindle. More than that, they’re a group that invites brainstorming requests, blurb polishing help, and even calls for beta readers and cover reveal help.
More than the vibrant online community, the writing conference itself feels a bit like home. I’ve spent a lot of my life feeling like a fish out of water in my environment, because of my vivid imagination and voracious reading habit, but at Realm Makers, I’m one in a sea of the same kind of fish. These are the people who have the vivid imaginations, the voracious reading habits, and a love for TV shows and movies others don’t always understand. Even if it’s only for a few days, spending time at the conference is always renewing, rewarding, and refreshing. I always tell people that if I can attend only one writing conference in a year, it’s going to be Realm Makers—where I see friends, make new friends, and always learn a ton about writing and the publishing industry.
Attending Realm Makers every year has allowed me to network with a lot of big names in the Christian publishing industry, from authors to agents to publishers, and those connections and friendships continue to lift me up, and a few have transitioned into life friends, as well. It’s because of this group of people I’m still pursuing publishing after a really hard knock last year (click here for details).
With the launch of their new network, the RealmSphere, has also afforded opportunities to join critique groups, be part of month-long writing challenges, learn more about writing and creating throughout the year, and further network with other writers. Here, there are many late-night discussions about specific questions on writing, marketing, and publishing, with such diverse and specific answers that I learn something new from every single conversation.
All that to say, Realm Makers is definitely a community I’m going to continue within and rely on, because it’s full of the writers like me who love fantasy, science fiction, and (often) the weirder questions about life, faith, and our world. And I can’t express how thankful I am to Becky and Scott Minor for starting such a wonderful place for speculative authors to gather.
Red Herrings Society
A newer community I’ve been a part of for the last three years is the Red Herrings Society. Launched in 2023 by owners of The Writer’s Sanctuary C.J. Redwine and Mary Weber as a community-driven learning and networking hub, this group has been invaluable over the last few (personally) difficult years. I’ve learned an immense amount about writing, my own style, and the publishing industry from the owners, who teach many of the offered courses, and the other members of the community.
The Red Herrings Society (RHS) is very active among members, including writing sprints, accountability chats, query and proposal support and editing, social video calls, and classes taught by C.J. Redwine, Mary Weber, and sometimes other members. Although it’s a subscription-based community, I’ve found the value of the monthly offerings far outweighs the subscription price. And members often get the first look and sign up options for retreats and major courses put on by The Writer’s Sanctuary. More than that, members receive monthly feedback in different spheres, with all work submitted anonymously so all editorial comments and prose questions aren’t based on the author of the piece. This has been one of my favorite parts of the community lately, because it’s so encouraging to hear good comments on your anonymously-submitted work alongside extremely helpful critique.
I’ll admit that this group is a big part of the reason I believe I can write so many novel drafts this year—and a huge part of the reason I understand better the market viability of different ideas in either indie publishing or traditional publishing. Mary Weber and C.J. Redwine are also very transparent about different parts of the publishing process on the traditional side from their own experiences—which means questions I’ve had for years and not found an answer to finally have one (Such as “how much control do you have over what you add/remove from your story?”).
The other thing I love about this group is it’s always evolving and Mary & C.J. take into account feedback from members—from what they’re looking for in classes and areas where community members need support. It’s open to all kinds of authors, and isn’t contained within one genre (I know I’ve seen people talk about writing non-fiction and almost every genre of fiction). I’m active in the group almost every day (at minimum every week) because I love to be there.
So if you’re looking for a vibrant community with amazing support on all areas of the writing and publishing front, these groups are amazing ones to check out. (And if you join either, please list me as the person who recommended you!) These communities are so much help in every aspect of this writing and publishing journey—from brainstorming to final publication—and I honestly couldn’t take this journey without so many wonderful people supporting me.