The Importance of Finding Community as a Creative
The journey of writing (or illustrating), particularly in the field of children’s literature, can often feel isolating. For many creatives, especially those embarking on their first project, self-publishing, or working without the guidance of an agent, publisher, or editor, the solitude of the creative process can be overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like you’re shouting into the void, pouring your heart into stories and art without anyone to share the weight—or the joy—of the process.
This sense of isolation isn’t just logistical; it’s deeply emotional. Writing isn’t just a task or hobby, like a lot of our family and friends think. They are acts of personal expression and usually have our soul on their pages. Every word, every brushstroke is a piece of yourself, and the emotional investment in creation is as significant as the mental investment of what follows in our quest for publication –something that is, unfortunately, at the whims of another, out of our control. The entire process is tough and leaves us vulnerable. That vulnerability can feel heavy without a support system.
Whether you’re navigating the self-doubt that creeps in during a first draft, seeking feedback for a final manuscript, or simply looking for camaraderie in the ups and downs of the publishing world, finding your community can make all the difference. Supportive peers help you stay motivated, offer fresh perspectives, and remind you that you’re not alone in the journey. Have you found a friend yet? If you haven’t, we have a few starting points that can be your compass and lead you to where you should go to seek companionship.
Where to Find Your Creative Community
Thankfully, the digital age and vibrant networks within the literary world offer countless opportunities to connect with like-minded creators. Below are several avenues to explore:
Social Media Communities
The internet has transformed how creatives connect, breaking down geographic barriers and enabling global collaboration. Social media has a lot of potential for finding friends. We preach the opposite of marketing to find a friend: less posting and brand solidification and more participation. Engage in people’s posts that really resonate with you. Take a a look on…
- Facebook Groups: One of the most accessible platforms for finding creative peers. For children’s literature, we recommend you search groups by genre and target audience to find the community most suited to supporting you on your journey. We’ll do a little plug here: we’d love to invite you to our Facebook group, The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast Community. It’s still young, but once we hit a solid number, we’re going to open the discussion to allow you to ask for advice, give insight, and find friends while celebrating your wins!
- Instagram and Twitter: Follow hashtags like #KidLit, #ChildrensBooks, and #AuthorsofX to find vibrant conversations, online events, and connections with authors, illustrators, and industry professionals. Many of these creatives on IG and X have group chats or Telegram chats going to stay in touch.
- Threads: We recommend hopping on and browsing #Kidlit Threads, #AuthorsThreads, #AuthorsofThreads, and #Children’s Literature to find friends who are going through the same trial and triumphs as you! It’s worked for us and you can find us on there @nieveesol and @naturellement_theresa.
Professional Organizations
Joining an established professional organization can be transformative for both your craft and your career. They often have many leadership and education opportunities for you to get involved in your writing and literacy at local levels. We just advise that you pay attention to any membership fees they may require.
- Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI): A must for anyone serious about children’s literature, SCBWI provides resources like critique groups, conferences, and online communities. Membership connects you with seasoned professionals and emerging creators alike, offering inspiration and practical guidance.
- United States Board of Books on Young People: Dedicated to supporting international understanding and positivity in children’s books worldwide. It is the US branch of IBBY. Like SCBWI, there are state ambassadors you can get in touch with to volunteer with or brainstorm an event to support their mission. If you’re in New Jersey, our co-host, Jackie, is your state ambassador!
In-Person and Virtual Events
Sometimes, nothing beats face-to-face connection, whether in person or “live” online. If you can block out the time, it’s more than worth it. You can think of these as bonus investments because you can network, learn, and find someone who rides your wavelength. Try…
- Meetup.com: Browse this platform to find writing groups in your area or online. Local meetups offer opportunities for workshops, critique groups, and social gatherings that foster collaboration and friendship. Most states have one writing group that meets biweekly or monthly.
- Podcasts: Participating in events like podcasts (ahem, such as our podcast!) not only helps you network but also introduces you to a welcoming community of creators who understand your journey. This is an underrated way to market your work, accomplish something, and make friends that will advocate for you in the long term.
- Events: We briefly mentioned events above, but they warrant a bullet point on their own. Attending conferences, summits, and other online events is one of the best ways to learn something new about your niche. It’s also a wonderful way to find friends: you just have to motivate yourself to participate. If you’re an introvert or shy at heart, this can be tough, but we encourage you to speak to at least 10 people at an event in person or go full hog into the chat on a remote event. You’ll be surprised at how many people you click with!
- And here’s another plug: if you’re interested in speaking or attending our Summit in 2026…please stay tuned and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so when the details are ironed out, you’ll be the first to know!
A Shoutout to the WriteNow a Thon 2024:
Speaking of remote events, we did take our own advice and we spent the last few days in full swing with an event we’re recommending to literally everyone.
The WriteNow A Thon, created and masterfully curated by Jared Kauffman, was a phenomenal 3-day online event that exceeded all expectations. As presenters and participants, we were blown away by the energy, enthusiasm, and engagement of the audience, who kept the comments lively and thought-provoking throughout.
We had the pleasure of presenting a workshop, Turbocharged Characters: Creating Unforgettable Characters for Children’s Books, and individually joining panel discussions on author branding and publishing routes. The experience was nothing short of inspiring, thanks to the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere Jared fostered. We aren’t bluffing here. We’ve all been to workshops where we get crickets in response, right? Not at the WriteNow a Thon. Our interactive workshop was attended and we had an audience who followed our character development method in real time, sharing their turbocharged characters with us right then and there. Actual participation! No bots, just a bunch of writers doing what they loved best: writing! The passion was palpable.
We weren’t the only presenters either. There were so many experts offering advice that we found ourselves taking notes. The event’s inclusive programming was a testament to Jared’s thoughtful planning, covering an incredible range of topics—from marketing strategies and children’s literature to romantasy, action, spice, and beyond with published authors from across the country. But, it wasn’t just about learning; it was about having fun, too! Writing games, Jeopardy, and an abundance of freebies (including our own giveaways: a character interview guide, a mug, and a free on-air book review) made it an all-around exciting way to spend the weekend.
Jared’s personable approach and seamless organization brought together a diverse, talented community of writers and creatives for a truly positive experience. We saw the chat absolutely lighting up with how engaged people were and we witnessed quite a few starts to new friendships. This is exactly the type of event we recommend you attend: one that inspires, teaches you a thing or two, and opens up the bridge for conversations.
Missed the WriteNow a Thon 2024? Watch the reply now on Youtube! And give Jared a follow so you can see when the next one is. Also, don’t miss the chance to join the WriteNow A Thon Discord, where you can connect with this vibrant crew, exchange ideas, and continue growing as a writer.
Thank you, Jared, for creating this space and allowing us to participate. It was an honor and we had a ball!
If you’ve been writing in isolation, consider this your invitation to join a community that understands and supports your creative journey. Remember, the best stories aren’t just written – they’re cultivated in communities where writers can thrive, challenge themselves, and celebrate each other’s successes. In the end, creativity is about connection—connecting with your audience, your inner self, and the community that understands what you’re up to. Whether you’re new to the creative world or an experienced professional, finding your community can sustain you through the inevitable highs and lows.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment to reach out. Explore the resources above, take that first step, and discover the joy and support that comes with being part of a creative tribe.
We’re here for you! Send us a message whenever if you need help a group.