Hey there, publishing warriors!

Before we dive into today’s deep-dive topic, let me offer you a quick call to action: if you’re passionate about books, publishing, and navigating the author journey, make sure you follow my blog at The Book Kahuna. I share real-world, boots-on-the-ground insights from four decades in the book publishing trenches, and I want you along for the ride.

Now, let us get to the heart of it.

What Are Authors Most Worried About?

Recently, I put out a survey to aspiring first-time authors, asking them: What is keeping you up at night?

The responses poured in. I heard everything from “I don’t know how to market my book” to “I’m terrified no one will care about my story” to “I’m stuck and can’t finish my draft.”

But there was one thread that kept popping up, again and again, sometimes as a question, sometimes as a quiet fear:

Am I doing this all alone? Should I be part of a writing group or community? Would that even help me?

That is what today’s post is all about: why writing groups and communities matter so much to authors — especially if you are just starting out.

Let me tell you: after 40 years in the publishing world, I have seen the authors who make it, and I have seen the authors who burn out. And I can say this without hesitation:

The authors who connect with others — who surround themselves with the right people — are the ones who endure.

Why Writing Is So Lonely (And Why It Should Not Be)

Writing is, by nature, a solitary activity. You, the blank page, the blinking cursor — just the two of you in a face-off.

But here is the paradox: publishing is a community activity.

Your book does not live in a vacuum. It needs:
✅ Editors
✅ Designers
✅ Marketers
✅ Readers
✅ Fans
✅ Champions

From idea to finished product, you need people. Yet so many authors think they have to go it alone until they “make it.” They hide their work, hoard their drafts, and whisper their fears in the dark.

I am here to tell you: do not fall into that trap.

Writing groups and communities are the lifeline you did not know you needed. And I am going to walk you through exactly why.

1️⃣ Accountability: Show Up or Ship Out

Let us start with the most basic function of a writing group: accountability.

When you are in a group that expects you to show up, bring pages, and participate, you are far more likely to keep moving.

I have seen so many first-time authors stall out because they are only answering to themselves. No deadlines, no structure, no outside eyes. It is easy to say “I’ll get to that chapter next week” — and then next week turns into next month, and next month turns into never.

But when you’re part of a group, you have:
✔ Regular check-ins
✔ Shared deadlines
✔ People who notice if you go missing

It is like having a gym buddy. You are way less likely to skip leg day if someone is waiting for you at the squat rack. Same goes for your manuscript.

2️⃣ Feedback: Catch the Flaws Early

Here is another benefit you cannot ignore: early feedback.

Look, as a publishing veteran, I can tell you this straight: the biggest mistake I see first-time authors make is waiting too long to get outside eyes on their work.

They hoard the draft, polish it in secret, and only at the very end do they let anyone read it — by which point, they have often baked in structural problems that are hard to fix.

Writing groups are your safety net. They help you:
✔ Spot plot holes
✔ Identify pacing issues
✔ Flag character inconsistencies
✔ Highlight moments where readers get lost

And here is the magic: because you are getting incremental feedback, you can course-correct as you go, rather than doing a massive, painful overhaul at the eleventh hour.

3️⃣ Motivation: Celebrate the Wins (Big and Small)

Writing can feel like an endless grind. But in a good writing community, you do not have to do it all in a vacuum.

Your group is there to:
🎉 Cheer when you hit a word count milestone
🎉 Celebrate when you finish a tricky chapter
🎉 Toast you when you land an agent or get your first review

Without that, it is easy to lose momentum. We humans thrive on shared joy and recognition.

In my experience, the authors who build community early stay motivated longer — because they are not just celebrating in their own head. They have got a crowd behind them, lifting them up.

4️⃣ Education: Learn What You Do not Know

Let us be real: none of us knows everything.

But in a writing community, you get access to collective wisdom. You learn:
📚 How others approach character development
📚 What marketing strategies are working
📚 Which publishing paths are worth exploring

It is like being part of a professional development group — you are constantly leveling up because you are surrounded by people with different experiences and insights.

One of the smartest things an aspiring author can do is listen to the writers who are a few steps ahead. Learn from their mistakes. Steal their strategies. Do not reinvent the wheel when you do not have to.

5️⃣ Connection: Find Your Tribe

This one is maybe the most important of all: emotional connection.

Writing can feel isolating. Especially if your friends or family do not understand what you are trying to do. Maybe they say things like:

  • “When’s your little book going to be done?”
  • “You’re still working on that?”
  • “Is this really worth your time?”

Ouch.

But in a writing community, you are surrounded by people who get it. They know the struggle. They respect the craft. They see the value in what you are doing.

That kind of support can be the difference between pushing through and giving up.

How to Find the Right Writing Group

Okay, so you’re convinced: you want in. But how do you find the right writing group or community?

Here are a few strategies I recommend:

🌎 Local Writing Groups

Start local. Check your:
✅ Library
✅ Community center
✅ Bookstore
✅ Local university

Many cities have established writing groups or workshops you can join. Bonus: you get face-to-face interaction, which can deepen relationships.

💻 Online Communities

The digital age has opened up so many doors.

Look for:
✅ Facebook groups for writers
✅ Reddit writing communities (like r/writing)
✅ Genre-specific forums (like Absolute Write)
✅ Online critique groups (like Scribophile or Critique Circle)

The great thing here is that you can connect with people worldwide — and often find communities that are hyper-specific to your genre or style.

🏫 Workshops and Classes

Consider signing up for a formal workshop or class. Many programs include built-in peer groups or critique sessions.

This can be a great way to combine structured learning with community building.

🔍 Vet the Group Carefully

Not all writing groups are created equal. Here is what to look for:
✔ A culture of constructive, respectful feedback (not harsh takedowns)
✔ Commitment from members — no one wants to waste time with flakes
✔ A balance between critique and encouragement
✔ Alignment with your goals and genre

If a group feels toxic, unproductive, or like it is sapping your energy, do not be afraid to walk away and find a better fit.

What If You Cannot Find One? Start Your Own!

Sometimes the best solution is to build the thing you wish existed.

Here is how:
1️⃣ Reach out to writer friends or acquaintances.
2️⃣ Set a regular meeting time — consistency is key.
3️⃣ Establish clear expectations (how often will you share work? How much?)
4️⃣ Create ground rules for feedback.
5️⃣ Keep it small and focused at first; you can always expand later.

I’ve seen amazing writing groups form from just two or three people who were willing to commit. Do not underestimate the power of starting small.

My Publishing Industry Perspective

Let me pull back the curtain and give you the industry veteran’s view.

From where I stand, the authors who thrive over the long haul are the ones who understand that publishing is a team sport.

Sure, you write alone. But you publish with people.

Agents. Editors. Designers. Publicists. Booksellers. Librarians. Readers.

If you have never learned how to share your work, take feedback, and navigate collaborative spaces, you are going to struggle once you hit the publishing phase.

Writing groups are not just about improving your draft — they are about training you to work in a creative ecosystem. They prepare you for the give-and-take of a professional writing life.

And trust me, that is a skill set you want in your toolkit.

Final Thoughts

To all you aspiring first-time authors out there, hear this: you do not have to do it alone.

In fact, you should not.

Find your people. Share your work. Open yourself to feedback. Build your resilience through community.

Writing is hard — but it is a lot less hard when you have a team in your corner.

A Personal Challenge to You

Here is my challenge:

By the end of this month, I want you to join — or start — a writing group.

Not next year. Not “someday.” Now.

Make it a priority. Put it on your calendar. Take the first step.

You will be amazed how much progress you make when you surround yourself with the right people.

Keep Following The Book Kahuna

If you found this post helpful, be sure to follow my blog at The Book Kahuna.

I share practical, no-nonsense insights for authors who want to break through the noise and build a lasting career. Let us navigate this wild publishing world together!

Until next time, keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep fighting the good fight.

— Don Schmidt, The Book Kahuna

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