Happy Sunday, writers & readers!

We don’t talk about it much, but writing can be lonely.

Of course lots of writers will say, myself included, they may enjoy the solitude of writing. But there’s something about sharing our journey with others that helps us overall become not only better writers, but more consistent writers, too.

Whether you enjoy solitude or not, this weeks issue is for you.

Community doesn’t just appear, you have to find your way into it.

Try these small steps:

So last week we talked about Steven Pressfield’s War of Art and other books. If war of art speaks to your soul as a writer, Save The Cat speaks to the structure of your writing.

Jessica Brody takes the storytelling framework that influenced Hollywood and rewrites it into a step by step roadmap for novelists. What makes it powerful isn’t just the “beats,” it’s how it reminds you that story is a shared language. Every writer, no matter how alone they feel, is walking the same path from Opening Image to Final Scene.

It’s the perfect companion when you’re deep in the middle of your book and wondering if anyone else has ever been this lost. (Spoiler: they have.)

And the best part is, so many people have read it, that you can easily connect with other writers about the book. And if you come across someone who hasn’t read it, and is struggling to plot their novel, then you are the one who can give them guidance in this recommendation.

As I sit here writing for an audience of 64 (I know I know, I’m trying to grow my audience but it takes time!) I still can’t help but feel like I am typing into a void. I don’t know if anyone else ever feels that way, but writing for me is a solitary endeavor, even if I know others are going to eventually read it.

I think this is for multiple reasons. Even if we know others are going to read it, if they’re just readers getting the end product. What takes a few minutes to at most hours for them is nothing compared to the hours, weeks, months, and sometimes years for us. They weren’t there when we sweat through each line, going through the messy first draft and combing through with a fine tooth comb and editing the second, sometimes third and fourth and beyond drafts. Despite them loving the story, your average reader won’t know how much work really went into writing.

That’s where other writers come in. We understand how much effort and work it takes because we are all in the same boat. The problem is, we all love being the captain of our own ships. Or we are just shy, or there aren’t many resources for connecting with other writers. As for resources to connect with writers, hopefully the suggestions above in connection as a skill help a little.

But if you’re one of the type who likes to silo yourself into your own corner and write without others around, or their feedback, or even just support, this last part is for you. I know last week I said to write for yourself, and I stand by that. You should always write for yourself and let the readers come later. But writing for yourself doesn’t mean you have to cut yourself off from a great and supportive community of writers who would love to give your feedback, or at the very least just share the experience with you. It’s a lonely endeavor day in and day out to write by yourself, and while the aloneness works for some people, most of us humans thrive in communities.

And hey, if you open yourself up to community, you may find the motivation you need to keep writing and finish your story, too.

“Every story is about change. A hero starts one way and ends another — and in that journey, we find ourselves.”
— Jessica Brody, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel

Matthew McConaughey has a new book of poetry

Thank you for spending your Sunday morning with me. My hope is that this newsletter gave you motivation.

Whether it was a tip to try, a book to read, or the encouragement to sit down and write.

If you found this valuable, consider forwarding it to a friend who loves books or writing. Communities grow when we share them.

Until next week, happy writing and happy reading.