Even though many writers are introverts, that doesn’t mean we want to stay isolated or holed up in our home all the time. *smile* I’ve talked about the importance of the writing community many times in fact.
We connect with other writers on social media like Twitter and Facebook. We help each other out by sharing links to blog articles full of advice and tips. And we cheer each other on or give virtual kicks in the pants when we need them.
Sometimes we might even leave the house for that writing community. We might go an in-person critique group, work on our writing at a Starbucks, revel in a writing retreat, attend a writing conference, etc. Occasionally, we might even get the chance to travel to the setting of our stories!
But if we’re traveling or moving to a new place, we might not know how to connect to that in-person community. So I’m excited to present Tamar Hela, who’s going to share her tips for how to stay connected to the writing community no matter where life takes us.
Please welcome, Tamar Hela! *smile*
(Note: For Tamar’s previous guest post on how to plan a book launch party (online or off), she shared her example pictures with a link to her Pinterest page, but for today’s post, we’ve included them here. However, if you’re reading this via the newsletter, you’ll have to click through to see these beautiful images.)
*****
How Writers Can Stay Connected to
the Writing Community while
Traveling, Relocating, or Living Abroad
“The world is a book,
and those who do not travel only read one page.”
~St. Augustine
Moving halfway across the world can be exciting and daunting all at once. There’s always a thrill involved with travel, but when it’s long-term or even permanent, there’s a feeling of overwhelm—especially for creatives. Most of us wonder: where can I find my “tribe” in a different country?
I’m currently living in Shanghai, China: the most populated city in the world. But even with nearly 26 million people, I found myself asking the same question when I arrived. How, indeed, would I find my tribe, especially with NaNoWriMo coming up?
Just over two years ago, I lived abroad for a short time in Spain. I’m so grateful for that experience because it was what really helped me prepare to move to China (even though I didn’t know I’d be living here until this past April!).
So, I’m going to share some tips for writers who are currently traveling/living abroad, or those who are thinking about it. But, my tips can definitely apply for domestic travel/moving and even vacationers. I have used some of these tips myself when traveling domestically. *smile*
Tip #1: Join a Meetup Group
A good friend of mine, who I actually happened to meet in Spain while studying abroad there eight years ago, had recommended I check out Meetup.com when I moved to Alicante, Spain in 2014. Though I was initially looking for writing groups, I ended up joining a language exchange group because it was the most active and populated group I could find. Turns out, it was one of the best decisions I could have made.
I met some amazing people who helped me learn lots of Spanish, and were also interested in my work as a writer. Some even wanted to start a writers’ group and we were in talks about it until I left. Though I wish I had been able to stay there longer, I am so grateful for those connections I made and plan to go back next year sometime so I can visit my friends.
Here in Shanghai, I was practically a seasoned pro at finding a Meetup group and found one for writers within the first three weeks of my arrival. The group I’ve found is amazing and actually does a critique time, along with a bi-monthly writing prompt. A creative writing teacher and a writer/editor lead the group (both are Americans), and rent us a room at a coworking space not too far from my apartment.
What I love about Shanghai is that there are folks from all around the world coming in and out of the city all the time. Our writing group is becoming quite diverse, and I am meeting people from different countries every time I attend. It’s great to be able to connect as writers and artists, but also learn about our own cultural differences, experiences, and opinions. This group definitely keeps me productive and feeling very writerly.
Tip #2: Check Out Local Cafés that are “Creatives-Friendly”
Depending on where you’re at, you may be able to find some cool local cafés where all the artsy-fartsy people hang out. Here in Shanghai, there are definitely places like this where creatives hang out.
In fact, we have a great app/website for expats called Smart Shanghai that gives the details about many local venues. There are even articles that give the “Top 17 Cool Cafés for Summer” or “Shanghai’s 5 Must-Visit Cafés” as titles (granted, I’m paraphrasing).
I actually saved those articles and went to a different café each week when I was first settling in. To my absolute delight, I found a Harry-Potter-themed café called Café 9 ¾. It’s quaint and wonderful and detailed with HP paraphernalia.
The owner and I connected, and I went back with friends on my birthday in September. There are books all around and wonderful nooks and crannies where you can bring a journal or laptop and melt into a cushion while writing. The owner also hosts reading events and other educational occasions. Perfect place for a writer to hang out and meet like minds.
Tip#3: Ask the Locals (Or Local Expats)!
This is kind of a “no duh” tip, but may be harder than it sounds—especially for those writers who tend to be more introverted. But fear not! While traveling, I have found that most people (not all, mind you) are pretty friendly to travelers and want to welcome us.
And when they find out you’re a writer? It’s so cool to them!
I have met and connected with many locals here in Shanghai (as I did in Spain), but not too many knew about writing groups. In Spain, it seemed easier to ask locals who knew about groups.
But, I have also turned to other expats who know what’s what in this city. From open mic nights, to the best burgers, to a community of writers and artists . . . the expats know where it’s at.
Keep an open mind while traveling, because perhaps you’ve never been to a poetry slam at home but might go to one while globetrotting. And it could be the coolest thing you’ve ever seen. That’s what’s so amazing and life-changing about traveling: trying new things and meeting people you may have otherwise never met.
Tip #4: Go Online
This tip is another “no duh.” Most of us writers have some type of online presence or group (or groups!) and maintain a virtual community. This is especially important to keep up while traveling or living abroad. But it can be tricky if you are in a country where there are significant Internet firewalls.
Like here in China . . . <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/72x72/1f641.png" alt="