How to Build an Inclusive Community as an Author

Writing can be a solitary, even lonely, activity if you let it. Build your writing habit in a way that lets you continue to be a part of your community.

Your writing habit and your social habit may look different depending on where you are in the writing process. When I was getting my manuscript ready to submit to my publisher, I took a few months off of sending out this LinkedIn newsletter. I still showed up online various places and met a few friends for lunch or coffee, but most of my time was focused on getting the manuscript done.

Now that my launch date is set (January 23, 2023 if you are counting!) and my publisher doesn't need my immediate attention, I am able to settle back into the rhythm of a writing habit that I enjoy. Below are my top three tips for building an inclusive community as an author:

Be kind to yourself and your family while you write.

I do most of my writing from my home office and my dog and husband both know that I am available to them for snacks and chats. When now seven-year-old dog was a rambunctious two-year-old pup, I had a tendency to get frustrated and angry with sudden interruptions. Thanks to some mindset work and a better-behaved dog, I am much more flexible in the way I work.

When you come from a place of love and joy, you will automatically share that energy with your readers.

Write about things that bring value to your community.

Your community cares about a lot of different types of things. Focus on the areas where you can have the biggest positive impact. If you are a real estate agent who also volunteers with a local nonprofit, find a way to serve both your business and your philanthropic side. I accompanied my husband to a World Cup viewing party and enjoyed reconnecting with someone from my long-ago theater world, Antonio (Tony) Allegretti .

Tony is a great example of someone who brings immense value to the community through intentional connection, creative thought, and hard work.

Be approachable and accessible to your audience.

Social media can be a force for good when used in a kind and thoughtful way. Reach out to authors in your genre who don't live where you live, who don't look like you do, and who share different systems of belief that you do. Your life will be richer and your writing will be better when you have influences that are vastly different than the ones you encounter every day.

Happy writing and happy reading!

Chrissy Das is a creative analytical who ghostwrites for busy business leaders. Leveraging her professional background in publishing and her high standards as an editor, overwhelmed authors hire her when they are ready to finish their next business book. Chrissy is also the host of The Read More, Write More Radio Show which airs every Tuesday at 3 PM EST. She lives near St. Augustine, Florida, with her husband and their dog Neil.