Stay Connected

In person conferences are great for socialization and building a community and increasing motivation. But if you're not in the position to make it to one of these conferences, what are some good way to stay involved in the writing community?

by Dietrich

Writing conferences can be pure magic. There’s that electric buzz in the air, the random hallway chats that turn into lifelong friendships, those spontaneous coffee runs where you network or brainstorm a plot twist with someone who just gets it. Hearing a favorite author on a panel or sharing a quick word can light a fire like nothing else. And being there is a reminder that we’re part of this wonderful tribe of storytellers.

But life doesn’t always make it easy. Travel costs add up in a hurry. Work and family obligations pull us in a dozen directions. Distance can be a real barrier. Hopping to the next big event can mean setting aside work and spending a chunk of time away. 

And for those of us who lean introverted, the crowded hallways, endless small talk, and noisy conference bars can feel more draining than energizing. I’ve come home from great events feeling both exhilarated and completely overstimulated, needing a full day to recharge.

The good news is we don’t have to miss out on the community, motivation, feedback or networking. The online writing world offers plenty of ways to stay plugged in—right from the home office, the couch, or wherever we write best. No suitcase, no sensory overload, and we can engage at our own pace.

There are dedicated online communities and forums like Absolute Write Water Cooler year-round. Virtual workshops, panel discussions and courses are everywhere — sites like Writer’s Digest University and MasterClass, and many more. There are organizations that offer on-line support too: Authors Guild, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, International Association of Crime Writers, Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and so on.

Social media has become the modern-day water cooler. Facebook groups, X, Bluesky, Instagram and similar platforms let us share snippets, celebrate wins, vent about rejections, and swap advice. We can join genre-specific groups or follow authors we admire. Okay, it’s not the same as shaking hands in person (not even close), but those quick daily interactions keep the momentum going and can lead to real friendships and collaborations.

Marketing has moved online too. We can build a newsletter, promote on social platforms, host virtual launches, and join online book clubs—all low-pressure ways to grow an audience and connect with readers.

The bottom line: whether we’re dealing with budget, health, introversion, or simply prefer our own space, the writing community is wide open online. We can build meaningful relationships, get thoughtful feedback, stay fired up, and promote our work—all without getting off the couch.

Release date: March 31, 2026