5 Benefits of a Writing Buddy
- Bair Klos
- Jul 8, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 25
Are you struggling to get that book of yours done? Do you have no one to talk to when it comes to your latest story and all of its glorious twists and turns? Worst of all, do you have no one to relate to when it comes to writing—aside from that occasional meme on Instagram?
Worry not! I have a remedy for you that should help solve your problems and help you be a more productive writer so you can finally finish that book of yours.
Here are the 5 Benefits of a Writing Buddy.
1. They know #ThePain.
What's better than having someone who knows the personal struggles of a writer than another writer? Nothing. Literally nothing.
There truly is nothing better in this world than having a writing oriented friend. They can relate to you in all your writing struggles because, most likely, they've been there before. What's better is that they are more than likely to listen to you blab about whatever writing project you're currently working on. And vice versa!
Which leads me to my second point...
2. You can bounce ideas off of them!
If you're stuck on a particular scene or chapter, you can run ideas by them and get their input!
They can let you know what they think would work best for your story or how you could make your characters more interesting. They can let you know what they think of your next big plot twist or if your beloved protagonist's breaking point is believable or not. Best of all, they can help you find that word that's right on the tip of your tongue!
Which goes into my third point...
3. They can help look over your work.
At some point, you have to let other people see and read your writing, or else, what's the point of writing a book? This is a truth you have to accept at some point or another, so who better than your writing buddy to look over your work?
No matter what stage of writing you're at, you should be comfortable enough with them to able to trust them and have them look over your work.
So whether it be basic spelling, grammar, or punctuation, writing buddies can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses; and let you know where you're excelling and where you need improvement.
With that—
4. They can help you improve your writing!
Your writing buddy will most likely have a different, if not opposing, writing style to your own, so take that as an opportunity to experiment with your writing style.
Maybe they excel at showing, and you're great at telling without overdoing it, sharing your work back and forth will help balance each other out and improve your own writing!
Which leads me to my fifth and final point...
5. Work together!
No, I don't mean collaborating on writing a novel together (but do that if you want), I mean to literally work together side-by-side and or virtually.
Pick a time and date to meet up, or face chat with them, and write. It's that simple. Doing so will help to create a support system in which you keep each other accountable in doing your work.
Yes, writing is an activity that is primarily done alone, but doing a writing sprint together where you're keeping each other accountable is not only crucial, but key. Best of all, you'll both benefit from the endeavor, since you're helping to raise each other up.
This is by far my favorite tip, as this has been the most helpful to me.
It took me three years to write a little over 50,000 words, but once I truly dedicated my time to writing with a writing buddy, I went from 50,000 words to 85,000 words in just one month.
So don't sell yourself short by writing alone!
But what's this I hear you say? "But Bair, how do I find a writing buddy?" Good question! Consider the following:
Check out Discord or Facebook groups that are writing oriented.
Take a writing class, and connect with fellow students.
Find a writing group near you and dedicate your time to getting to know other members.
Now, if already established, large communities seem a bit too daunting for you, I'd suggest checking online writing forums and asking around. Even ask around Twitter and Instagram, you may be surprised by the number of people who would jump at the opportunity.
I know it may be a little intimidating, but it's WORTH IT.
Looking back, I was foolish not to have gone out and found one sooner. But that's why I'm telling you right now!
Seriously, do yourself a favor and get yourself a writing buddy, they are invaluable—you'll thank me later.
I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for my current writing buddies as they've been a great source of inspiration since they are incredibly talented, published authors. So shout out to Kimberly D. Herbstritt who has pushed and inspired me to get to where I am today.
My questions to you are: Do you have a writing buddy? If so, how have they helped you? If not, are you interested in having one?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and let me know if any of this helped! I would love to hear from you!
See you in the next blog,
A hui hou~
—Bair✍︎
Want to get to know a more personal side of me, get writing FREEBIES, behind the scenes insights on my projects, and more?
Sign up for my Newsletter!
Find more helpful writing tips on the rest of my blog.
Want more writing content? Find me on Medium.
Struggling to get your word count in? Check out my writing podcast!
Looking for an audiobook narrator? Learn more here.
Like this post?
Share the link on your social media or
pin the image below to your Pinterest board!
Comments