Who’s Ya Buddy?

Crashing waves.

Wild winds.

Scratchy sand between my toes.

I loved those summer days when someone’s mom would offer to take a gang of us to the beach. Our excitement and voices rose as we piled into the back of the station wagon, singing and chattering until we were hoarse. An hour later we’d tumble out like clowns at a circus and race across gravel, dried seaweed, and sand to reach the foamy shore. But before we were allowed to enter the water, we were given strict instructions:

Buddy up!

We’d pick a partner and promise to stick together. Someone would blow a whistle and we would stop, clasping hands high in the air until a second shrill tweet released us to play with abandonment in the surf.

The key to fully enjoying the day was to buddy up with someone who had compatible beach sensibilities. Ankle waders did not like being paired with dolphin wannabes. And if you wanted to dive into oncoming waves, just past the point where your feet could find the floor, you wouldn’t commit to a friend who preferred to stay where the foam slapped against wet sand.

Writing speculative fiction is like a day at the beach. There’s much excitement as you anticipate diving into your strange new world, but peril plays along that coast as well. The stinging burn of criticism, pesky attacks of self-doubt, even the undertow of research can wreak havoc with our writing life. In a sea of distractions and discouragement, a writing buddy that has your back can make a world of difference.

When you’re describing the third moon’s view of your planet, it’s not something you can research or interview past visitors about. And the emotional challenges of a banshee surviving high school aren’t readily available in the latest teen advice columns. Nor is relational advice for nuns who turn pirate.  Bringing these worlds and characters out of your head and onto the page is a solitary endeavor, but support while you are creating is necessary and available.

On the other hand, getting feedback from someone who is immersed in a different genre can be difficult, and disheartening. A compatible imagination to brainstorm with on flights of fantasy is an amazing gift. Yes, your ideas are unique, but you are not without community. Find your tribe and connect with others who share your affinity for elf, aquatic, or starship culture.

Alpha, Beta, it’s all Greek to me…

Critique partners, alpha and beta readers, write-ins and sprints are wonderful opportunities to build community—but choose your buddies with care. You want iron to sharpen iron, not dull your edge or worse, break your blade.

Here is a sampling of free online writing communities that have helped me grow as an author.

Writers Chat meets on zoom weekly to encourage, educate, and empower writers.

Realm Makers is a faith-based community dedicated to support authors, artists, and readers of speculative fiction. Prime members may apply to join a critique group and are sorted via magic hat, or perhaps questionnaire answers, into appropriate groups.

Havok publishes free speculative flash fiction online and provides feedback for all submissions. It’s a great place to read and learn as you hone your writing skills.

The 540 FB Community holds Write-Ins where members meet on zoom for mutual encouragement and writing time.

NaNoWriMo is another virtual community for writers, holding several events throughout the year. They provide local group support, forums, and fun ways to set goals.

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Sophia L Hansen is an author and editor with Havok Publishing and loves to write In Other Worlds. She’s lived on a tiny island in Alaska, the bustling cities of New York and Boston, raised kids in Tennessee, and now resides just outside Birmingham, AL. After 30+ years of marriage, seven children, and numerous pets, Sophia still fits into her high school earrings.

You can follow Sophia’s words and worlds at https://www.sophialhansen.com/, Facebook, and Instagram.