Monday, October 1, 2012

31 Days of Writing in Community: Day 1: Why Community?



"They are the products of history and community, of opportunity and legacy. Their success is not exceptional or mysterious." Malcolm Gladwell "The Secrets of Success" Outliers

Writing is often thought of as solitary. Yet throughout literary history, there are great groups of writers. C.S. Lewis and Tolkien wrote with The Inklings. The Bloomsbury group wrote and shared together. Writers have often sought community.Why?

Gladwell's quote states four keys to success: history, community, opportunity, and legacy. Why include community? Communities provide security, eradicate fear, contribute ideas, and add to ability. Perhaps you need a listening ear, a good editor, or new places to publish. Communities provide these opportunities.

Today, I'm thinking about myself in community. In a great community, what worked? For me, there was a flow of ideas, mutual support, encouragement, a chance to be heard and to hear...
Have you ever been in a great community (writing or otherwise)? What made it great?

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