What’s the best way to stay encouraged as a writer? While books and podcasts are nice, the #1 way is being a part of a writing community. Sounds cliche, but it’s true. When I first started writing novels, I had zero writing friends. Zilch. I knew that had to change. So almost two years ago, on a cold February afternoon, I launched a monthly writing group sponsored by the Williamsburg library. Around 120 are on the rolls, and about 35 show up each month. But the best part? I’ve now got lots of writing friends. A whole roomful. When you need encouragement, you shouldn’t wait for it. Just make it.