Writing flourishes in a supportive community.

When I say “cultivating” other writers as friends, I mean both acquiring and nurturing those relationships.

Writing is a solitary endeavor—just you, the page, and your thoughts. But writers cannot thrive in total isolation. Having other writers as friends is not just beneficial—it’s essential. They provide insight, encouragement, and a shared understanding of the writing life that non-writers simply can’t offer.

Jordan Rosenfeld, author of How to Write a Page-Turner and Fallout, was asked in Writer’s Digest what she can’t live without in her writing life. She answered:

“Other writers, both as friends and critique partners, and for the books they write. I recommend this too, because it’s not wise to rely on our spouses or family members or non-writing friends. As for other writers-as-authors, they teach me and entertain me. I read voraciously and widely and am always learning something about my own craft as I go.”

Writers have a unique perspective on written language. They obsess over sentence structure, argue about Oxford commas, and analyze character arcs and narrative tension. A good writer friend understands why we agonize over a single paragraph. They’ll listen to our story ideas, help us untangle plot problems, and tell us the radically honest truth—kindly but firmly—when something isn’t working.

Beyond critique, writer friends offer motivation. Writing can be lonely and discouraging. Self-doubt lurks in the creases of every turn of the page. A supportive community reminds you that struggling with a draft doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re writing. Other writers celebrate your wins, commiserate over rejections, and push you to keep going.

And then there’s reading. Writers need to read widely, and writer friends introduce us to books we might never pick up otherwise. They expand our understanding of craft, inspire new ideas, and remind us why storytelling matters in the first place.

Cultivating friendships with writers isn’t just about networking, it’s about camaraderie.

Writing is a long road trip, and it’s better traveled with company.