# “How to Build a Community When You're a Hermit Crab Writer: A Guide to Making Friends”

Alright, buckle up folks! Today we're going to talk about community building when you don't have one. If you're like me, you might be thinking, "Community? What's that? I'm a writer. I sit alone in my room and talk to imaginary people all day." But fear not my fellow introverts! Building a community is not as hard as it seems. And if you do it right, it can be super fun! Step 1: Find your tribe First things first, you need to find your people. But what if you don't have any people? Don't worry, I've got you covered. Just head over to your local coffee shop and start eavesdropping on conversations. Yes, I said eavesdropping. You're a writer, it's research. Listen to people who are talking about books, writing, or anything related to your genre. Once you've identified your potential tribe members, approach them with a smile and a witty remark. "Excuse me, do you come here often to talk about books and stuff? Me too! Wanna be friends?" Okay, maybe not that cheesy, but you get the idea. Step 2: Host a writing party Now that you've found your tribe, it's time to get social. But here's the thing, you're a writer, not a party planner. So, let's keep it simple. Host a writing party! Invite your new friends over for a night of writing, snacks, and wine. Set a timer for 30 minutes, and challenge each other to write as much as possible. When the timer goes off, take a break, share your progress, and repeat. Not only will you get some writing done, but you'll also build a sense of community with your fellow writers. Step 3: Join online communities If you're still struggling to find your tribe, don't worry. The internet is here to save the day. There are tons of online communities for writers, whether it's on Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit. Find a group that resonates with you and start engaging with other writers. Share your work, ask for feedback, or just chat about the writing process. You'll be surprised at how supportive and encouraging these communities can be. Step 4: Attend writing events Finally, if you're feeling brave, attend a writing event. This could be a book signing, a writer's conference, or even a local poetry reading. Again, you might have to step out of your comfort zone, but it's worth it. You'll get to meet other writers, learn from industry professionals, and maybe even pitch your work to an agent or publisher. Plus, you'll have some fun stories to share with your imaginary friends later. In conclusion, community building might seem scarier than a clown in a horror movie, but it's totally doable. Find your tribe, host a writing party (and don't forget the snacks), join online communities (the internet is full of weirdos just like you), and attend writing events (you might even find your future spouse there, who knows). And remember, even if you don't have a physical community, you can still connect with other writers and build a sense of community online. So, grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger, again we won't judge), put on your favorite writing playlist (might we suggest the "Writing Like a Boss" playlist on Spotify), and start building your community.

Who knows, you might just make some real-life friends along the way (and even if you don't, at least you'll have your imaginary friends to keep you company).