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Sarena Straus's avatar

A lot of people, I think especially us introvertive writers, struggle in group settings and crave real connection. While I have also struggled to find a standing writer's group and envied authors who have, I certainly found community, connection and genuine mutual admiration in the Winding Roads Family so maybe you've overlooked that group that you've brought together successfully! We are spread out and can't all show up all the time (just getting to NYC can be a challenge for me!), but when we have the pleasure of being together, I feel that joy in connection. So, see! You did it wihtout even knowing. (P.S. I'll go to the Frick if you want company!) (P.P.S. The best part of the NYT cooking section is the comments!!!)

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Janice Kaplan's avatar

You are wonderful at connecting...and our lunch together many months ago remains a great inspiration! Grateful for your efforts and good work.

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Michael Dolan's avatar

Thank you so much, Janice. I am so grateful for your friendship.

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M.E. Proctor's avatar

And I think I'm isolated here in the woods of East Texas! Sheesh... we don't even have a bookshop! Writers getting together is something I dream about - and I never thought big conferences were the way to do it, I'm also awfully shy so I'd probably cower in a corner anyway, lol. On the other hand I have a series of writer pen pals, we chat and email endlessly, and we even call or zoom when we feel the need to see a face, so it's not all bleak!

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Brieanna Wilkoff's avatar

I love this sentiment - I've also dreamed of getting a group of writers to meet regularly for coffee but I've found more success meeting with people one-on-one. However it works, I'm glad you're finding ways to connect - I agree that it's incredibly nourishing to the creative soul.

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