by Christina Vo 

While writing is often perceived as a solitary pursuit, and indeed, much of the work is done alone, it doesn’t need to be an entirely isolating experience. My personal journey has taught me the invaluable importance of fostering connections with fellow writers throughout the creative process.

Here are some effective ways to make writing a more collaborative and social experience:

1. Join a writing group: This can be an excellent opportunity to connect with local writers,
   share your work, and receive constructive feedback. These groups often provide a
   supportive environment where you can discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and
   find motivation.
2. Participate in literary events and book festivals: Attending readings, panel
   discussions, and other literary gatherings can expose you to diverse perspectives and
   writing styles. It’s also a great way to network with other writers, publishers, and industry
   professionals in your area.
3. Take a writing class or workshop: Structured learning environments can provide
   valuable guidance and accountability. For instance, I enrolled in a six-month memoir
   writing class that proved pivotal in shaping and completing my first memoir. Such
   classes often offer a blend of instruction, peer review, and deadlines that can help propel
   your writing forward.
4. Engage in online writing communities: With the rise of digital platforms, there are
   numerous online forums, social media groups, and virtual writing circles where you can
   connect with writers from around the world. These spaces can offer daily inspiration,
   writing prompts, and opportunities for collaboration.
5. Attend writing conferences: These events often feature workshops, networking
   opportunities, and chances to pitch your work to agents or publishers. They can be
   intensive but rewarding experiences that immerse you in the writing world.

The benefits of building a community while writing are innumerable. Beyond alleviating the sense of isolation, you gain access to a wealth of collective knowledge and experience. Writers at different stages of their careers can offer insights into various aspects of the craft and the publishing industry. This network becomes a source of mutual support, encouragement, and accountability.

I’ve found my writing community to be an incredibly nourishing and supportive resource. When faced with challenges or uncertainties, I can turn to my writing buddies for advice, brainstorming, or simply a sympathetic ear. This sense of camaraderie can be especially valuable during the more challenging phases of the writing process.

To illustrate the unexpected connections that can arise from engaging with the writing
community, let me share a personal anecdote. Through my involvement with the Women’s
National Book Association, I attended an event called Pitch-O-Rama. There, I met a woman
who not only became a good friend but also offered me a place to stay when I visited Seattle for a book reading. Our connection, forged through a shared passion for writing, extended far beyond the initial event and blossomed into a lasting friendship. This could happen to any aspiring writing simply by showing up to an event and forging a connection.

While the act of writing itself may require solitude, the journey of a writer can be greatly enriched by the connections we make along the way. By actively seeking out and nurturing these relationships, we create a support system that can sustain and inspire us throughout our writing careers.

Christina Vo is a writer based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her work reflects her commitment to understanding and sharing the complexities of the human experience. Christina’s debut memoir, The Veil Between Two Worlds: A Memoir of Silence, Loss, and Finding Home, demonstrates her ability to weave personal experiences into broader narratives about identity, home, and belonging. Her second book, My Vietnam, Your Vietnam, an intergenerational memoir co-written with her father, was published in April 2024 and recently selected for the Ms. Magazine Most Anticipated Feminist Books of 2024. She has worked internationally for UNICEF in Vietnam, the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, as well as served as a consultant for nonprofits.

by Christina Vo 

There are countless reasons why people write. Some individuals know from a very early age that they are destined to be writers. Others, like myself, might arrive at writing later in life, and not necessarily because we dreamed of becoming published authors. For me, writing was a way of understanding myself, the world around me, and my relationships with others. In my younger years, journaling in the morning became a method to grasp the thoughts and emotions swirling in my mind.

I believe it’s crucial for people to understand and reflect on why they write. If you’re determined to become a published author with one of the big five publishers, that’s an admirable and worthwhile goal. However, you might fall into another category where you enjoy writing but weren’t formally trained. Perhaps you used writing as a life tool and later decided to publish some of your works. Whatever your reason for writing, it’s important to remember that ‘why’ and let it be a guiding principle as you delve deeper into your craft.

For those like me, it’s also vital to understand that some of the rewards of writing are not solely external (e.g., publishing in a prestigious journal or securing a great book deal). Many rewards are internal, and these lessons are invaluable.

Let me share a personal example. Earlier this year, I published a book, My Vietnam, Your Vietnam, co-written with my father. It’s a dual-perspective memoir about Vietnam, with chapters alternating between my father’s story and mine. I crafted the book by pulling pieces from a book he published in 2000 and my earlier writings on Vietnam. Through this process, I gained a deeper understanding of my father’s story and the challenges he faced throughout his life. It brought me a newfound respect and compassion for his journey. While I was delighted to have the book published by Three Rooms Press, more importantly, I am pleased that it deepened my understanding of my father.

This is just one example of how writing has benefited me beyond publication. In many ways, writing can be an art of being present (and we know we could all use more presence in our lives). The benefits can simply lie in the process of writing, in getting your thoughts out on the page, and in developing a deeper understanding of the world around you.

It’s important to remember this so that we don’t get lost in the business of writing and publication. The joy of writing can be found in the moment, in the art and craft itself. And who knows — you might find that you do your best writing when there’s nothing at stake, and when you’re writing simply because you’re committed to it.

By keeping sight of your personal ‘why,’ you can maintain a balanced perspective on your writing journey, appreciating both the external achievements and the internal growth it brings. Remember to never lose sight of your ‘why’ and that ‘why’ might be different for all of us.

Christina Vo is a writer based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her work reflects her commitment to understanding and sharing the complexities of the human experience. Christina’s debut memoir, The Veil Between Two Worlds: A Memoir of Silence, Loss, and Finding Home, demonstrates her ability to weave personal experiences into broader narratives about identity, home, and belonging. Her second book, My Vietnam, Your Vietnam, an intergenerational memoir co-written with her father, was published in April 2024 and recently selected for the Ms. Magazine Most Anticipated Feminist Books of 2024. She has worked internationally for UNICEF in Vietnam, the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, as well as served as a consultant for nonprofits.