How Writers Can Support Other Creatives

Writers might spend a lot of time alone working on their craft, but they’re also part of the larger writing community. They’re also part of an even larger community of creatives that include graphic designers, photographers, videographers, even musicians.

So when members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike against Hollywood production companies several weeks ago, it struck a chord in me. While these members typically work in the film and TV production industry in New York and Los Angeles, any writer or affiliate creative can empathize with the issues they’re facing.

Issues of greatest concern are better compensation packages and improved pay equity structure. This article in Parade explains the strike much better than I can. The strike could possibly carry on for months, so it can have a detrimental effect on their income and business opportunities in the near term.

While the WGA strike may seem too far removed from the kind of writing you and I do, we should stop to consider how this might impact our own ability to build a sustainable creative career.  Because if WGA members can’t make a decent living wage doing what they do–create stories for movies and television—then how can we expect to do the same as staff writers and freelancers?

Seeing their plight made me think of ways we can support these writers, and all writers no matter what industry they serve. After all, we are all part of one large creative community, and we need to support one another.  

Here are a few ways you can support other writers and creatives, no matter what type of work they do or the industries they serve.

• Buy their books, artwork, etc. This is obvious, of course. The best way to show your support for other writers is to purchase their work. After all, this is why many of them decide to become writers. They love sharing their work, and hopefully, make a living at it.  
  
  
• Join a community of writers. When you join groups like Media Bistro, American Society of Business Publication Editors, or Freelancers Union, you learn about the industry and share best practices and techniques for working as a creative.  By being part of these networks, you build a strong support group for your work while also supporting others in theirs.
  
  
• Donate to help striking screenwriters. When WGA members went on strike, it wasn’t just the screenwriters who were affected, but other related professionals in the TV and film industry, such as cinematographers, hair and makeup stylists, etc. Funds like the Entertainment Community Fund provide financial support to the entertainment crew who may suffer hardship because of the strike.
  
  
• Be a beta reader. Whether it’s someone’s first book or their tenth, most authors need another pair of eyes (or two or three pairs) to understand how their work-in-progress will be received. It helps them gain insights about what’s working in their story.
  
  
• Write a book review. Whether you’re part of Goodreads, Amazon or some other book site, writing a review of someone’s book can boost its popularity and sell more copies. It’s one more way to show your support for your fellow writers.
  
  
• Follow an author on social media. Comment on something they’ve posted, or share their post to your network. By interacting with them on social media, you learn more about who they are outside of their writing career. You may even pick up a few writing tips along the way. By sharing their posts with your contacts, you help them promote their work while gaining access to theirs.
  
  
• Promote an author’s work on social media. People are always looking for a good book to read. Don’t be shy about posting a raving review on Instagram or Twitter about an author’s latest novel. Post the book cover with one or two sentence summary of the story so readers know what the book is about. It’s also a great way to start a conversation about an author’s work.
  
  
• Attend book signings. While they’re signing your book, tell them how much you appreciate their work. Authors, like everyone else, like getting compliments. They like to hear that they are appreciated, and they love talking about books. They’re usually happy to dispense a piece of advice too. Just don’t be too pushy.
  
  
• Join a writer’s group. Some groups are critique groups while others are accountability sessions allowing members to chat about their latest work in progress, get advice to get unstuck on a plot point or simply to get away from the desk for a while.
  
  
• Teach writing to aspiring writers. Whether you specialize in memoir writing, short stories or essays, consider sharing your expertise so novice writers gain experience writing in these genres. Not only do you gain experience as a public speaker and teacher, you and your students can learn from each other along the way and support each other’s growth as writers.  
  
  
• Mentor an aspiring author. Everyone needs help every now and then. Young and aspiring writers have tons of questions about the writing process. Sometimes they need someone to listen as they vent their frustrations over their process. Be kind and listen. Dispense helpful advice, and give encouragement. Being a mentor can be just as rewarding as getting mentored.
  
  
• Launch an online magazine. Then invite writers—especially novice writers looking to gain experience and clips–to contribute to the publication. Of course, you wouldn’t be able to pay them in dollars, but they will have clips for their portfolio.

These are just a few ideas to consider. You may have a few ideas of your own. Focus on one or two that best show your support for other writers.

I’ve always believed that what you put out in the world eventually comes back to you. Support your fellow writers and creatives today. You never know when the writer you help will one day help you in return.