Miranda G. Triay

A year ago, I didn’t know any writers in the “real” world.

Of the handful I knew online, most primarily wrote fanfiction. And though I’ve written my fair share of fics, it was time for me to move away from that world and openly pursue my original projects.

Then, as I started my classes at UC Berkeley, I realized how boring writing at your desk day after day could be. I needed a break from the mundane scenery, even if it was at the coffee shop up the street with the overpriced iced decaf mocha.

A friend of mine suggested I look into writing meetups across the city. Soon, I discovered there were dozens of people like me, hungry for community and a proverbial kick in the ass.

Since joining writing meetups last fall, I’ve discovered three ways they’ve restored my creative spirit and pushed me to stay consistently driven:

Build Community

Writing is isolating.

When I’ve discussed my stories with those less creatively inclined, I often received blank stares, pleasant but confused nods, and even the occasional, “Yeah, but don’t quit your day job over it.” Rarely did I meet someone thoroughly engrossed by my ideas, believing something could come of it.

But after attending a few meetups, I found writers both passionate about their projects and about mine. They asked questions about my characters; about my novel’s premise and themes.

I realized I wasn’t alone: just in San Francisco, there were writers struggling to find the time and space to explore their worlds. I learned my compulsion to write, to imagine, was not some singular, frivolous notion.

With meetups, I not only made friends, but finally felt understood.

Write Uninterrupted

Finding time to write can be a hobby of its own.

I have a full-time job. I have friends I’d like to see a few times a month. A mom I’d like to call. And other interests, such as baking, I’d like to explore. If I dedicated all my spare time to writing, I’d burn out quick.

But then how do I find balance? Where do I dedicate blocks of time and energy to my story?

With meetups, I don’t overthink. I show up; I sit down, and I write anywhere from an hour to ninety minutes. Completely undisturbed—just me and my laptop and thesaurus.com.

These meetups give me permission to write without distraction.

For sixty blissful minutes, the attention economy cannot claim me.

Get Out of That Damn Apartment (& Touch Grass)

A meetup forces me to commit. Once I’ve scheduled something, and unless I have an emergency, I see it through. I put on clean clothes, grab a few snacks, pack my backpack, and walk out onto the cool San Francisco streets.

The city welcomes me; with every neighborhood I pass, a new opportunity for inspiration emerges. I hear bits and pieces of conversation over my earphones and occasionally write a line or two.

I walk to my meetups not only to stay active, but to immerse myself in the world. One of a writer’s responsibilities is to observe: how do people interact with one another and move their bodies? What do they say in times of grief or joy?

If you stay holed up in your apartment, you can lose the human touch, and forget how actual people react to their environments.

By just going to a meetup, I get a clearer picture of the city I live in and want to write about.

Final Thoughts

Writing meetups have not only revived my creativity, but they’ve improved my quality of life. I know more writers and care about their stories. I have a consistent writing schedule. And I’m breathing more fresh air while taking in all the surrounding sights and sounds.

If your creative journey has been a little lonely lately, see if there’s a writing meetup near you! You just might find your people.

(And a touch more inspiration.)

Let’s Go on a Journey. Together.