This month's tip is a chummy one since Valentine's Day is right around the corner: Make friends!
A lot of times I see authors working in isolation or interacting with CPs only to talk about their own work, which I think is a big mistake. It's important to focus on your own writing, but it's also great to get out there and see what others are doing to get a broader understanding of what's going on in the writing world.
Having writer friends creates a fantastic support system (it's nice to have people to lean on who understand what you're doing!) and networking group for down the road. And even though it may not directly affect you, it's also good to be in-the-know about what else is going on with other writers and in the industry.
Being an author can seem like being an island in a lot of ways, so I encourage you to build some bridges by joining online communities, going to conferences, and making friends on social media! If nothing else, it's a lot of fun!
I couldn't agree more. I find that when I'm feeling a bit lost or at a dead end in my writing just exchanging a few texts or emails with some of my RWA friends can lift me out of a funk. My other "day job" tends to separate me from my writing motivation if I don't check in regularly. I try to sign up for a conference once or twice a year too so that I connect with new people in person and keep that fire going.
Carrie, you make a good point about being isolated as a writer. Recently, I joined an online writing group, and I've found that it's not only helpful but also a good way to connect with people who have similar interests. Happy Galentine's Day!