It’s true. I have no tribe.

A writer’s tribe (as I understand it because I don’t have one) is a close-knit group who reviews each other’s work and provides useful feedback. Tribespeople are people you trust with that work that is most sacred to you…your story.

It would be wonderful to be part of a tribe, but alas I haven’t found mine. Instead, I travel across this lonely country made up of a white sheet with blue lines attempting to put two coherent words together on my own.

But all is not lost! Not at all, in fact. I have something different from a tribe. I have a network. And I have to tell you, I really appreciate my network because they’re there for me when I need them the most.

The advantages of a tribe are obvious, and I think the world of them. If you can find a tribe who really supports you, stick with them. But there are advantages to a network too. For one, the people in my network don’t have to get along, or even like each other. As long as I respect them and am interested in their work, and if they do me a good deed in return, they become part of my network. And knowing their strengths and preferences, I can call on them for a variety of projects.

Some people in my network I can ask a favor for just about anything. They’re my inner network—people I trust as a tribe member. We usually share mutual interests. They warn me when I’m skating too close to a trope, or when I use a phrase that’s out of vogue. These wonderful people are my superstars and writer friends. I appreciate every single one of them and would drop everything and read something they wrote immediately.

Some people are in my outer network. We’ve exchanged works and have a positive and professional relationship. This network I appreciate too and enjoy talking to them. My outer network is composed of good, uplifting people.

Let me be clear. I don’t have to share their views on the world. In fact, I often look for people who are different from me. In this divisive environment we’ve created, I try to look for people who don’t think like I do but who have interests that we share. I want to connect with them and not surround myself with a bunch of people like me.

I’m especially grateful for my network today as I publish this blog on October 7, 2021. My story “Words to Live By” is being published by Havok at https://gohavok.com. If it’s October 7, please go read my little thriller. If it’s beyond that date, you’ll have to be a member to read it. But my network really helped me out with this piece of flash fiction. Here’s how.

Havok publishes themes every month to write about. October 2021 was the Jester and Orphan theme. As I reflected on a story for this theme, my talented and published writer friend Amanda Pavlov came to mind and inspired me. Amanda is a standup comic and my mind went instantly to her profession when I thought “jester.” I reached out to Amanda and interviewed her about standup comedy and learned quite a bit. That background really fueled a desire to write “Words to Live By.” When I was done, Amanda did me a second favor by reviewing the story. Her comments made the piece 100% better. I’m convinced, without my network, this story wouldn’t have been published.

(And, despite the fact that both are standup comics and have “v”s in their names, my character Yvonne isn’t based on Amanda Pavlov.)

My advice if you’re a writer is to establish your network. How? “Give before you ask” is one way. Sometimes, never ask. “What? Are you crazy?” you say. “What if the person never reciprocates?” Then, they’re not part of your network. You want the people who offer back because they’re probably the match you’re looking for. However, even if they aren’t part of your network, the experience will enrich you in unexpected ways, I promise. Based on their answers, some people become part of my network, some people I just follow because I love their stories, and some people I part ways with.

Yes, use all the avenues at your disposal including writing groups and events on social media. Those are excellent ways to meet people and establish either a tribe or a network. However, I favor finding someone who writes books that I want to read, I read them, and then reach out to the author and offer a review. Sometimes that author becomes a part of my network, sometimes not. In either case, I end up reading a good book and practicing the art of writing through the review. I also have new material for my blog. For me, it’s never a negative experience.

It’s true that I’ve lost a few in my network along the way. It happens. But overall, I’m very proud to know and exchange ideas with such creative people in this industry. Much like we all had to learn to interact remotely in the pandemic, my network is a bit of a remote experience compared to the coziness of a tribe. But it’s my network and I’m proud to be connected to everyone in it.

Note: Amanda Pavlov is a soon-to-be published author (Mind Like a Diamond) agented author. If you like horror fiction, make sure to pre-order or order her books.