How to Think (and Write) Like Leonardo da Vinci, Part VII: Connessione

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Connessione, or connections, are crucial to a writer. We end this series thinking about the connections that feed us and sustain us as writers. 

This was brought home to me recently when I visited a fellow writer friend. We spent a lot of time talking about books, writing, creative writing pedagogy, storytelling… I always learn so much from her, and other writer friends. 

Of course, I read a lot of books - fiction, nonfiction, books on writing craft. I read articles on Substack and elsewhere. I occasionally take a class. I think about writing, and write about writing, a lot. 

But that kind of interaction and connection with other writers is precious. I’ve learned so much from writing mentors, teachers, and friends. It’s the discussion that leads to new ideas, new breakthroughs. That’s why I can’t really get into the idea of a “do-it-yourself” MFA. Yes, you can learn a lot on your own, but there is something about community that turbocharges your learning. Especially, of course, if the community contains people who are more advanced in their craft than you are. 

There’s also the value of interdisciplinarity. Connecting with fellow creatives, whether writers in another genre, or artists in other media, is fascinating and inspirational. One of the things I loved about my MFA program was that we took seminars from writers in all the different genres. We learned about imagery from poets. Dialogue from scriptwriters. Narrative techniques from nonfiction writers, and so on. It can be great to talk shop with people in your genre, but it is a lot of fun to connect with writers in other genres as well. 

And of course, Artist Dates are a great way to connect with other artists. I’ve tried mosaic work, decorating journals, collage, and other fun activities. I’ve gone to museums and attended workshops and exhibits that opened my eyes to all kinds of things I would never have known about otherwise. 

What connections do you have? Do you have writer friends? Do you meet in person, or online? 

There are many forms of community, and many ways to find community. 

You might have just one other person to check in with regularly. That’s great! It doesn’t matter whether you exchange work, or just encourage each other to stick to your writing goals, or just get together to talk about books and writing. Just having any kind of connection can help us persevere through the inevitable challenges in the writing life.

You may find a writing group, in person or online. It can be tricky to find one that meets your needs, where you are all at about the same level of development, and where the participants gel well together. If you’re not careful, you may spend more time critiquing others’ work than writing your own. Or you may get lots of conflicting advice from well-meaning group members who are not well-trained to know how to give good critique, or even what is best for your genre. 

You may want to join a professional organization, like the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America, and many others. They often offer conferences and other professional development opportunities, as well as networking with fellow writers, and good advice on publishing and promoting your work. 

If there is a local arts center, library, or writing community, you may choose to get involved in that. They may offer classes, mentorship, conferences, readings, and other events. There are a few online options as well, such as Grub Street in Boston, or The Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. 

You can also consider classes, in person or online at places like Gotham Writers Workshop. There are many, many online classes nowadays. Look for one with small class sizes and individual attention. However, there is usually no ongoing support after the class ends, so you may not gain long-lasting connections.

There are online communities, like The Manuscript Academy, which offer classes, agent consultations, and discussion forums. 

There are also all kinds of writing conferences of every imaginable stripe. Shaw Guides is a good place to start looking. It’s important to know what you are looking for from a conference: craft talks? Pitch meetings with agents and editors? A focus on a particular genre? Serious literary writers, or more of a social vibe? Conferences can be great for connections and information, even if you don’t make any long-term friends.

Some writing residencies also provide opportunities for writers to get together in between writing sessions. Most require an application, however. Poets & Writers has a Conferences and Residencies database, and many other resources for writers. 

MFA programs are, of course, a major commitment to your writing. They do come with built-in community and connections of all kinds, and if you’re lucky, you may maintain them after graduation. However, they are fairly expensive (few offer a full ride, and those are full-time, in-person programs). Poets & Writers is also a good source of information on MFA programs.

Finally, there are book coaches. Unlike a hired editor, who only edits your manuscript and returns it to you with comments, a book coach is an ongoing relationship. They offer personalized support, accountability, craft development, and publishing guidance. Author Accelerator has a database of certified coaches who work with all kinds of writers.  

One thing all of the above have in common is the need to be proactive. You need to reach out, to foster connection, and get involved.   

Leonardo da Vinci knew this. He was in constant connection, with the students and apprentices at his studio, as well as with the patrons who provided his income. He designed all kinds of spectacles for his patrons, and was well-known as a raconteur - the kind of guy you wanted to have at a party! 

We have to balance the necessary solitude of writing with the need to be in community and creative connection. We learn from others, and we teach them in turn. We gain valuable information, and the knowledge that we’re not alone in our struggles.   

How will you create more connections to feed your own writing? As the summer ends, think about ways you can be in connection with other writers this fall. Make a concrete plan, with dates in your calendar. Give yourself the gift of creative connection.

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