The anti-social writer stereotype is a myt h! To tell human stories\, we need human connection. This workshop reframe s &ldquo\;networking&rdquo\; for writers as a practice of relationship-bui lding\, mutual support\, and seizing opportunity\, rather than self-promot ion or career advancement alone. Many writers are alienated by traditional networking models that prioritize extraction\, competition\, or constant visibility. This session offers an alternative: networking grounded in cur iosity\, care\, and long-term community.
\nThrough guided discussion \, low-pressure interactive exercises\, and structured small-group exchang es\, participants will practice ways of connecting that feel humane\, acce ssible\, and aligned with their values. The workshop emphasizes listening\ , naming shared constraints\, and identifying forms of support writers can realistically offer one another.
\nParticipants will leave with:
\nâ— \; \; \; \; Practical tools for initiating a nd sustaining writer-to-writer relationships
\nâ— \; \; \; \; Language for articulating needs and boundaries without pitc hing
\nâ— \; \; \; \; A clearer sense of what k ind of writing community they want to build or participate in
\nThis is not a workshop on querying agents\, selling books\, or branding. It is for writers who want to be a part of a community.
\nJamie S tewart Crawford \;(she/they) is an author &\; nonprofit ad ministrator in Cleveland\, Ohio. She is one of two fiction writers selecte d for the Literary Cleveland Breakthrough Writing Residency 2026. Her lite rary work is published in many online journals and anthologies\, such as&n bsp\;Unapologetic Love: A Charity Anthology of Radical Resilience Vol. 1 \;and \;Driftwood and Dreams: Stories Set Alo ng the Great Lakes.
\nhttps://cuyahoga.libnet.info/event/16000117 URL;VALUE=URI:https://cuyahoga.libnet.info/event/16000117 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR