Choose a Writing Career Catalyst
"Where do I go from here?"
Authors and poets who are approaching (or currently within) the mid-stage of their writing career are often preoccupied trying to discern the answer to this question. The feeling of professional opportunities or creative flow starting to stagnate can be beyond frustrating. But in the traditional publishing world there is much that writers cannot control in terms of query response, industry demand and work-for-hire gigs. Instead of lingering at a plateau, consider if one of the following might be the catalyst you need to ignite new project ideas, grow your portfolio or improve your writing skills.
Community
The cliché “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is certainly applicable when it comes to networking as a writer. And artists who play together often work together too. Mutual aid is not a new concept. It involves commitment to one or more communities in which each person and entity involved takes an active role in lending support and care as needed. This might involve direct referrals for professional opportunities; helping to finance and manage a proposed project or launching a new initiative. Communities of this nature can create a framework that is autonomous from capitalism and external control. Mutual aid is meant to be malleable, and the practice does not always manifest or evolve in the same manner. It can (and will) look different in different places.
It is also important to remember that “reciprocity” and “resource exchange” are vital components, but are not necessarily “fixed” in terms of amount or duration. Authentic engagement is a two-way street. You should feel welcome to contribute what you can to others as you are able. However, showing up for those who go out of their way to support you in person or online should be a top priority. For example, do not wait until you have a book or an event to promote to publicly celebrate and share the successes of other writers you are connected to. Always be willing to “pay it forward” in this regard. Because we all have to start somewhere. Commenting, reposting, and unsolicited follows can go a LONG way in helping you cultivate community on digital platforms—and IRL.
Courses
Do not allow past or recent successes to become a roadblock to future possibilities. Instead, let your imagination continually flow in regard to what comes next in terms of writing aspirations. One effective habit to encourage is deliberate practice: Be intentional about building a routine around the engagement and activities you want to improve.
Consider experimenting with different writing formats or genres via a single session course, multi-week intensive, or year-long program. Also, think about if there is a particular skill you could improve such as photography or copyediting that could increase your earning potential as a freelancer. Remember: “Thinking differently causes you to act differently which allows you to live—and create—differently." Often the remedy for a career plateau is inspiration.
Cohorts
Do research annually (and preferably at the beginning of the year) about writing fellowships, mentorships, and residencies you may be a strong candidate for. Opportunities of this kind regularly evolve, so be sure to check out grants artists are eligible for via local, regional, and national institutions. These are often "untapped" resources that many writers may exclude themselves from by simply never applying.
Consulting
We all have pillars of knowledge based on our lived experience, educational and professional backgrounds. Thus, there is much we can speak about with confidence. You might be the most reliable expert on podcasting, oral storytelling, writing in verse, recipe development and more within your current social circles. If consulting or teaching is a professional path you would be open to exploring, make it a goal for 2026 to start taking concrete steps toward bringing this idea to fruition. Examples include drafting a class proposal, creating a website to advertise your services, and contacting small business owners or public speakers to see if they would like book development assistance.
Check out the Loft’s upcoming classes (in-person and online) and our new peer Writing Network!