Attending in person

Writers can be solitary people. They can really need time to themselves.

But that shouldn't be all of your time.

Though it might take some work convincing yourself or more time than you think you have, take the time to break out of that solitary shell. Take the time to go meet other writers in person this year.

Why? Because there are so many things that you can get in person that are not available when you're alone in a room, even if you feel like your computer is connecting you to the world.

There are side conversations that you can only have when a lot of people are able to jump in uninterrupted and without the slowdown of typing words out. There are comfort and honesty levels that may only be reached when you've shared food or a drink with a person. There are people that you might not meet unless you both find yourselves taking a break in the hallway to get away from the noise.

There are a lot of wonderful things technology has allowed and that you can do online, but this year, challenge yourself to meet some writers in person. Oh, the wonders it can do.