Reviving Your Writing Community: An Evening at The Scribbled Hollow

There’s something undeniably magical about hosting a workshop inside a bookshop—and The Scribbled Hollow in Glendale, Arizona was the perfect setting for an evening centered around connection, creativity, and community.

This workshop brought together a vibrant mix of writers: wide-eyed beginners taking their first steps into the writing world, and seasoned authors who’ve been crafting stories—and relationships—for years. And honestly? That combination made the night electric.

One of the biggest topics we explored was something many writers rarely think about: refreshing your network.

For new writers, we walked through the basics—how to identify your natural network, how to make authentic connections, and how to approach people without feeling awkward or sales-y.

But for the established authors in the room, I issued a challenge:
Your network doesn’t stay strong just because it exists. It stays strong because you tend to it.

We talked about:

• How to re-engage people you haven’t talked to in a while

• How to intentionally expand your circle beyond genre or familiarity

• What it means to show up not just when you need something, but consistently

• Simple ways to check in, add value, and keep relationships warm

The discussions were rich, thoughtful, and—honestly—refreshing. Writers shared stories, swapped insights, and acknowledged the truth: building a network is one thing, but nurturing it is where the real magic happens.

By the end of the evening, the shop buzzed with new ideas, new connections, and renewed commitment. Whether someone walked in with no network or a robust one, everyone walked out with a plan.

And for me? It was a reminder that bookstores will always be one of the best places to talk about community. They already hold so many stories—what better place to help writers shape their own?