Literary Citizenship

Immigration Encouraged.

Photo by Terry Vlisidis

Are You a Good Literary Citizen?

We’re all interconnected. Every contribution is a drop in the collective creative ecosystem. To be a good literary citizen is to recognize and embrace this interdependence—because in the end, every one is everyone, and what we consistently do becomes OUR culture. So be the culture you want to live in. 🥚

What Does It Mean to Be a Good Literary Citizen?

Being a good literary citizen goes beyond writing for others to read. It’s about showing up for people in ways that uplift the entire literary community. It’s about setting a standard, not the bare minimum. But really, it’s understanding that your success is not isolated.

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Here’s what it looks like in action:

1. Read Widely and Thoughtfully
   Reading is the foundation of literary citizenship. Explore voices outside your comfort zone. Support debut authors, marginalized voices, and independent publishers. Every book you read expands your empathy and enriches your understanding of the human experience.

2. Champion Others & Avoid Scarcity Mindset (Hint: It’s not a competition).

   You are the only you, so now you can relax and celebrate the successes of fellow writers. SHARE, LIKE, COMMENT on their work, write reviews, attend their events, and amplify other voices. Remember that promoting someone else’s art doesn’t diminish your own—it strengthens it by your bonds in the literary world.

3. Engage Authentically
   Build genuine connections within the community. Comment real thoughts and curiosities on posts, participate in discussions, and reach out to others with kindness and empathy.

4. Reciprocate Generosity (and DON’T BE A TAKER)
   The more you give away the more you get. If someone beta-reads your work, offers feedback, or shares your book, find ways to return the favor. Reciprocity is the currency of a healthy literary community.

5. Support Local Events and Independent Spaces
   Your local literary scene is a microcosm of the larger world. Attend readings, shop at indie bookstores —have dates in bookshops! Volunteer at writing events. When you invest in local spaces, you create opportunities for others to thrive while enriching your own life. Show up. Read: Living Locally

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Why It Matters

In the end, being a good literary citizen is about embodying the belief that we are all connected. Every story, every gesture of support, every word of encouragement feeds into the collective. When we lift each other up, we’re not just supporting individual writers—we’re nurturing a behavior that directly shapes our world as artists.

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EVERY ONE IS EVERYONE

The phrase “Every One is Everyone” speaks to the interconnectedness of human experiences. In the literary realm, it reminds us that the stories we tell and the support we give ripple outward, touching lives in ways we may never see. Your encouragement could inspire someone to finish their book; your review might bring an author’s work to a wider audience.

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MONTHLY LITERARY CITIZENSHIP CHALLENGE  (Try for one a week)

 ♥ SHARE a favorite book with a friend or on social media.

 ♥ ATTEND (or sign up) for a reading (virtual ok!) and engage with the group.

 ♥ WRITE a thoughtful commentary on a piece of writing that moved you.

 ♥ OFFER feedback or encouragement to a peer struggling with their draft.

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POEtic Threads!

For those of us who live in words, edit with caffeine, and revise until our eyelids stick to our scleras. POEtic Threads focuses on comfortable, wearable pieces, that nod to the writing life: for when you’re deep in the draft trenches, heading to a reading/book club, or just want to be cozy.