Earlier this year, we published two zines outlining an optimistic alternative vision for creative work: After the Creator Economy (Metalabel 006) & New Creative Era (Metalabel 008). Both publications call for new norms where creative people cooperate, collaborate, and form grassroots social and cultural organizations together.

Within Metalabel, we consider to explore how we can continue to incorporate these ideas into our own creative practices. Last month Austin from the Metalabel squad posted an idea for a new kind of grassroots cultural club on Twitter:

In the days that followed, dozens of people reached out and expressed a desire to be part of a writing label like this. Things people wrote they wanted:

• “A catalyst to write more, give feedback, find new means of collaboration in a global async world.”
• “A place to explore subculture on the internet with a collective of like minded individuals.”
• “To think together with a wildly creative and fiercely kind group of people who are all curious about what is and what could be.”

The proposal and responses suggest an emotional truth: for creative practitioners, there’s a need for peer support in many forms, including accountability, community, structure, and friendship. This is true of all creative practices — including writing.

Introducing: Lonely Writers Club

Lonely Writers Club (Metalabel 009) is a new ephemeral peer group for creative mutual support. It’s a space where interested people can transform their writing practices, collaborate with others, and create writing labels with people who share similar interests and visions. 

For three weeks, the group will meet online and also form smaller, more intimate affinity groups, with mentorship and support by the Metalabel squad.

In the three-week experience, we will explore:

1. Goals and benefits for collective writing practices
2. Group creation, purpose, and finding collaborators
3. Development of resources, methods, and best practices for group work

Apply to join the Lonely Writers Club: