What if I struggle with community?

Episode Description

In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explores why building and maintaining community can feel so uncomfortable—and why it’s quickly becoming a non-negotiable skill for authors who want a sustainable career.

From the push-pull tension between individual needs and group dynamics to the deeply ingrained patterns that make connection difficult, Claire breaks down what’s really happening beneath the surface when we “struggle with community.” Using the Enneagram, she highlights the unconscious behaviors that can quietly sabotage relationships—and how to begin shifting them.

If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, avoided author groups, or only reached out when you needed something… this episode offers a compassionate but honest look at what it takes to build real, mutually supportive connections.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• Why community is becoming an essential skill for authors (not just a “nice to have”)

• The hidden cost of trying to “go it alone” in your writing career

• Why community must be built before you urgently need it

• The difference between connection and extraction in author relationships

• How the tension between self vs. others shows up in every community

• Why avoiding conflict actually weakens connection

• How ego (your protective armor) interferes with meaningful relationships

• Why accountability is an act of care—not punishment

Practical Reflection Questions

• Do I tend to prioritize my needs or others’ needs in community?

• Where do I avoid conflict instead of engaging with it?

• Do I only seek connection when I need something?

• What patterns might I be bringing into relationships unconsciously?

Resources Mentioned

• Write Iconic Characters
  Claire’s guide to using the Enneagram for character development
  → books2read.com/WIC

• Liberated Writer (Website)
  Coaching, courses, and resources for authors
  → liberatedwriter.com

Support the Show

If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast:

Leave a review on your favorite platform—it helps other authors find the show
Share this episode with a writer who’s navigating community challenges
Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life

Your support helps keep these conversations going—and supports a more connected, sustainable writing community.

Happy writing!