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.

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

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?

Write Iconic Characters

Liberated Writer (Website)

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Happy writing!