It's a good question, and I think many people feel this way, lonely and at the mercy of loneliness.

People are meant to be together with people. That's how we're wired. Deep down, we need community, and the community needs us.

Mind you, community is not just anyone or anyone one is related to, but people who think and act, sleep and love in a similar way as one does.

Being an artist or writer complicates things a little because we are not taken by normative behaviors. We get inspired by different things. We have different sensations, we have dreams.

So I believe that the best remedy to not feel lonely is to start setting up a social network of friends and like-minded souls. Maybe start a reading group. Put out a flyer at the café and see if there's anyone interested in meeting up once a week and exchange book ideas. Or even share one's writing ideas.

For me, living in NYC, one might think that the city is bustling with interesting activity and people. But the reality is for me not to feel lonely in the midst of millions of people is to connect with other like-minded souls. Meet up, even for a short 15 min. Plan a get-together, an open mike, an art show, anything to get my social calendar up and running.

Fellow artists and friends will introduce you to other friends. They will set up an event. Ideas get exchanged, and so on.

It's a conundrum, but I always tell myself, we're here on this earth to nurture friendships and family. And share the goods with those for whom we feel true affinity.