Joining a writing group means opening up about your process, and for introverted writer types, that can be scary. My impression was that writers were all competing with each other, so when I first joined WFWA, saying anything on any topic felt fraught with the risk of humiliating myself. I felt these were all such accomplished, published novelists (at the time I wasn’t published), and how dare I comment or even broach a subject.
After more than a year, and having done #NaNoWriMo now twice with a community of supportive writers, I stopped being shy. I began to interact and make friends, and the net result is an improvement to my writing and confidence, and the feeling that writing in a community, I can tackle anything! Also, publishing in a community is extraordinary. So many authors sharing tips and ideas and resources!
Tips & Resources for Finding a Writer Group
Here’s a great article full of resources and links from The Write Life. I found my main group through Facebook, but there are many places and types of groups: critique groups, beta readers, general writing and publishing groups, reading groups. Join even just one more person, and you’ve formed your own group. My in-person weekly group is called The Renaissance Club, after my debut novel.
And for you readers who are always hunting for new and great books? Pick a category you like reading, and find the associations, clubs, and groups of writers in that category, and you’ll find books to read. There’s a way we have of influencing and aiding each other in the writing process, sharing writing tips, craft tips, and publishing tips, that begins to improve everyone’s work. It’s a kind of community magic, and I’ve seen it at work over the years. So join, read from writers who belong to groups, and expand your literary horizons!
Do you have a favorite writing group, conference, retreat center, or workshop you’d recommend? I’m interested to hear about your experience of writing in a community.
Save
Save