Why You Should Join A Writing Group

You’re a writer; you are trying to be a writer. Some writing groups focus mainly on a particular genre, like science fiction, while others are general. Some groups are small, with only a few members, while others are large and contain subgroups.
In general, writers provide or send samples of their work to be read and commented on by other writers in the group. Receiving feedback strengthens your writing by helping you learn how to communicate more efficiently with the audience, reinforcing your stories, developing ideas and assisting you with grammar and sentence structure.
You may think, I am too busy right now, I cannot make another appointment. Or I would be nervous to show my writing to others. What if they hate my writing? Or I would feel uncomfortable criticizing someone else’s writing. Whatever your concern is, be rest assured that there is writing group that will work for you.
So how do you start? How will a writing group benefit you? And how to choose a writing group that will work with your schedule and meet your specific needs?
First, decide if you’d prefer an online group or a face to face group. How do you know what is best for you? If you have time for a weekly meeting, enjoy meeting new people and feel better responding to personal information. If you have a varied and often hectic schedule, do not want commitment to regular time meetings, then online groups may be your best choice.
Decide what kind of critiques you will like to give and receive. To make this decision, consider the following questions:
• How often do you write? Can you commit to writing an article or chapter in a week?
• How many articles or chapters could you commit to read and comment?
• Do you want to focus on a particular genre, or have the ability to read and write more? Do you prefer a harsh criticism or softer and encouraging comments?
• Are there other reasons? For example, you can write about things that interest a particular population, such as young mothers, older women, professional technicians, etc.? If so, you can join a writing group of people that fit this profile.
• Outline everything you want in a writing group. Do not hesitate – go to 100%. Once you have concluded what kind of group would fit, then it’s time to move on to the next step.
• Do some research – find groups that match your profile.
REASONS FOR JOINING A WRITING GROUP
Writers must always network with other writers to improve their creative writing skills. Going solo is just too difficult. Finding other writers in a group of writers who share your passion is very encouraging. Below are other benefits:
• Improve your writing as you get to have the opportunity to discuss new ideas with others.
• Improve your confidence in your ability to write, which ultimately may help convince you that your work is worth submitting into a competition, sharing with friends or for publication.
• Develop the skills and the importance of constructive criticism.
• Making friends with other people with similar ideas.
• Finding other writers can be very encouraging. You can talk on the forums, e-mail or private chat.
• You will find many activities to engage your talents.
• There will be a lot of writing competition, which is one of the best motivators.
• You can tackle it yourself by creating a work or help others with theirs.
• You can post your stories on the net. Other writers will critique your job, and you will critique theirs in return.
Join a writing group today and commit to it, no matter how little time you have. A real writer does not let life get in the way of writing, and a group can greatly help overcome procrastination and become a writer who is destined to be.

3 comments

  • Im one of those people that just cant join a writers group. I cant handle people criticising my work in front of me….

    Charles
  • I read an article sometime ago about joining writing groups to increase performance and writing efficiency, I never took it serious because it was hard finding groups to join. Maybe I’ll try again this time though I’m yet to choose the genre to focus.

    Smart Collins
  • “What if they hate my writing?” is one that I can relate to. I never really gave much thought to online reading groups, and instead would ask friends, family, or acquaintances to read over something for me because of the fear of some sort of embarrassment. It’s obvious that like minded people would be able to offer better input, and it would only sharpen the skills of everyone involved. The anomity of online forums and groups would seem to be more comfortable anyway.

    Brandi

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