The Importance of Writers’ Groups
Writing is a solitary endeavor. It is one of the few professions where you really have no contact with the outside world. But it does not have to be an isolating experience.
One of the best ways to deal with this is to join a writers’ group – such as Book-in-a-Week – or a writers’ critique group. It depends on what you’re looking for. It could be to learn something, to keep up with what’s going on, or to just be connected.
In this age of the Internet, where connection is just a click away, you can join an online group where it doesn’t matter where you live or you can check out the groups in your local area like the local chapter of the Romance Writers of America (RWA). Your public library or bookstore would be a good source to finding local groups.
As for myself, I joined an online writers’ critique group out of the UK about four years ago. Initially, I was hesitant as I am not much of a ‘joiner’ and I had had no idea what to expect. But one of the early tips I kept hearing was join a writers’ group to have your work critiqued. At the time, I really wanted some feedback on my novel and it seemed the way to go. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Ever. An unexpected benefit was the friendships that I’ve made through the group.
Whether you follow blogs, or have a favorite writing website or join critique groups–they all serve the same purpose in keeping you connected to the human race and most importantly, with like minded people. It may take trying out two or three different groups in the beginning until you find the perfect fit. But in the end it’s worth it, if only for the sense of camaraderie that you’ll gain from it.
Thanks for that Michele, how true. I am relatively new to BIW, but I do feel it’s made a difference for me. At the very least, I make a commitment for which I am accountable, so I tend to get more done. It can be helpful to hear from others who are struggling through similar situations, but I still find myself longing for more direct contact with the human race.
Jenifer,
There is no substitute for human contact, but the writers’ groups are a start. Friendships can develop and provided you don’t live too far away, you can meet up with these friends. Also again, check out your local library, bookstore, the arts section of your newspaper as well as the local cultural center for writers’ groups.
Thanks, Michele. I have had a wonderful experience with BIW these past four and a half years, but I do need that personal experience with other writers as well. At a Youth Literature Conference a week ago I met several other people who feel the same way I do and write in the same genre, so we’ve decided to start a critique group and will be meeting for the first time on the 26th. From your experience, what do you think I should look for in such a group? What should I expect? What should I offer? I’d appreciate any suggestions you have. Thanks.
When you meet on the 26th, decide right then what the purpose of your group is going to be. Is it strictly critiquing or will you accomplish other things as well- such as passing on tidbits from the publishing world, etc. The fact that you all write in the same genre is half the battle. I belonged to a group that wrote Chick lit and YA lit and we were all on the same page. I think if one is writing science fiction and someone else is writing women’s fiction, something may get lost in translation.
With some groups there may be ‘personalities’ such as the ‘know it all’ or the one who hogs the timelight. Watch for those types and remain true to the purpose of the group. It may take a couple of goes before you get the right dynamic or you may accomplish this the first time around. The one thing to remember is that when you’re asking someone to critique your work, you’re asking them to give something valuable: namely their time. So make sure your piece is in the best shape possible: free from typos and grammatical errors, etc. Also just give a chapter at a time, not the whole entire manuscript. If the chapter is long ( say more than 2k) ask permission first or split if over 2 sessions. And don’t forget to critique other people’s work as well, as it goes both ways. Try to have a number of say 6-12 people in your group. Anything less won’t be enough and anything more would be too unwieldly. That being said, you can have members in the group who may not be writing anything at the moment but will critique and when they’re ready they’ll offer something up to be critiqued.
Most of all remember the purpose of the group is to become a better writer and that may mean giving or getting criticism of your work. But it’s important to be honest. And if you read something that’s awful, you can couch it in a way so as not to come across as too harsh. Like, “this didn’t really work for me and here’s why: and then go on to list your reasons.” But do point out the best parts, the parts that shined, that parts that you really liked, even more so in a piece you didn’t like so as all the feedback isn’t totally negative.
Hope that helps.
Thanks, Michele. Your recommendations give me a good foundation to work with.