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Thursday, April 26, 2012

W is for Writers' Group

I am thankful to be a part of a good writers' group. We have been meeting for over five years now, and it's great to spend time with people who share my same interests.

It can be hard to find a writing group that fits for you. For example, sometimes writers are at different stages of their journey and getting the constructive critiques you need to improve your work may be difficult.

Somtimes there are too many people in the group and your work doesn't get the attention it deserves due to the time restraints. At times, personalities just might not click. But when you do find that right group, that right fit, be thankful for it.

When I started the search for a writers' group years ago, I wasn't exactly sure what I was looking for. Also, there were no local writers' groups, and the ones in the city had something like 100+ members. So I started one myself and posted an ad in my community.

It took a while to find the right combination of individuals and 'fit' but it worked out in the end. Though sometimes I cannot attend all meetings, it's good to know that I have a group that keeps me accountable, and people who I can share my work with and will comment in a truthful and positive manner.

Some of the ways you know you've found the right 'fit' in terms of a writers' group:
  1. Each individual's work is getting equal and adequate time to be reviewed by the group
  2. Each member is respectful and positive when they make comments on work, even when it comes to suggesting ways to improve
  3. Members are basically on the same level, meaning, each person is able to give about the same level of writing feedback
  4. Bonus if members are able to provide information with respect to the writing market or growing in the craft
  5. You get along ... lol ;)

Enjoy your day!

3 comments:

  1. Many of my posts during the A-Z Challenge are about my writer group, MVRWA. I couldn't survive without them.

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  2. I know the feeling. My writers' group provides me with the objective feedback I need to improve my writing. It also gives me a reason to make sure I write and have something to bring to the group, though I must admit these days I've been focusing on improving my novel rather than writing new stuff.

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  3. Yay writer's group!! I'm so lucky to have you guys.

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