Do I Need a Writing Group?

If you have been thinking about joining a writing group, you should. Merely having the thought is a clear sign you need to take the next step and explore available options. I know, it is terrifying to bear your work to others, but this is part of the process.

Three Major Benefits of Writing Groups

There are dozens of reasons to get behind writer’s groups, but the top three for me are: community, accountability, and critique.

-Community. I currently take part in multiple writer’s groups: one for novel writing, one focused on kids’ literature, and the third is more sporadic and has no rules. Get folks of all varieties in your group. Learn from these people. Take, steel, share, fight, get it all out. Chances are you will learn something every time you gather, and your writing will be better for it.

My groups have changed over time. Do not expect to establish a core group that will carry on for years. It can happen, but don’t plan on it the first time out of the gate. Then again, Jane Yolen and her group have met on the same schedule for 40 plus years. No days off, no sick days, their group is large enough that someone always has work to present.

Some people work in groups for years and never published anything. The joy of working with words is enough to fill that bucket. One group I am working with is comprised of folks near my age, with professional or personal attributes close to mine: kids, school, jobs etc. These groups can be a catchall kvetch, as well as book banter. They will assumedly be into weird stuff you would benefit from or have industry fodder to dish out.

-Accountability. For many, having a deadline is the only way to get a draft out. Knowing there will be another set of eyes on the work encourages additional scrutiny. Being accountable to those which you have agreed to work begins the process of taking your craft serious. Along with having other writers read your work, you in turn are responsible for reading their work. You will be indebted to them as they are to you. You need to get out of your head and onto the page. You need to read more, from all over the shelf. Take the opportunity to grow, be open to critique.

-Critique. You must begin to learn how others come to your work, and how writing changes in the hands of the reader. Attending a writing group is a great way to ask questions of other writers. See where you can glean information as to tools and tricks, they have learned overtime. I recommend establishing some rules for critique sessions, but you’ll need to develop a thick skin.

How Do I Find a Writing Group?

There are many ways one can join a writing group, but the first thing you must do is meet writers. A great way to start is by joining an organization that is in tune with your goals. My first step was to become a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators-SCBWI. I am also active with Straw Dog Writer’s Guild here in Western Massachusetts-they host monthly readings and have a plethora of book events.

There are several other fee-based, national organizations that stick more or less to genre: Sci-Fi Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, etc. Join one of these groups and begin to mingle, it’s really that easy. Please note, some organizations, like the Writers Guild of America, one must qualify for, and is more of a professional union that will dole out health insurance. I joined SCBWI for $70 and was given access to their database of hundreds of local writers in the organization. I spent two years setting up one-on-ones and collecting small groups to exchange work. I believe this is a must if you expect your work to be published.

If you don’t have time for all that, you can always take out a classified ad or post to Facebook. Pitch the idea to your friend set and see if there is interest. You may be surprised at who is hiding a manuscript in their pocket. Whatever you do, don’t stop until you find a group that is sincere and reliable.

READ NEXT: 'Forrest Fenn's Real Treasure'