8 Reasons You Should Join A Local Writer’s Group
By: Rachel Poli
Tags: Creative Writing, Writers On Writing, Writing, Writer, Writing Tips

Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash

Five years ago, at the dinner table, my father told my sister and me that he found an interesting article in the newspaper. (Yes, the newspaper.)

There was an advertisement for a writer’s group at my local library. My dad doesn’t know exactly what a writer’s group is, but because my sister and I write, he thought it might be useful.

So, we went to the initial meeting. Five years later, we’re still part of the same group meeting once a month at our library.

My sister and I are the only “veterans” of the group. The group has changed a lot over the years. People have come and gone (including our original group facilitator). However, including myself and my sister, there are five steady people and we have a new interest in the group every month from people. It’s still effective and fun.

I sometimes wonder how it’s already been five years. We skip a month here and there (our group usually takes December off due to the holidays) but it’s weird to me how we’ve been doing this regularly for five straight years.

Honestly, when I first joined the group, I wondered how long it would last. It seemed too good to be true. I’m not complaining though.

I’ve learned a lot in these past five years and I’m looking forward to more. Joining a local writer’s group was one of the best decisions for a few reasons.

1. Writing and editing skills

This is a given. When joining a writing group, you’re going to be writing and critiquing. You write your own piece, critique others, and then improve upon your own piece again. Even though it’s a little bit each month, it’s still something. You’re routinely working on your own writing.

2. Time

Speaking of routine, writers excuse their lack of writing all the time by saying they “have no time.” Joining a writing group that meets once a month or once every two weeks or something, allows you to carve in writing time no matter what.

You need to write your next chapter or piece to submit to your group. Then you have to find the time to read and critique their work. Then you meet in person to discuss your piece and others. It gives your particular work one-on-one attention from you (and others).

Then, you rinse and repeat.

3. Motivation and inspiration

Speaking of time, it can be hard to be motivated to write. I’m sure we all procrastinate in some shape or form and I’m sure writing is no different.

Seeing work from fellow writers motivates you to keep going with your own. Not to mention, you have a deadline to meet. You need to submit your piece to your group by a certain time so everyone has ample time to read and critique it.

On the flip side, the group gives you the inspiration to keep going. If you’re stuck on a certain part of your novel, you can ask your group what they think could or should happen next. You may not even have to ask. If your group is anything like mine, they’ll let their imagination run wild and interpret certain pieces together right in front of you.

Sometimes they’re right, sometimes they're wrong. Other times, they give you a new idea you can expand upon.

4. Self-confidence and thick skin

It’s not easy to share your writing with others. Personally, I find it easier to share my work with strangers than with close family and friends. The members of your writing group will become your friends, but in the beginning, sharing your work will increase your self-confidence. As writers, we all hate sharing our work in the beginning because it never seems to be good enough.

On the flip side, it’ll toughen you up as well. You’ll gain the self-confidence to share your work and the thick skin to take any and all critique — positive or negative.

6. Promotion

Do you have a blog or an author website? Do you share your writing online? Have you gotten a piece published in a magazine or an anthology? Maybe you got a book deal?

Your group will be proud and help promote your work through their own social media and such. Like you would help promote their work, they’ll do the same for you. Who doesn’t want to brag that they know an author and helped get their book off the ground?

7. Connections

People come from everywhere. They have different jobs, different skills, and have different experiences. They know different people outside of the group. If you need to research a specific job, for example, someone in the group may work in that field or know someone who does. Maybe they can set up a date for you to interview them for research purposes.

Books and the internet are great, but it’s wonderful to talk to a real person who has hands-on experience.

Not to mention, writers typically have a job that pertains to writing. Maybe someone has connections on how you can market your book. You never know if you don’t ask.

8. Socialization

As writers, we’re not great at socializing. We don’t like to talk to people or go out and about. Being part of a writing group allows you to make some new friends. Aside from writing, you’ll find other things you have in common with them. Now only will you get out of the house for your group meeting, but you may get together some other times.

I now meet with members of my writing group twice a month — once for the writer’s group and once for Dungeons & Dragons.

Overall

Joining a writer’s group was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’ve learned a lot with my writing, I’m consistent with it, and I’ve made some great friends.

Check with your local library or other nearby libraries or bookstores and see if there’s a writing group you can join. I promise you won’t regret it.

Happy writing!