Fiction Writing Tips From the Editor

Writing Groups - What to Know Before You Join

Home | Editing Services | About the Editor | Editing Fees | Articles on Writing | Stories | WritingLinks

E-mail me at services@bristolservicesintl.com

A Good Idea or Not?

Whenever a group of writers get together you have the opportunity to share ideas, plans, marketing strategies and explore whole new sides of the writing process. This stimulation is a marvelous adjunct to your own writing efforts. One reason I endorse writer groups is because writing is a solitary (and lonely!) experience. A writer can feel as if they are the only ones faced with this problem or that. In a group, you soon realize you all face similar experiences--both good and bad. However, there can be a distinct down-side to joining writing groups also.

I've learned a great deal in many ways from every group I was ever in or visited. But some of the lessons had little to do with writing. There ARE goods ones and you can gain by any you attend, if only to open your eyes to the various approaches to writing. Like in any group, the mix of people that attend will make all the difference. Focusing on a group of writers who write in your same genre (memoir, mystery, fantasy, children's stories, etc) can be the most rewarding. But don't overlook the "any genre allowed" groups; sometimes the freshness of a variety of writers is stimulating. Also consider on-line writers groups. There are lots of them out there, so be picky and find one that suits you best. The following principles apply for both local groups and online writing groups.

TYPES OF GROUPS: Writer's groups are extremely varied. Some are no more than social clubs, with lots of members, very organized, with potlucks and many members who never quite get around to writing. Others are hardcore crtiquers, "you must bring in so much each week" types. Others have members who write, yes, but few or none of them are able/willing/interested in giving any real feedback to the others. I've been in all these types and more. Some sweet and sincere, some very helpful, some defensive and just plain difficult to be around.

WILLING LISTENERS: Most groups devote much of their time reading and discussing each other's writing. The more exposure you can get for your writing to willing listeners the better--right? Not necessarily. Are these people the type to read (as in buy a book on) the kind of thing you are writing? Is their comment really pertinent to your genre? Some group members may be very capable of offering great advice on ANY genre, yet others will see all writing from their own genre's perspective only, which may not help and, in fact, hinder you.

NETWORKING: Networking with other writers about agents, publishers, what's hot on the market, etc. is one of a writers most valuable tools. You still have to do your own research, but you can get a leg up with sharing this kind of info. And you can learn much about the techniques of writing, too, if the others share what they've learned from this book or that workshop.

CONCLUSION: So ... my best advice is to go, yes, but to keep your eyes and ears and heart open. Tell them you are only visiting. See what they offer in the way of real help to the others, how cliquish they are, how capable they are at writing themselves. And then decide if YOU would feel comfortable BOTH having them read and comment on your work and also if you would be comfortable commenting on theirs.

Any questions? Write me, Sandra Haven, at Bristol Services Intl. by clicking services@bristolservicesintl.com

How to Write a Suspense Story        Writing the suspense novel is exciting--and challenging. I've helped other writers achieve their writing goals in this genre. Click here for what you need to know about how to write a mystery or suspense novel that keeps readers on the edge of their chairs.

Writing the Fantasy Novel        Create a fantasy story that publishers will want! I have tips and ideas that you need to know for your fantasy story. Click here to find out more.

How to Write Children Stories        Writing stories for children is inspiring--but the competition is tough! Get an edge on the competition while you learn to touch the hearts and minds of today's young readers. Click here for what you need to know about writing for children.

Writing Your Memoir        Express yourself--share your life experiences. Find out how to write a legacy of your life or of your family's generational saga. Click here for what you need to know.