Clues it is Time to Leave a Writers Group

Writers join writers groups for myriad reasons including camaraderie, support, education, and inspiration. Groups can be extremely helpful for writers at all stages of their careers, however sometimes a group ceases to fit a writer's needs. Leaving a group can be difficult. Here are some tips to aid writers determine when to leave a writers group.

When a member moves to a new location, it often makes sense to leave the group. Some groups are designed to specifically support local authors. These groups make it easy to leave when a writer moves to another area. If the group offers other benefits such as on online group and/or helpful newsletter, the decision becomes more complicated. Writers must ultimately decide for themselves whether the group remains beneficial to them as a long distance member.

If a writer joined a group for education such as is provided by guest speakers and newsletters, the writer may begin to feel the talks and articles are repetitive. The writer may have absorbed all the group has to offer. This isn't necessarily a reason to leave the group. The group may continue to meet other needs. It may also be time to see if there is a way to give back to the group. If so, staying to help others is good. If not, it may be time to move on. It may be time to find a better fit.

Sometimes a group's dynamic will change as members join and leave. The dynamic may become such that a writer no longer feels comfortable in the group. This is likely no one's fault but may be a sign it's time to leave the group. Dynamics can change for a multitude of reasons including a change in members or due to a change in the focus of one's career.

When a writer's goals diverge from the group's purpose, it may be impossible to maintain common ground with the group. This doesn't mean the writer doesn't like the other members and friendships will likely survive, but being a part of the group may cease to be beneficial for the writer as well as the group. Writers must take time to re-evaluate their groups on occasion to be sure their memberships are helpful.

A writer's main job is to write. As long as membership in a writers group enhances, or at least doesn't hinder writing, the membership remains worthwhile. As soon as membership interferes with a writer's writing output, it's time to re-examine the membership. Sometimes better time management can be implemented to resolve the issue. If not, a hiatus from the group may be in order. Or it may be time to leave the group permanently. Membership should always be dependent on meeting the writer's goals.

When a writer's only contact with the group is to pay dues, the membership is no longer beneficial to either the member or other group members. It's time to leave the group. This seems obvious, but many times it's easier to pay the dues and promise to be more active the next year.

Sentimentality can also keep writers attached to groups long after they cease to meet the writer's needs. Writers need to remember these are professional groups and membership should be based on professional needs and goals. Writers need to be honest with themselves, so they don't waste their time and money on groups that no longer work for them.

Groups have their place and can be very beneficial. Writers should not fear leaving groups they've outgrown or from which their interests and/or careers diverge. The key to success in groups is to be active in those that provide the most benefit based on a writer's goals.