Joining a Writer's Group

Aspiring writers in any genre simply must consider joining a writer's group in order to hone their craft. These groups consist of writers coming together and sharing their works and experiences and offering helpful critique for others' writing. There are several reasons why the move to join a writer's group is essential for anyone who writes.

1. Creates a deadline. When you join a writer's group, you are expected to arrive at every session with something to share. This establishes a deadline you might not otherwise have if you are trying to write the next great American novel at your own time and pace.

With having a need to complete pieces prior to the next session, a concrete deadline is essentially put in place because you will not want to let the group down by showing up empty-handed. A lot of writers may veer towards procrastination and that is fine, as long as there is some sort of deadline. Joining a writer's group will create one and help keep you on track.

2. Aids in editing your work. As a writer, you need to edit and re-edit your works multiple times. You should pour over your works tirelessly to ensure your words are saying what you intend them to and in the manner you want. Careful editing is a critical part of the writing process.

The advantage in editing when you join a writer's group is the value of having other sets of eyes studying your works. Gaining fresh perspectives will enable you to see things you may not have considered. Additionally, your fellow writers help catch mistakes which might have gone unnoticed.

Often, when we read our works on our own, our brains read them the way we want. This means your brain might see "the cat pounced on a mouse," when in reality your piece reads "the cat pounced on a moose." Other writers, though, will see the cat trying to take on the large mammal, instead of small rodent, and suggest that perhaps you should consider making the change.

3. Emerges yourself in the writing community. This advantage is useful in two, completely different regards. First, becoming part of the writing community will help your personal psyche and make you feel like the writer you are. You will become confident in your identity as a writer, even if you aren't published quite yet.

The second advantage to emerging in the writing community is the social aspect. It creates networking possibilities. Perhaps someone in your group has contacted an agent who would be interested in the manuscript you've developed for a book on quilting. Or a fellow writer might know of an editor who is looking for the piece on Chinese imports you are currently drafting. Also, you will learn about others' experiences in the writing world and can learn from their mistakes and triumphs.

4. Learn new ideas and techniques by reading others' works. Writers come to writer's groups and share their works. By reading and listening to others, you will hear new voices and see stories in different points of view. You may hear a story set in first person, present tense and it will inspire you to re-write a piece you had previously drafted in third person. Or you will gain new exposure to genres you hadn't considered writing before.

5. Become a better writer by critiquing other works. At writer's groups, an important part of each session is the time following the presentation of a work. At this point of the meeting, the other writers provide feedback based on the piece which was read. They will tell you the aspects of you work they felt were either especially strong, or parts which need a little more work.

If you are concerned about harsh judgment from all your peers, you needn't be. Most of the criticism is constructive and writers generally present their critiques in a positive manner. Remember, they are putting their respective works on display, too, and will have the same trepidations and fears you do. In a writer's group, everyone is in the same boat and it is a safe community for you to express yourself!