Writers and Their E-Groups.

So. . . how many writer's groups do YOU belong to? Yahoo groups, Topica lists, Mailman lists- the new possibilities are endless. Many of us belonged to more than one local group before the Internet changed the world, allowing inexpensive long-distance communication with writers everywhere. Now that we can talk on-line, writer's groups and organizations have increased in number and size. But is that always a good thing? Writers write, and that's not getting done while we're busy discussing page format and submission policies.

*What's The Allure?*

Why do we join? It varies from writer to writer. When I joined my first group, a local chapter of RWA (Romance Writers of America), I was excited to meet others who shared my interest and didn't think I was weird because of it. I found these types of members:

1) Serious, multi-published authors, who rarely come to meetings but remain on the roster and advertise their books through chapter resources.

2) Serious writers, published or not, who attend only meetings most beneficial to their careers and enjoy the company of writers.

3) Frustrated writers, still attending after years of rejection, slightly jaded toward the business.

4) Total Newbies, eager to learn.

5) Social members, who supply the refreshments and come to talk with friends.

Each type of member found something she or he needed at the time.

*Online, All The Time*

Online groups divide up into similar types! Many belong to multiple chapters, plus outside groups. I found the Faith, Hope and Love chapter of RWA and ACRW (American Christian Romance Writers) for inspirational writers. One of the most helpful lists I've found is "The Writer's View," an online discussion group for those either published or in serious pursuit. The list hosts a panel of experienced Christian writers, who lead discussions on all aspects of writing and publishing without the time-eating "chit-chat' of some lists. All of these groups offer on-line discussion loops for members, plus web-sites with Members-Only sections.

The Internet is amazing. Writers can now join so many lists, literally hundreds of them pop up yearly, all designed for specific writing communities. When I sold my first book, I joined The Rising Stars of Romance and Epic (Electronically Published Internet Connection), both great online resources for new authors. After several sales, I joined Novelists, Inc. There seems to be a group for writers at every stage of their career. Some have panelists giving much-needed advice, some accept questions from members, some allow everyone to post at any time. So how much is too much communication?

*Evaluate Your Groups*

Once a month, or quarterly, writers should evaluate the time spent on line or attending meetings. Personally, I've found that avoiding live chats helps me save time-I can answer email messages at my own convenience.

During evaluation, consider the following about each of your memberships:

1) What type of member are you? If you are merely participating as a social member, perhaps your time might be better spent off-line, writing.

1) Are you paying dues to this particular group? If so, what do you get for your money? An informative newsletter? Free promotion for your books? What's the money used for? Could you use it better elsewhere?

2) Have you outgrown this particular group? Is it time to leave a group aimed at beginning writers, when you've sold four books? Do the group's interests still match your own?

3) Do you find yourself skimming through message digests or deleting certain subjects unread?
When I returned to inspirational writing, it was time to leave some of my other groups. Don't feel bad about moving on-it's part of the natural progression of your career.

4) Do you find yourself reading digests out of habit? Do you really need to read another speaker's online chat on the subject of Point of View? Or are you there because you meet your friends there, and you chat every month? On the other hand, do these folks motivate you to write? If so, by all means keep chatting, there's value for you in it.

5) Do you lose too much writing time dealing with e-mail and surfing the Internet? It's a very real time-consumer. Just like talking about writing isn't writing, researching and reading reviews on line aren't writing. I find this can be a problem if I don't curb the number of groups I join. One policy I've personally adopted: Don't join any author's promotional lists. If invited, simply decline respectfully, explaining you know you will hear their good news on one of the writing loops.

After careful consideration, perhaps you can trim a few of the groups you have grown away from. Save that time or that money for other projects. Perhaps you need to research more advanced groups. Many web sites offer legitimate writing courses that operate as discussion lists. And don't forget to consider a good critique group, which can help you flesh out problems before you submit your work. A carefully selected critique group can improve your writing and motivate you. You might just make a few friends, and write a few books, in the process.