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5 Reasons To Join A Writers' Group

7/3/2013

4 Comments

 
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The famous phrase on the best thing for writers to do to improve their craft is to "read widely". I'd agree that is very important, but there should be a caveat to this advice. I'd say, 

"Read widely, join a writing group." 

I first joined Speakeasy writers group in Milton Keynes in 2008, and went on to start a whole new group in my local town of Towcester. I’m finding there are so many more benefits than I had originally hoped for in both groups.

Here are 5 reasons joining a writers' group will help your writing. 

1. Writers Groups keep you disciplined

Many groups set you a theme to work on for the month or fortnight, however often they meet. This really helps me personally as not only does it give me a goal and a deadline, very often it tests me to try something new. A new genre, a random writing prompt, a poem... We have all sorts to pique the interest and develop our writers' styles in Towcester! 

2. You will meet new people

Making friends is always good for the soul. I've got to know a lot of local people through my writers group who I might not ever have come across. It's really helped to me feel part of the community.

A writing club also gives you a chance to meet people from different walks of life and they may inadvertently give you ideas for characters. New people you meet can be great fodder for your writers brain, just be subtle about it.

3. You will probably discover new techniques and approaches which will challenge you 

You will no doubt learn how other writers organise their writing day, gain new perspectives, you might be encourages to try something new, and could possibly gain some expertise from someone else's field (e.g. managing your social media as a writer, which magazines you should subscribe to). Above all, you can share tips and discoveries. This is invaluable. 

4. Writing Groups give you insights into the minds of other readers and writers

As a writer, seeing a snapshot of how writers deal with different themes, genres, criticisms and praise can be very enlightening. You have a ready-made feedback panel who only want to support you. Remember, writers are also readers, so you have a ready made critique board sitting in front of you!

5. It’s fun.

I don't need to tell you what a great thing 'fun' can be in life!

Virtual or otherwise, writing groups are a fantastic resource every writer should make the most of. Check on the National Association of Writers Groups (NAWG) for your local group's details. Get out there!

Please don't forget to share or tweet this blog if you've enjoyed it, and leave me a comment! I'd love to hear from you. 

Lou x

Find me on Facebook
...and on Twitter

Have you seen my travel blog yet? #borntobeatourist

Image courtesy of Script Mag


4 Comments
Paul Mitchell
10/3/2013 03:19:01 pm

The lovely thing about being a creative writer is that it is a very solitary business and, if you handle it correctly, you can remain unfetered by others. If you know what you're doing and remain single-minded surely that is all one needs; isn't it?

Reply
Lou link
11/3/2013 01:44:39 am

Agreed, it's nice to work on your own sometimes, but it's also good to know others are going through the same trials, successes and tribulations!

I also find I come home from meetings fired up and full of ideas again. There are worse distraction! :)

Lou

www.borntobeatourist.co.uk

Reply
Catherine link
21/3/2013 06:47:57 am

My experience has been that being in a writer's group doesn't fetter me but does support me. The energy, insight and feedback from other writers helps me to examine my own work and make it better. And hanging with other people that understand what it is to be a writer (something most people don't really get) strengthens my own resolve to make my writing happen.
In the end, it's just you and the keyboard- but having companions on the journey is a great help.

Reply
Louise
21/3/2013 08:14:23 am

Very well said! It's great to try out your new stuff too.


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    I'm a writer based in South Wales, with an unhealthy obsession with stationery and baking. I mainly blog for my own sanity, but I'm also working on a novel. Still. 

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