The WMF Archives

By Pam Houghton

When I started writing as a hobby ten years ago, I didn't know if my stuff was any good. So I joined a writing group at the local library to get some feedback on my work. Initially billed as a group for any genre and writers at all levels, it soon morphed into a poetry group.

Well, I didn't write poetry. I was making stabs at essays focused on the fun and stress of raising a family in a new-millennial world. Even though the majority of the writers were poets (and the leader of the group was an award-winning poet herself), they welcomed me. It was the first time I'd read my work out loud to a group of other writers. Through the group's consistent feedback, I gained a sense of what worked in my writing and what didn't.

Later, thumbing through a community education flyer, I found an ad for a creative non-fiction writing group. I signed up and was pleasantly surprised by the humor and knowledge of our fearless writing instructor, Norm. At the end of the six-week session, and without enough participants to support another community ed class, he invited us to his home for weekly writing sessions. I continued to learn more about my writing, especially a predilection for clunky sentences and tacked-on endings. (Oh, the joys of honest feedback.)

Not long after, a local writer ran an ad for a writer's group. It was the first time I had to submit a sample of my writing before being accepted into the group. The group operated differently than the other two. Rather than being led by an experienced teacher, group members operated as equals (more or less), with each member taking turns as feedback giver and getter. I gained confidence giving feedback to others, and welcomed the feedback I got in return.

So why join a writing group?

1. To improve. Writers are usually keen readers with an ear for language. With steady participation from you and feedback from other writers, you get a sense of what works in your writing and what trips you up. For instance, perhaps your work has universal appeal, but at times lacks focus. To make your writing more effective, you'll need to work on focusing your writing.

2. To find out if a piece you've written works. I generally don't submit essays to editors unless I run it by a group. I want to make sure the piece is clear and engaging to the reader. Groups will let you know if it isn't. If it's not, you can go back to your piece and make improvements before sending it out for publication.

3. To increase self-confidence as a writer. You get used to having others read your work; you get used to critique; you get used to sharing intimate details of your life or the lives of your characters in your work. The repetition of these behaviors makes you a more comfortable and confident writer. Which only makes you better and more willing to take risks - i.e. submitting work to editors, applying for writing positions and networking for jobs.

4. Support of other writers. Let's face it. Writing is a solitary process. But it's nice to be around other people who share the same passion for an activity that is so darned isolating. Oh sure, you can go on Facebook and chat, but we all long for some human contact that reassures what we do is worth the time and effort put into it. Since writers tend to be nice people, it ain't so bad to while away a couple hours with them.

Have you participated in writers groups? If so, how have they helped you? Please share your thoughts with other readers in the comment section below.

Thanks - and Happy New Year!

Pam

The Skinny on Writers Groups - and Why You Should Join