What’s a writers’ group and what’s the point of joining one? Usually, these groups are led by professional writers, book coaches, teachers, or simply someone who can’t bear not being around people who want to write so they formed a group. Individuals come together to talk about their work, share their writing, provide feedback, and offer support to one another. Joining such a group provides writers at every level with valuable feedback, accountability, motivation, and a sense of belonging. It also has the added advantage of meeting people with diverse perspectives, story genres, and techniques who can offer broader insights into your own writing.
If fostering connection, engaging with people and feeling supported by others who share your interest of writing is important to you, then finding a writers group is for you. Here’s a list of some different types of writing groups, each type offers unique opportunities for writers.
- Critique Groups: Focussed on providing feedback and constructive criticism.
- Genre-Specific Groups: Tailored for writers interested in specific fiction genres such as romance, science fiction, mystery, fantasy and nonfiction genres such as personal essay, memoir, business and leadership, political theory, etc
- Workshops: These offer structured sessions led by an instructor or facilitator, covering various aspects of writing craft, elements and techniques.
- Local Writing Clubs or Meetups: Organized for in-person gatherings with writers within a specific geographic area to network, share resources, and collaborate on projects.
- Online Writing Communities: Provide virtual platforms for writers to connect, share their work, and engage in discussions with fellow writers worldwide.
- Professional Organizations: Offer memberships for writers in specific fields such as journalism, screenwriting, technical writing, etc., providing access to industry resources, networking opportunities, and professional development.
- NaNoWriMo Groups: Formed during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November, these groups support writers aiming to complete a novel within the month.
Taking the first step to join a writers group can be a transformative decision in your writing journey. Through shared experiences, constructive criticism, and mutual encouragement, you’ll not only refine your writing skills but also forge lasting connections with like-minded individuals who share your passion for storytelling. So, take the leap, join a group, and commit to developing your writing habit. No regrets.
@shariReinhart