In honor of our Wednesday Lunch Date
There are a lot of different kinds of writing groups. Some groups are meant to workshop your manuscripts, some are meant to share poetry, some are informative sessions with author talks, and then there are the amazing story slams. Those seem pretty fun. Today, we even have online platforms where virtual writing groups can come together and really have a positive impact on each other’s progress and success. Of all these, I have not been to a story slam. I’ve enjoyed them all in different ways but my favorite is where we workshop our books together.
No matter what type of group, I feel the most important thing I bring is inspiring writers to keep writing. Plot hole? Who cares, keep writing. Too esoteric? Who cares, keep writing. Best book the group has ever read? Who cares, keep writing. That is what I bring and that’s what I always want to bring. The great thing about writing groups is that everyone brings something different. I also like to allow them to see how they can build on their strengths. Someone else may be amazing at the technical stuff, and that’s great. Someone else dialogue. And someone else world-building! (That seems to be my weakness). Learning to give and receive in these groups can be one of the most beneficial things you can do as a writer.
What type of writing group do you prefer?
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