Three Reasons Why YOU Should To Join a Writing Group
In the age of the Internet, you can find writing groups everywhere. Though us writers are often introverted and prefer solitude in our activity, it can be helpful, and even heartwarming, to be part of a writing group.
So, here are three reasons why:
It can help you create more like-minded friends – If you are an adult, this can be particularly helpful. A writing group helps you meet new people who have the craft of writing in common, and who knows? Some of them might also be interested in hobbies like arts and crafts, crocheting, D&D, gardening, and true crime. At the same time, you may not jive with everyone in your group. However, my experience shows that most of us are non-judgmental: we’ve all been beginners before, after all.
It can help you focus on the task at hand – Let’s say you’re in a writing group and you meet weekly to share something you’ve written that week. If you want to attend that meeting and hear everyone else share what they’ve written, you may also feel obliged to write a little bit. External motivation tends to be more impactful than telling yourself that you should write, right?
It can help you receive useful critique – Chances are, you’ll encounter someone who’s been writing for longer than you have, or has more experience in writing than you do. This means they will be able to pick out things you did not notice when reviewing your writing. Plus, you’ll be able to meet with people who will be able to find ways you can improve, other than discussing it with friends who either don’t care or have less experience in critique. Not all critique is helpful, after all.
As someone who has been in various writing groups over the years, many of them have been tolerant and accepting. Many places, such as Discord servers, have strict policies against being mean and discrimination. Chances are, you will find a place that works for you, whether it is local or online.
Because my two current writing groups are local, I cannot suggest them unless you live in the area. However, they can be found locally in schools, colleges, through the NaNoWriMo website (if you still use it, of course), and in other local groups. Otherwise, you can find them online through platforms like Discord and Slack.
I hope this post was helpful. Being friends with people who write has changed my writing, and my life, and I hope considering joining a writing group does the same for you.
