I just had to talk to a new couple I ran into. The husband had traveled in some of the same areas I have, and we shared a few interests. The wife also shared a significant interest of mine. She’s also a writer. And that’s where the trouble started.
She asked a question, “are there any good writing groups around here?” We agreed we hadn’t found and that it would be nice if someone started one that better fit what we want to do.
After saying our goodbyes, my wife got into the act. She pointed out that running a writing group sounded like something we (meaning me…) should be doing.
I countered with the usual: “I don’t have time”, “I’m not really the group leader type” (I’m not…), etc.
She countered that it sounded like something I would do under my FMP aegis. She even pointed out it fit our mission statement (I knew I shouldn’t have worked on the mission plan while she’s around…).
I couldn’t argue against that. It was my mission statement. I wrote it.
So, I (he who doesn’t play well with others) found myself planning and organizing a writer’s group.
There are pluses and minuses to belonging to a writer’s group:
It’s a social outlet. (not sure if that’s a plus or a minus)
It means there’s even more to read and critique. (a plus and minus)
It means I get more input on my work. (ditto)
It means increased accountability. (as a writer putting pieces out, it’s a plus. As the guy who has to run the thing, it’s a minus (I also have a YouTube team I’m trying to run, and a gaming group, and…))
The truth is. I firmly believe that writing groups and the writing group experience is what the members of the group make it. That’s part of why building the right writing group is important. The decisions and energy you bring to the group impact what you get out of the group.
The people you associate with affect your experience.
There’s no single way to run a writing group. Different people have different needs and objectives. Our best bet is understanding what we’re looking for and finding (or building) a group that fits.
I’m looking forward to my first foray into running a writing group and recounting our adventures (along with other topics) here on the blog.
That’s it for today, dear reader (those group rules ain’t gonna type themselves up…). Good luck in your own writing. And I’ll see you next post.
Forever Mountain Publishing 