How I Wrote My Debut Novel: Part Seven – How to Choose a Writer’s Group

Our culture promotes self-reliance, independence, and a DIY approach to nearly everything. To depend on others, seek support, or hire an expert is seen as an occasional and temporary necessity, a detour or last resort until we can “get back on our own two feet” or “figure it out for ourselves.”

Fact: We were not created to go it alone. We were made to depend upon and be depended upon. We were built for relationships, relationships of dependence. The artistic loner is a myth. We were designed to run in packs. A closer look at any of the most productive creative minds will reveal none of them acted alone.

While the act of producing creative work, such as writing, is solitary, doing this work in the context and with the support of a community of writers is essential. The community accelerates our growth, increases our learning, and expands our creative network.

What should we look for in a writer’s group or writer’s workshop, as they’re often called? Here are a few guidelines. Look for a group that is:

• Led by a person who has some credentials. Has the facilitator published a couple of books or formally taught the craft in an academic setting? Are they established in the craft? Do they have readers?
• Populated with writers more experienced than yourself. As much as is possible, look for a group of people who are trending in the direction of the facilitator.
• Producing writing. They may be having fun, but are they serious? Are each of the members practicing and productive writers?

Such groups are often found via local public libraries, universities, or community colleges. Reputable online groups exist too, but there’s no substitute for in-person collaboration.

So, your task is to find your local writing community and engage with them. They offer support you need. And you have much to offer them in return.