A Writers Group

Outlining and Prep, Writing

writersgroup
I found a writers group in my area and slinked into my first meeting. Pfft, what was I so nervous about? They turned out to a helpful, experienced group of authors that welcomed me like an old friend. I went to my first meeting with little more than a NaNoWriMo outline, character sketches, and a synopsis, but they were able to work from that.

I learned:

  1. I need to work on my main character’s flaw. It can’t be a flaw that would prevent Catherine from adopting a child. (Helps that one of the group members is a pastor experienced in family matters.)
  2. I need to research the specific area of my setting in Giles County, Virginia, for information from the 1800s. (Pretty darn cool that a woman in the group is a genuine historian.)
  3. I need to bring some dark chocolate next time. They didn’t actually say that. I volunteered. Everything’s better with chocolate.
  4. I need to stick with the premise of my story because it’s unique enough to be interesting. (“Plot holes are fixable. Don’t you dare scrap it and start over!”)

How’d I find a writers group?

I did a Google search. I live in an almost-rural area, so the population isn’t dense, thus, few writers. But I found a group that meets in a very small library in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. My point is if I can find a writers group, anyone can. In the feature image of this post, on one side of the fence is the library, on the other side, horses!

Tips for newbies going to their first writers group meeting:

  1. Bring a notebook and pen. There will be lots of advice you’ll want to capture and review later.
  2. Disassociate yourself from what you’ve written. You can’t hear constructive criticism if you think others are criticizing YOU and not the conglomeration of words you’ve brought along.
  3. Try to be quiet while others are giving you feedback. It’s a time to be listening, not a time to be explaining. Even if you disagree, you’ve been given an insight as to how potential readers will take your words.
  4. Get specific when giving feedback to another person’s writing. “It got really good at the end” isn’t helpful. On the other hand, “I couldn’t tell who was speaking to whom in the dialogue passage, but later the description of the car racing toward Tonisha made my heart thump” is helpful.
  5. Be aware of time. Presumably the group has a moderator or an agreement as to how to allocate time, but if there are six writers and ninety minutes, you’ll only get fifteen minutes. Jot your notes quickly, give feedback succinctly.

Nine days!

As I type this, there are  nine days until NaNo. I think I’ll be ready in time. If you are doing NaNoWriMo, best of luck and have fun!

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21 thoughts on “A Writers Group”

  1. Congratulations on finding a writing group. I like mine and have found that getting to know the authors and their genres have improved my ability to offer more valid criticism. Rule of thumb–always find at least one good thing to like. Nobody wants to hear only the negative things.

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    1. Yes and yes. I’m sure there will be days when I’ll wonder why I ever thought I should try to write, but if I keep remembering the fun stuff I’m sure I’ll muddle through. Hugs back!

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  6. I was a part of a face to face writer’s group for 5 years and loved it, Priscilla. I learned so much from every single member! One thing you mentioned took me a while to learn (I had to experience it first). It’s that even though we as the authors may disagree with a comment, it is critical to listen. I learned that if someone takes the time to point a problem out, it’s worth its weight in gold because other readers will invariably notice it too. Happy Writing!

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    1. Wow, five years, that’s pretty neat. I am so thankful that more experienced writers in the group are willing to take the time to help me. I hope that as I read their pieces I can learn to provide helpful feedback for them. Thanks for commenting!

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      1. I found that inexperienced writers always have tons of insight, because they are experienced readers! I loved when new members joined our group because of the fresh perspective they brought. Enjoy yourself. 🙂

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  7. I’ve been part of a writer’s group for years and I can honestly say I’d be lost without them. I met my editor in one of my groups. She’s the reason I got signed by a publisher.

    You will meet the best people in the world. Not only will they give you insight to your own writing you will learn so much through their writing as well.

    Happy to read you found an excellent group.

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  9. I’m so glad and grateful you wrote this post Priscilla! I think I have finally gathered the courage to find a writers group and your tips are so helpful! Especially “Disassociate yourself” I’ve been so afraid of how critique would affect my motivation to write!

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  10. Don’t forget that online groups can also be an option for those caught in rural or writing deserts… Greater Rocky Mountain Horror Writers (which I administer) has no geographic boundaries, and everything is online…just do your homework to be sure there is evidence of longevity and trustworthiness…an ease of contact for the group admin…

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