Writing Groups II

by | October 22, 2019
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As a bit of a second part to the previous article, My Experience With Anxiety and Writing Groups, I wanted to briefly say something about the pros and cons of joining a writing group, and as a refresher as to why the are beneficial.

Obviously, from the previous article, my experience with the Sudbury Writers’ Guild (SWG) was positive. It has to be said, however, it was ultimately not for me. Although it gave me some great insights into group discussions and what could be brought out of such activities, group things like that aren’t my cup of tea.

But, that was just about me. What about you?

I’m going to go out on a limb and say there have been writing circles, groups, and guilds, since written time in memorial. They have existed since text written on papyrus have existed. Like any other general or special interest, communities for the general subject form, followed by communities specializing in a niche of that subject, followed by sub-niches of that niche, and so on. Sailing enthusiasts, car enthusiasts, anime and manga enthusiasts. If you name it, there’s probably some club or group dedicated to it, no matter how silly sounding the subject is.

The benefits

Writing is a huge, broad subject. It is an umbrella term, if you will. When I say writing group, I don’t necessarily mean a group of writers. Rather, it’s a group or fan base of people devoted to the art of writing whatever. Those who like poetry often join together or are in the same room as those pursuing a hobby writing historical non-fiction. The two, after all, can intermix.

That is just one major plus for writing groups in general. Allow me to list a bunch more:

  • Like-minded individuals: The whole point of a group or community is to be social and to discuss their craft. As said above, people who write non-fiction or poetry may share a similar interest in history. They talk more, talk with others, and gain valuable insight into how people write or like to write.
  • Sharing of ideas: Often, writing groups who hold meetings or other engagements (as opposed to those who turn up to a library room for half an hour and read, then go home) encourage the discussion and development of ideas and concepts. You may think that a lot of these things being flung around a room have no bearing on you or your niche, but you would be surprised. Styles of writing and ways of telling a story are often the subject of such activities, and those may certainly pertain to you.
  • Workshops: Sometimes they’re apart from a main group session and take place elsewhere, but some larger groups support or maintain writers workshops that assist in the would-be or even established creative person hone in on their specialized area. Fantasy and science-fiction workshops do exist here in Greater Sudbury, as do workshops for poetry, non-fiction, essay writing, etc. They may be able to provide you with some help or a list of workshops to help you if you tend to struggle.
  • Guest speakers: Guest speakers are often presented in a group or guild meeting. These range anywhere from established poets or writers, to people who work in the publishing industry; and they often give valuable insights on how the publishing world works. They have a lot of experience and information to give out, and they can be a valuable source of help, if the opportunity presents itself.
  • Contests: Another major feature of some guilds or groups is they have active participation in several writing contests. I was told some that I had no idea even existed (some of them are local and do not have a public presence online), and they can help you enter into those contests, if you will. Contests like those are a great way to bolster your portfolio and get your name out, because it means someone is reading your work.
  • Criticism: Honestly, don’t think of this as bad. It certainly isn’t. As you’re in a room full of other would-be writers or established ones offering assistance, they may offer to critique your works in progress and offer you positive or negative feedback. In turn, you can do the same. It does build relationships with others, which can, overall, strengthen your resolve as a writer.
  • Increased social skills: if you participate frequently in discussions with your local group, you may find yourself having an easier time discussing your work in front of others, help you ease up on your nerves, and have the support of those around you. Some groups have access to information on media training. That is to say, if you find yourself being invited to read a poem of yours in front of a group of fifty people, and are terrified you might do a small poo on stage, they may have access to groups or individuals who can help you build your confidence and make you take control of those thoughts, rather than letting them get to you.

So, not only can they be a source of valuable writing information and help you hone your own skills, they may be able to offer you extra assistance in areas you least expect it. Some groups require you to pay a membership fee, and that can be a good thing. Those fees go into keeping the community healthy and to continue to offer those extra workshops, more guest speakers, and pursue activities that otherwise reach beyond a group of 30 people discussing the use of adverbs on one sunny day. What’s more, is if you keep attending those meetings (the SWG, for instance, meet once a month for a few hours), not only does it show your commitment to a social group, it also extends to your commitment to your writing as well.

The question remains, however: are there cons to being in a social group like a writing group? The answer is, obviously, of course.

The personal downsides

As of writing this article, the only real downsides I can think of are that your fellow peers in the group may take a dislike of you, or you may take a negative disposition toward them. So, in the end, they may not help you at all, and you would waste your time. Fair enough. But I cannot help thinking that the biggest downside to these groups is they require a physical presence. Normally, that isn’t an issue for many; but for some, they can’t help but feel that’s a little too much.

Everyone is different. Some people are very social, some people are typical to moderate social, and some people are very antisocial. Yet, we all share the same passion. Some people cannot handle group activities well, or they cannot handle being in a small crowd for very long. I mentioned that in my previous post that my anxiety took over, no matter how much I tried. I took too big of a leap; and that’s okay.

Not everyone feels comfortable sharing their opinions, especially when they fear everyone will turn on them to tell them otherwise. That has to be traumatic. Some people fear they will be pointed at and are required to answer a question, as if they were back in school; then, they hesitate. Everyone has their qualms and quibbles, but they still want to excel and use that brain of theirs to flourish.

Alternatives to the classic writing group?

So, if interpersonal social writing groups are not for you, what about online writing groups?

Many of those who are antisocial or very shy have a better time using the internet or other means to communicate with others that does not require a physical presence, which often sets off people’s anxieties (it sometimes does for me). It isn’t a stretch of reality to say that online writing communities began to spring up as soon as general internet access itook off n the 1990s. Be it websites with a forum, some of Reddit’s writing subs, or, if they still exist, IRC channels (that may have existed in the really early 90s), there’s a place online for everyone. I actually signed up for a Reddit account, and I may participate in some of the writing communities there. As someone who is a bit antisocial and shy, but learning, I can be in many places at once and still maintain a physical presence when I need to.

Just because you are impaired in some way, or just not a fan of being with other people, does not mean you cannot participate in some sort of group with others who may be like you, and share with them your take on things. It ultimately didn’t work for me, but I strongly encourage you to find a writing group in your area, put out some requests for information, and join up. You may be really surprised at how much varied content happens in these meetings. You may certainly learn a thing or two. I know I did.

Below are a few links to places you may be interested in.

Perhaps, some day, I will create an index of URLs that you may find interesting.

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