Writing Group

I won't always write about writing - that could get dull - but last night was our group meeting and it's on my mind. We call ourselves "The No-name Writers Group" and currently have ten members on our list, but two are temporarily out of town and only three of us have been meeting lately. We got the name because Ralph, our organizer, sent an meeting reminder e-mail with that title and suggested we get a name for ourselves. The three of us who meet every two weeks thought that was a fun name and we should keep it. Writers can be odd ducks, you know.

If you write, I highly recommend joining a group. There are some on-line groups available, but I suggest meeting in person. The interactions and friendships are worth the time. While it's true you can share and critique online, but there is a certain value to reading your work out loud to others. There is also a satisfaction when you see the others react as you read.

If you want to find a local reading group, check with your local library, bookstore, or even a coffee shop. If you know others who write, form your own group. They don't have to be in the same genre. Our group includes writers of science fiction/fantasy, historical novels, lesbian literature, romance, film noir, and cyberpunk. We have a great time with each other and have formed friendships that I hope will last a very long time.

Another aspect of our group is we all tend to be political liberals (at least those of us who meet regularly), so we share opinions and information in that avenue.

I've learned much from my friends about writing, publishing, critiquing, and marketing. I know it's often said that all you need to do to be a writer is to write. This is true, but if you want to be a successful author, you need to share your work.

I hope you  have success in your endeavors, whatever they may be.