Writing can be a lonely affair. Sure, there are challenges (like Pentober and NaNoWriMo) which have a community element, but for the most part it’s just you and your imagination cooking up ideas and writing them down.
As a result of this, it’s easy to develop tunnel vision without other people to bounce off. It’s precisely this topic that I want to discuss today: the art of a good writing group, either online or in-person. I want to unpick some of the reasons why writing groups can be such a great experience, if you find the right one.
I’ve regularly attended meetings at four in-person writing groups over the years - one in London and three around the South West of England - and casually participated in several online ones, mostly on Discord. I find the in-person ones more fulfilling; perhaps it’s the need to show up and be present with no other distractions, or just the act of putting names to faces (Zoom meet-ups are fine, but spotty Internet connections make it touch-and-go).
Instant feedback & ideas
First and foremost, let’s hit the obvious one - most are at a writing group in order to either present their work and/or listen to others’. This communal approach can be exceptionally beneficial for your writing - you get to hear what works and doesn’t work (and then take onboard the parts you feel work for you, naturally). Some can even edit on the fly as they realize parts that need reworking.
Some groups will workshop ideas with you on plot or character development for stories, or wording problems in poetry, or whatever the case may be. In other cases, you may hear an idea or a line or a reference that sparks something of your own, as happened to me in a poem from my collection.
Networking
Not only can a writing group provide food for thought on what to write or how to approach your writing, it can also be a wonderful way to network for people who have goals they wish to achieve in writing. Whether that be publishing their own work (self-published or traditionally), getting into magazines and anthologies or reading at events, you never know who may be in a group who can help you out. And in return, you can provide your own help and support. For instance, I’ve started publishing reviews and interviews of writers I admire on Substack and Goodreads.
Discipline
For those that need a kick up the backside sometimes (raises a sheepish hand), the regular opportunity to show new work - either new writing or a reworked piece - can be the perfect motivation. There’s something magical about being able to see people’s initial positive reactions to something you’ve poured your soul into, or listening to a fresh piece that nourishes your soul.
Camaraderie
Circling back to what I alluded to earlier, writing is often a one-person enterprise. The warm feeling that you are not alone, that there are others like you who also play with words, who have a desire to create… that’s something special. An opportunity to find like-minded people (whether they become friends or not) is not one to be passed up.
Conclusion
If you are a writer - either beginner or veteran - I strongly advise seeking out a writing group. If by some unfortunate circumstance you aren’t able to get an in-person one, there are plenty online that are free, either on Discord or Zoom. If you want suggestions, hit me up on markengelssonwrites@substack.com
Thank you for reading No Margins Left - your support means the world to me. Quick reminder that you can pick up my books on paperback, Kindle or PDF depending on whether you go via Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Ko-Fi. Email me if you want signed copies.
Until next time,
