Post #141 October 15 2018

“Should You Join a Writers’ Group?”

About six months ago, I joined a writers’ workshop.  Several friends of mine had been after me to do this.  In years past, I have been to several writers’ workshops and have developed a generally skeptical view toward the value of such things.  But maybe I’ve changed.  Maybe I’m more mature as a writer and more open to new ideas.  Maybe I understand my strengths and weaknesses as a writer better.  Whatever the reason, this workshop seems to be clicking for me.

Should you join a writers’ group or participate in a workshop?  Of course, the answers will be as varied as writers are.  Before making your decision, consider these three aspects of the decision.

1. Craft skills.  No writer is perfect.  And no writer knows everything or can‘t improve his or her skills at plotting, developing character or detailing setting.  Well-done workshops can focus on the basics, which busy writers sometimes tend to forget.  What carries a narrative?  How do you build suspense?  What makes a character memorable and engaging?  How much detail do you need to make a place come alive? (the answer: not as much as you think).  A well-done writers’ group or workshop will allow you to experiment with new ideas, critique others and have your work critiqued, develop a comfort zone with being around people who love words and want to develop their abilities to tell stories and mutually support each other’s efforts to do so.  No writer is so great or unique that they can’t become better by absorbing a little enlightened criticism, whether from an editor, an agent or a writers’ group.
2. Networking.  Writing is for the most part a solitary occupation.  And to be successful, who you know matters.  That’s just a reality of the writing business.  The writers’ group I am involved with is led by a lady named Kit, who is a published author in illustrated children’s books.  She has a wealth of insights about the ins and outs of publishers, agents, deadlines, working with rewrites, etc.  Others in the group know people who may be helpful to you in various aspects of your project.  One may know a good illustrator.  Another may know of an agent or a publisher who is looking for just what you’re writing.  By joining a writers’ group, or workshop, as opposed to a book discussion club, you increase your chances of meeting the right person to help you in your work.  Plus it’s just plain more rewarding to be among people dedicated to the craft and business of writing and telling stories. 
3. Validation of effort. Everybody needs feedback and an ‘attaboy’ once in a while, regardless of your efforts and your field.  Validation means you get some kind of psychic reward for what you are doing.  Dogs need this when they’re learning what their masters want.  It’s human nature to want approbation and approval of our efforts.  It helps us learn and grow.  Writers are no different.  A good writers’ group allows you a safe place to ask what seem like stupid questions (but really aren’t) and get answers to things that have been bothering you about the craft and how to accomplish something you haven’t been able to do.  In a sometimes lonely occupation, knowing you’re on the right track, knowing that others struggle with the same concerns, knowing that there are people out there who really do want you to succeed at what can sometimes be a merciless art, is vital to keeping you focused on the long game and energized to finish what you’ve started and enjoy the supreme feeling of really accomplishing something worthwhile, something that others (readers) will appreciate and perhaps even pay money for.
    
   That’s why joining a good writers’ workshop can be a rewarding experience.  Just do your homework, ask around and choose wisely.
    
   The next post to The Word Shed will come on October 22, 2018.
    
   See you then.
    
   Phil B.