Finding Friends
On the Benefits of Writing Groups
Last week, when talking about submitting writing for publication, I mentioned the writing group I belong to. There are a few I’ve been part of over the years.
The group first I joined was a few years after my second child was born. Both my children didn't need me as much, though they were still little. My husband gave me steady encouragement and reassurance. It was his push that got me out the door. The group was comprised of friendly, kind, mostly older, mostly women, writing from the self. It was an AWA-style/freefall writing group, which I appreciated. They filled a well inside of me that I didn't know needed filling. It still took some time before I could bring myself to share my writing, but I don't know where I would be now without their kind encouragement.
Going to that freeflow/freefall writer's group was the best decision I ever made. I'm able to tap into ideas and creative energy that I didn't know I had. All the people there are so supportive and kind. We laugh and share stories from our lives, but most importantly, we write. We don't judge. We push each other to be creative, to write deeper.
Some time later, after one member spoke about the WCYR (Writers’ Community of York Region), I attended a meeting. They were not a "group" but a “community" with a speaker. I sporadically attended meetings based on the speakers/events they had, though I rarely spoke to anyone.
Eventually, people spoke to me. I replied. One day I volunteered to blog for them. Years later, I've been to many meetings and held money roles. Why did I keep going back? They were writers talking about writing.
I still attended the first group. From that group, was born another group. A critique group. I had wanted to be a part of one for a while, but didn't know how to find or create one. The critique group has helped me immensely. I take what they say in the vein of encouragement. They are trying to help my stories be better as I try to help them with theirs. They helped me shape my novel. I have taken what they’ve said about the pieces I've shared and applied it to the entire novel.
The group that pushed me to complete my projects are the write-ins put on by the WCYR and WCDR (Writers’ Community of Durham Region). They are casual, drop-in sessions, but there are writers who attend regularly. We hold each other accountable. We ask about each other’s current works-in-progress. We cheer each other on as progress is made. Knowing they will be there encourages me to go and dedicating that time to writing.
Each writing group or community I've been a part of has been different, affecting my writing journey in their own ways. Would I be where I am without them? I don't know. I do know that there is something mentally and emotionally sustaining by being a part of them. Writing doesn't have to be solitary. Creation doesn't have to occur in a vacuum. I encourage all writers to find a group or community, whether online or in person - they can help you be better.
What I’ve been reading:
Well Played, by Jen DeLuca
Never Whistle At Night
Calamity
What I’ve been watching:
He-Man: Revolution & He-Man: Revelation, on Netflix
Lucifer, on Netflix
What I’ve been listening to:
Brain Food, playlist on Spotify (It gets me in the science-fiction headspace.)
Learn about the land on which we reside:
https://www.whose.land/en/
https://native-land.ca