Thursday, August 11, 2011

Writing Groups


Don't have one? Get one. Seriously. You won't regret it. How do I know?

I have one.

I believe that writing groups are essential for a writer's career, but also for helping the writer themselves. They are your friends, your confidants, the people you trust to look into your soul. You know, the bared one. The naked one that we protect so well. (Yes, I just used the word naked.) At least until it's time to critique. And because they're your friends they'll do it gently.

I cannot tell you how invaluable my group has been. We're called Moonwriters for the time of day that we write, though for myself I do best when the moon's on its last leg. We're also part of a larger group, a wonderful organization called American Night Writers Association. ANWA was organized over 20 years ago and includes beautiful ladies from around the globe. All these ladies have three things in common and all are essential for the writing I do.

  1. They're all women. (sorry guys, but it's easier to do the naked thing in front of other women. You understand.)
  2. They're all LDS. Each member of ANWA belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And though I have MANY friends who are not of my faith, this group helps to service some of my particular needs.
  3. They're all writers.
Trying to balance my life as wife, mother and writer is a constant struggle, but it's a little easier having a support group like this. And you want to know the best part? They can be there for you, too! How? you ask. So glad you did. :)

I know several of these ladies personally who go out of their way to blog for writers and give helpful hints towards bettering their craft. I'm jealous of their skill and time, and the way they can help more than just our group. Perhaps my blogging about them may count for something. :)

In my sidebar you'll find a list of these wonderful writers whom I hope to include on my future acknowledgements page. Some day. When I get published. Not if...when. Because with friends like them, how can I fail?

So what are you waiting for? Go get a group!


5 comments:

  1. Having a writer's group is very important. Not only can you learn from each other, but you can lean on each other when you have struggles, as well. I guess that's what happens when a bunch of woman get together, whether physically or cyberly, huh?

    Hey, Karen, why is my name in gray? Just curious.

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  2. Hi Debra! So strange. I'm showing Susan in gray when I look at it. I don't know if it's random or what. It's supposed to be blue. :)

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  3. I love my ANWA critique group. My book would seriously not be published without all of the help and support I got from my local ANWA group and the online critique line. So, so helpful.

    Love the new blog. :)

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  4. I love my writing groups and would never have gotten where I am without them. I definitely agree every new writer should go find one!

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