Writing groups are bomb. Not only will they review your work constructively, but they are also in tune to the difficulties of writing effectively. They often suggesting ways to help with those difficulties. They also know a lot about the industry itself and about local readings and lectures. The rewards of joining a good writing group are endless, but here are a few.
I am a huge fan of Writers Market and I was going on and on about it one day. That’s when somebody in the group chimed in and told me about a site called http://www.duotrope.com/, which not only gives you masthead information for a plethora of publications, but also has a section where you can track where you have sent your work. And the best part is that its free. As writers, you know how invaluable this information is. If I weren’t a part of my writing group, I’m afraid that I may have never known this.
Another benefit of joining a writing group is that it forces you to write on a deadline. My writing group meets every other Thursday where we review three short stories. Everybody in the writing group knows the structure and we are all very dedicated and respectful of the rules.
For me, it is extremely difficult to edit my own work; this is why being a part of a writing group is essential. If you ask your writing group to edit your work, they will. This is key, because every writer knows that writing is constant re-writing and sometimes you will need somebody to point out the inconsistencies in grammar, structure, timing, and characterization.
And yet another perk of belonging to a writing group is that they may have access to the inside scoop. If the other members of your group are in tune to other writers, writing groups, or even publications in your area, you could save yourself some serious time. Has your favorite magazine changed editors? What is the e-mail structure of so-and-so publication? They may have the answers to these questions and more.
These are just some of the reasons why you should join a writing group. So, stop thinking, and just do it. Check out craigslist.com, meetup.com or mediabistro.com for information about local writing groups. It’s definitely worth it especially if you find the right one. Good luck!
