Best Advice: Writing Groups
This is something I have promised myself that I would write about several times along the way. But I haven’t gotten around to it until now as I get ready to launch my exclusive writing group. I had some mixed experiences with writing groups. I was spoiled early on. My first writing group was an amazing place and I earned a friend for over 20 years from it. However, most of the rest of my experiences wouldn’t be so sanguine. Along the way I’ve collected some dos and don’ts of writing groups. Here’s how to handle writing groups.
Leave Ego Behind
If there’s one thing that won’t do you any good at a writing group is having too much ego about yourself or your own work. This even includes your own process. Trying to tell people that there is “only one way” to do something, especially writing, is foolhardy. I have written and teach a course on writing and one of the first things I remind students about is how they need to find their own processes. I have suggestions and ideas but ultimately, I can’t tell them what to do, not really. I can guide and mentor. I can present methods and tried and true things that I, and others have done.
Everyone has their own unique writing journey and groups can and should be respectful of that. I would also be wary of writing groups where there is a leader or “guru” giving pronouncements about writing from on-high about writing. I approach my writing group as just another writer and anyone who is trying to start a sort of cult or uses their position or fame to bully others is a hard “no-go” zone.
Be Kind
If I had a dollar for every time I was attacked in a writing group, I’d be retired to the South of France or Spain in a villa driving a Mercedes convertible and drinking wine on a terrace. One writing group I went to, which met in the meeting room of a mediocre mexican restaurant when I lived in Tacoma; I was criticized (oh the horror) for writing long-hand (as was my practice at the time) and was told to, “learn to type.” Never mind that I already knew how to touch type (hello Mavis Beacon!) but the person was not to be deterred. I didn’t go to that group again. What was the point of that little story? Try to be kind to others.
Writing is intrinsically vulnerable. I always tell my clients, “thank you for trusting me with your work.” I meet each project with profound respect, not just because I’m being paid, but because each bit of writing deserves it. When people come to a writing group they are bring something incredibly intimate, their own thoughts, with them to share. Even when talking about whether something works or not, you can be kind and respectful of them. Be careful with your language and use the compliment sandwich method. Always courage people to keep writing and keep creating.
Participate
This is probably rather obvious but I’ve known people who are simply too afraid to read to a writing group or afraid to share their work. They will sit idly by and just give commentary or won’t say anything at all! I say, if you are going to take the time to give a writing group a go, fully participate in it! Stepping a little outside of your comfort zone will be a good thing. Writing requires boldness and two tablespoons of courage, so a writing group can and should be a safe space to do that, get helpful feedback and support from folks on the same journey. Stay engaged and you’ll walk away with tons of value for your manuscript. If you don’t feel like you are in the right space for that, it might be time to consider changing groups to one where you can feel good about bringing your full writerly self to the table.
If you are interested in writing a book and telling your unique story! My new writing courses: The Power of Story (fiction and non-fiction) are now available! You get year long access to the complete course as well as access to our bi-weekly writing group and 2 coaching sessions with me! To sign up today visit: The Cameron Journal Academy.
