If writing groups are good enough for famous writers like Socrates, C.S. Lewis, and Ernest Hemingway, it’s good enough for me! My local library is having monthly meetings and I will be attending my very first writer’s meeting tomorrow.
I’m not sure what to expect.
Feast or Famine
I imagine two possible conversational extremes, both negative:
Feast
A hyperactive chatterbox will monopolize the time with their “expertise” and their untapped million-dollar ideas they haven’t gotten around to yet.
Famine
Crickets. Awkward silence. In a desperate attempt to escape, someone will push their chair back, creating a loud skidding noise on the carpet, and shuffle slowly to the punch bowl (I hope there’s punch). A sporadic cough will break the silence and we’ll all be thinking we should have just used the time to write at home.
Utopia: Accountability and Meaningful Conversation
The optimal outcome will be meeting other passionate folks who share encouraging ideas through a well-balanced discussion.
I would love to hear your stories! Have you participated in a writing group? Did you find it helpful?
The Sullivan Spin 
Years ago. I was a good experience but I don’t write per se’. I am a great reader tho.:)
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The advice I read about writing encourages writers to be great readers, so I think there is a connection there.
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I wish.:))
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Me too!
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You write very well. Just got through editingfor a friend. hehe one doesn’t have to be an arthor to Know a good one.:))
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You are very kind Hawk!
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:))
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Wow that’s really great that your local library offers such thing. I wish there was something like that where I live.
How was your experience so far? How was it interacting with writers face to face?
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It was nice. Finding out that fear is common among new writers is reassuring somehow. The bottom line that writers simply have to write doesn’t change, but at least you know the anxiety is common.
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Well I think that is something to bond over. Good to know that I’m not the only one feeling anxious about my work.
Great to hear a good feedback.
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You are not alone Eva, the oddity would be a creative person who isn’t self-conscious about their work. Anxiety seems very common among writers, from what I gather.
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I think anxiety would stem from the creative nature of writers. Id like to think it in this perspective.. The more anxious you are, the more creative you can be. Well that is my opinion though.
That way everything will be more in a positive light instead of a negative one.
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If anxiety is wanting your work to be effective or well received, then it’s normal. If my anxiety cripples me, then it’s a problem.
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I agree 😊
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I just learned that your writer’s group meets monthly. I think that would be a great group to bounce ideas off of and share common experiences.
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Yes, but there is a mild vibe of distrust to share ideas…that somehow these people could still scorn my idea or steal it if it’s good.
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