How Can Writing Groups Empower Us On Our Writing Journey?
Imagine a place where you can share your writing triumphs, tackle your struggles, and find the motivation to keep going. Welcome to the world of writing groups. These groups are a supportive space that can help your creativity thrive and writers grow together.
Whether you're an experienced author or just starting your creative writing journey, a writing group could be just what you need to take your work to the next level. Let's delve into what writing groups are all about and how they can empower us on our writing journeys.
What Are Writing Groups?
A writing group is a community of writers who come together to share their work, provide feedback, and offer support. These groups can meet in person or online, depending on what works best for the members.
The main goal is to create a supportive environment where writers can improve their craft and stay motivated. This kind of nurturing space is another reason why we think creative writing is so powerful.
A writing group can be formal, or it can be informal. You can pay to attend, or you can simply create a group with your friends. You can meet weekly or monthly and you can agree to share written work, or you can decide to just meet up and write together. The best part of a writing group is that you set the rules as a group, and you are in control of what your writing group will and won’t do.
Types of Writing Groups
Writing groups come in many shapes and sizes. We’ve popped some examples of the different types of writing groups below:
1. Genre-specific groups.
Some groups focus on specific genres such as fiction or poetry. They’ll typically provide targeted feedback and discussions relevant to each type. This may even include spoken word writing groups.
2. General Writing Group.
Some writing groups are open to all styles. These kinds of groups might offer diverse feedback and encourage us to experiment with different genres. A general writing group may include activities for you to take part in, or they may just meet to read and share work. It’s best to ask before you join a group, so you know what to expect.
3. Critique Groups.
This kind of creative writing group tends to focus on giving and receiving in-depth feedback. They will often work on elements such as refining drafts and improving specific aspects of your writing. A critique writing group is not for everybody. They can be quite negative at times, but they can also be super valuable and improve your writing. However, they need to be well-managed, and strong boundaries need to be put in place to ensure critique is fair and useful. Remember, feedback is only one person’s opinion, and you can decide whether to agree or disagree with them.
4. Social Writing Groups.
These groups emphasise motivation and support rather than critique. They can include things such as goal-setting sessions and focus on a more casual, social approach to writing. This type of writing group often uses writing sprints and allows you to stack up your works and actually work on your writing. They can be great fun and allow you to make significant progress.
When choosing a group, the important thing to consider is your goal. Do you want detailed feedback? Genre-specific insights? Or a motivating community to keep you writing? Having this in mind can help guide you towards the right kind of writing group for you.
Benefits of Joining a Writing Group
Whether you're looking to improve your writing in a certain area or just need a dose of motivation, the benefits of being part of a writing group can make a big difference in your writing journey. Let’s explore what you can gain from these supportive communities.
Feedback – One of the most significant benefits is getting constructive feedback. Other writers can spot issues you might have missed and offer new perspectives. This can be really motivating as getting encouragement and feedback from others can allow you to see your strengths as a writer. As we’ve said, the group must have clear boundaries to ensure feedback is always constructive.
Accountability – Regular meetings or deadlines can help keep you on track. It's harder to procrastinate when others are waiting to read your work. More than this though having a regular date in your diary is a great way for you to commit to your writing.
Support – Writing can feel lonely sometimes. Having a group of people who understand your struggles can be incredibly motivating. Having this writing tribe that you can turn to for support can be just the push we need when we’re feeling stuck.
Networking – Writing groups can connect you with people who have different skills and knowledge. This network can be valuable for finding opportunities, resources, and even friendships.
Are Writing Groups Worth It?
The answer to this question depends on your personal needs and goals. Here are a few reasons why writing groups might be a good fit for you:
You value feedback: If you're looking for honest and friendly opinions to improve your writing, a writing group can be invaluable.
You need motivation: If deadlines and accountability help you stay on track, a writing group can provide that structure.
You want community: Joining a writing group provides a sense of belonging and support. It’s a space where you can share your challenges and find encouragement when you need it most.
However, joining a writing group can be a big commitment. You’ll need to attend regularly to build relationships and friends that allow you to get the most out of the group, and to help others too.
The Power of Writing Groups
Writing groups can offer powerful benefits, from feedback and support to motivation and community. If you crave feedback, need deadlines, or seek camaraderie, a writing group could be a perfect addition to your writing routine.
If you’ve not experienced one before, it could be worth giving writing groups a try. You might find the boost you need to take your writing to the next level.
Or, if you’re after something slightly different, why not try a writing retreat? Writing retreats give writers a chance to escape everyday distractions and focus on their craft. At a writing retreat, you’ll typically find structured sessions for writing, workshops, and one-on-one feedback, all designed to enhance your skills and push your project forward.
So, have you ever tried a writing group? What were your thoughts on it? Get in touch with us at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com and let us know. We’d love to hear your opinion!
