I’ve been in a group off and on since I was in college…some odd 6 years. Although in college they called them creative writing workshops and were moderated by a professor. Now they can be anything from writers groups to critique partners.
For me, the biggest advantages to critique or writing groups is having other creative type people to talk to. People I can bounce ideas off of. Not to mention a group of people I can get to judge my writing, who understand the hours it takes to put something down on paper.
Finding a good writers group can be challenging too. It’s a combination of finding something that meets your needs, and where you feel like you can fit in, because there are very few things more personal then sharing something you’ve created for the first time and asking for feedback.
When I first moved to DC I was lucky to find a really great writers group. Which worked for about two or three years, but then my needs changed…or the group changed, and it was no longer working. I had a falling out with a few of the leaders, and decided it was time for a change. I will still on rare occasion go to that group, like when a friend who is still a member has a piece up for critique and wants a show of support, or if I just feel like I need to hang out with other writers.
But now, I feel a bit adrift. It’s like I’m single for the first time in a really long time, and trying to decide if I should put myself out there or not.
However, I do have a really awesome group of friends who are writers, most of which I met at the old group, and still keep in touch with. So for right now, I’m happy to just have writer friends, and no formal critique group. But a few trusted people that I can bounce ideas off of, or show a scene I feel really uncertain about too. Plus blogging friends.
What about you? Do you have a writers group? Writer friends? Etc?
I think its important for writers to have a support group composed of other writers:)
ReplyDeleteHappy A-Zing!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
While I'm not a writer, I believe we all need encouragement, inspiration, and feedback from others. Great post!
ReplyDeleteEat Live Move: Intuitive Eating from A to Z
True. I didn't really think about how this would pull over to other places but your absolutely right.
DeleteI have three CP's who I exchange work with. I honestly don't know what I'd do without them. Like you said, not just for critiquing, but to bounce ideas off each other and for friendship and support.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could survive without other creative friends.
DeleteWriter friends are always good. I love critique groups but one on one critiques are also completely awesome.
ReplyDeleteYou get a very different feel from a one on one vs a group. Groups are great cause ideas bounce around. One on one is great cause you can trouble shoot.
DeleteI have a really great CP, and a few other friends who write, but I haven't had much luck finding a group. I've tried a few writers groups in the area, but most of the other participants were considerably older than I was, and we were definitely at different stages with our writing goals. I'm still hopeful that I'll find one though!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think its okay to go to groups with older folk. One of my best critique partners is twice my age.
DeleteBut I'm sure you'll find one. You could always see if there are any nearby schools with a writing program that you can join.
No I in team, but there is in win. And two in critique, so it's doubly important.
ReplyDeleteI love this picture :). You're just in transition, dude. You'll catch another creative critique wave when it's ready. Besides... when do you ever do anything in an organized fashion? It's one of the best things about your writing :)
ReplyDeleteI have a sister and shes awesome.
ReplyDelete