Six Reasons to Join a Writers Group
Benefits to Belonging to Organizations for Writing Professionals
May 28, 2009
Writers often wonder if joining writers groups like Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America (RWA), or Willamette Writers will be beneficial. There are also local writers groups that writers may find valuable. Listed below are six benefits of joining writers groups, both national and local.
Networking
One of the primary reasons writers join writers groups is to network. Writers groups provide the opportunity to meet aspiring writers, published authors, and professionals from the publishing industry. Speakers for groups can also include experts in various fields who may prove helpful during the research phase of a project.
Socializing
Writing is usually solitary work. The lack of contact with other people can become discouraging. Most writing groups have local chapters with monthly meetings where members can socialize. Many also have created online groups where members can discuss topics between meetings. The common interest of the writing group may help people connect and provide the opportunity for friendship to develop beyond the group setting.
Education
Writers groups will often have speakers at their monthly meetings. Speakers talk about the writing process, the craft of writing, and the publishing industry among other writing related topics. Some groups also sponsor experts like law enforcement agents, forensic specialists, and doctors who can answer questions to help writers improve the factual elements in their writing projects. Many group meetings also include a segment for writers to talk about ongoing projects or ask for help with an issue they’ve encountered. These sessions can be helpful for all members of the group. All level of writers can generally learn something useful from writers groups meetings.
Shared Information
Writers groups provide writers a safe place to ask questions and get answers. While writers are generally receptive to sharing information with other writers being a part of the same group makes it a little easier. Writers share opportunities they find with other members of the group. They direct one another to resources for research. They share their knowledge about conferences and other writing events. Most groups have a newsletter where members can share information with one another. Writers groups are great places for writers to learn what is happening in their writing community as well as in the writing world.
Shared Experience
Belonging to a writers group provides the opportunity to experience things together providing discussion topics and growth. People bond over shared experiences creating relationships that can prove beneficial. Group members will also share their past experiences expanding the knowledge base of the group. One member who attends an event may report to the group on the knowledge gained at the event. Members discuss their experiences with agents, editors, and other professionals helping one another gain a better understanding of the industry and the writer’s place in it.
Promotion
It’s easier to promote a book to a group if the author is already a member. Group members will support one another because they’ve shared experiences and connected through meetings and conversations. The group may provide writers who are new to speaking a place to practice giving talks about their books. Promotional materials can be passed out to group members. Members of the group will often come out to support authors at book signings. Promotion should never be the only reason for joining a group.
Writers who actively participate in a group are likely to benefit more from the group, make friends, and have a better experience overall. Writers should be careful that any group they join fit their needs and personality. Writers should contribute to the group for the benefit of the members and the group itself.
