John Hewitt’s Writing Tips: Join a Writer’s Group

Joining a writer’s group (or poet’s group) can be a frustrating experience. You have to show up every session with something new for your peers to look at. Chances are, the people in the group will pick your work apart. They’ll reveal flaws you never thought were flaws. They’ll make you defensive and at times discouraged. Sometimes their criticism will make you wonder if you are surrounded by geniuses or idiots.

So, why do it? Because it will make you a better writer. It will teach you to examine your work from a reader’s point-of-view. It will teach you when to defend and when to listen. It will give you a chance to look at other people’s work and measure your progress. It will give you a chance to think constructively about both your work and the work of others. It will help you make contacts within your field. Most importantly, it will keep you writing, if only because you don’t want to show up with nothing to read and nothing to say. Writing groups are frustrating but it is a good frustration.

Not every writing group is perfect for every person. If, after taking the time to really try, you find that you don’t trust and don’t like the people in your group, start looking for a writing group that is more compatible with your needs. If you are having trouble finding groups, check your local arts/alternative publications, bookstores and colleges. If that doesn’t work, start your own group.

Related links

• Fifteen Writing Exercises (0.500)
• How to Create Fictional Characters Using Adversity (0.500)
• 12 Exercises for Improving Dialog (0.500)
• How to Create Fictional Characters (0.500)
• Writing Productivity -- Using an Idea Log (0.500)