Your Local Writers' Group

[Marsha Hansen]

One of the best ways to develop a sense of yourself as an author is to enjoy the collegiality of a writers' group or guild. What are some strengths of your local group? How are you supported and encouraged by information and activities that your group sponsors? Are your groups associated with libraries, book clubs, reading groups, or fan clubs?

[Patti B. Ogden]

Thank you for posting this question, Marsha. Its a good one. My local writers group has encouraged me by giving me new ways to view my writing skills. They challenge me to think outside of the box which drives me to improve and sharpen the creativity I already possess, but need to improve upon. My group is a reading group. I would not be without them!

Patti B. Ogden

[Marsha Hansen]

Hi Patti,
It's great that your group is also a reading group. One of John Kremer's tips is that favorite authors are sometimes willing to have a phone conference with your reading group, if not visit in person. This is a fantaastic way not only to get insights into particular books, but to ask questions about style and the discipline of writing directly from the people we most admire. As an author, I enjoy visiting with the people who read my books, and many of the authors I know are happy for the opportunity to interact with and encourage other writers. My late writing partner, Peter Huchthausen, who wrote K-19 the Widowmaker and Hostile Waters, especially enjoyed visiting schools and encouraging youngsters to study history and get involved in research and writing.

[SusieSunshine]

What is the difference between a reading group and a critique group?

[Stacy-Deanne]

Hi Marsha,
I've been a member of the Authors Guild for almost eight years. They are the top and most famous group for published authors. There are tons of things they provide as well as legal assistance, website services, funds and grants available to authors in times of need and keeping us in the know of all that's going in the industry. They are an author's watchdog and they stand by their principles. They are of course connected to many different types of mediums in the industry and they have the influence and the clout to get things done for authors and make a difference.

Best Wishes,

Stacy
http://www.stacy-deanne.net

[Marsha Hansen]

Thank you, Stacy. This is information that any writer can mine to find resources and support. You are very generous to share it.
All best,
Marsha Hansen
www.redroom.com/author/marsha-hansen

[Ruth Ann Nordin]

That is the definition of a terrific writers group. :)

[SusieSunshine]

Okay. Now you are all thrilled with your author groups. Can you give exact reasons why? What do they do? How are they run? What makes them so good?

Come on... spill the beans!

[Ruth Ann Nordin]

Some are good. Some are not. The good ones have the leader who has the heart of a teacher. In my opinion, the leader is the one who sets the tone for the entire group. When one person in the group starts criticizing someone else as not being "experienced enough at writing" to be worth listening to, the leader steps in and reminds everyone that it doesn't matter what stage we are at in writing because even beginners have insight that "experienced writers" have forgotten. I like that. The leader teaches the group and answers emails. She hands out resources and is very positive. It doesn't matter to her what stage you are at on the writing journey as long as you are having fun with it.

Now, I have also been to two bad groups. The worst group was full of traditionally published authors. Not all the authors were bad but some had the attitude that since their books were traditionally published, then they are more important than those who have not published yet or self-published. The atmosphere is more of a "hey, look at what book I sold this time" instead of a desire to teach or enjoy the companionship of other writers. It's a bragging club, and the leader encourages this by handing out charms for accomplishments. Effort does not count. It is the final result that counts. And to me, that makes for a bad group. (When I asked the group questions about traditional publishing, I was told that I would have to pay the authors to give up the information I wanted or that the authors were too busy to answer me. Later, I found my questions online for free from traditionally published authors and agents who were willing to "teach" people something.)

That's my experience.

The most useful group to me has been the critique group as far as learning how to write, but even then, you need a good leader (and I have one).

[Ruth Ann Nordin]

I am a member of two critique groups (one containing 20 people and one containing three people, including me). I am a member of two romance writers groups. The large critique group is associated with a library. But none of the other associations you listed apply. The biggest strength is in the support from the critique groups. There's a desire to help other writers and people are encouraging. The strength from the writers group seems to stem mostly from information regarding contests.

[Phillip Wadsworth /Cover Stevens]

I am looking for a good writers' group in my area (Eatontown, NJ). Does anyone have any suggestions? Maybe a poetry guild?
Cover Stevens

[Skeeze Whitlow]

08/17/09
Skeeze Whitlow
4317 N. 16th Street
Arl. VA 22207
240 – 271 - 7569 www.NewFiction.com


Dear Marsha ,
As a former U.S. Capitol attendant, I offer you Senate Parking. A 90 K word novel about a multicultural crew of parking lot attendants who operate an escort service from the Senate lots. A good look at the underbelly of our law making process. Senate Parking can be listened to at www.NewFiction.com
“Hill Intros” is the brainstorm of attendants unable to obtain employment within the confines of the Capitol. Senate Parking is the story of power structures, on a personal and national level. Done from the perspective of workers who see themselves without much chance of ‘making it’ in a culture of power drivers, Washington’s backdrop provides a tension all its own.
This book concerns every kind of shady deal for which the political arena is famous. Senate Parking is full of anecdotes which let freedom ring. I can provide you with a synopsis or with the complete manuscript – whatever you like. Either way, I’ll be in touch.
Sincerely,

Skeeze Whitlow

[Skeeze Whitlow]

[e-mail]

My second novel is now audio – like old time radio. All you have to do is listen. It’ll make you laff. Go to www.NewFiction,com

Choose ‘Senate Parking’

Skeeze Whitlow