Writing Groups Yes or No?
- Crazdwriterposted 15 years ago
0 - Crazdwriterposted 15 years ago0
Looks like we are the only ones
- lynnechandlerposted 15 years ago0
- Crazdwriterposted 15 years ago0
You're shy? Aw, I don't believe it. No one would laugh unless you intended them to. You have a wacky sense of humour that I've really, really enjoyed on the forums.
As to the main question: writing groups. Hmmm. I like book review groups but writing groups? People can get really edgy and competetive, because people are REALLY SENSITIVE about their writing. I understand that, our writing is our children, it's our babies we're talking about here, but for me, I would rather write than deal with personality issues. Ya know what I mean?
and Sadly I couldn't really find anything out here in Anaheim...I looked like you suggested rmcrayne and nothing.
I'm the type who wouldn't join one. I don't see what there would be talk about. I don't happen to "not want to meet other writers", but I like to only hang out with people for who they are - not what they do for work or hobby.
I don't have anything to re-hash about writing - my own or someone else's. Once people know their grammar and either say what they want to say or else go out and find work, what else is there to say?
I may not see writing as much a private thing, as a simple thing. - you sit down, you write, you move on to the next thing. This isn't meant to insult anyone who finds some use in writer's groups (because I respect that we all think differently) ; but, to me, it just seems like people may use writing as an excuse to socialize (which is ok, and which is, I know, only my way of seeing it).There's free (trial) membership, but if you want more benefits such as more writes to post and the like, you can get the paid membership. I think the fees are pretty fair, not mega bucks.
- Janettaposted 15 years ago0
- domhain_12posted 15 years ago0
I love the idea of a writing group, but my past experiences haven't been positive. There are a lot of writing groups where I live, but the problem is it's hard to find contemporaries. For instance, I was over 20 years younger than the next oldest person in any of the writing groups I joined.
I have nothing against people who are older, but they tended to be more the biography, mainstream fiction type, and I am more of a fantasy/slipstream person.
Although honestly, I think I'm just still angry about being told at one of the meetings that I could not use the word hobo, because it was too dated. I must be a very old 26, because I still use the word hobo sometimes :pI would recommend anyone with an interest in creative writing to join a local writing class or group; and if there isn't one already, start one yourself.
Writing groups are as varied as the members that make them up, so if one group isn't to your taste simply go somewhere else.
Personally I prefer actual groups rather than online groups, but other people's choices are their own to make, of course.
I've been with Riverside Writers now for around seven years, and have chaired the meetings since 2003. We have speakers, workshops and public performances. Our members consist of published authors and people who write purely for fun, and we're open to writers of all genres. Each month, we have a group project which helps keep the emphasis on writing rather than just talking about writing. This also gives the meetings focus and can be a lot of fun.
So, instead of wondering whether to join a writers group, I encourage you to go ahead and join one. If you don't like it, you can easily leave again!
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