Why should I join a writers group?

This depends on the writer. There have been scores of successful writers who have never been associated with a group. There are several reasons why you would want to join or even form one:

Encouragement
People to bounce your ideas off of
Editing
Unbiased opinions
Networking

Encouragement

On occasion you want to give up on your writing and return to your mundane job or life. The group would be there to talk you out of this fool-hearted train of thought. They will be there for you.

People to bounce your ideas off of

If you have a family member or close friend, you, like most writers, want to tell them about your ideas, plot points and character development. Eventually, friends and family will tire of your imaginative stories. They may even try to avoid you rather than endure another discussion about your book.

The writing group knows how you feel and are just as anxious to tell their story to you. With a room full of creative people, they’ll help you improve your developing story. And your family and friends will thank you.

Editing

If you’re not an English Major and know that your writing has grammatical errors or plot points that need tightening you should consider a group. Each individually critiquing your novel will see and evaluate it in different ways. One may find weakness in a character, while the other may correct your spelling. In either case, you will find both useful.

Unbiased opinions

Let’s be honest. Most family members and friends will rave about your work. They hardly even find flaws your story telling. They say this to you because they do not wish to hurt your feelings or want to suffer any type of rebuke from you for sullying your brainchild.

When you join a group, you need to have a tough skin. Not everyone will find your writing as innovative as your mother did. In a group, you should find honest, open opinions about your work. Isn’t that what you really want?

Networking

You will find that one or more of your group members will have connections with the publishing world. They may introduce you to published writers, publishers and agents. The group can give you promotional and marketing ideas. Members can visit conventions and workshops together.

Where can I find a group?

Many writing groups can be found on the internet at places such as; http://groups.yahoo.com/
http://groups.google.com
http://www.writing.com/main/list_items/item_type/groups http://www.writermag.com/wrt/community/groups/groups.asp.

You can also check your local library. Writers groups often meet there.