Why Join a Writer’s Group?
by Janet Martin
I’m not really a writer. I wish I was, but I’m not, although I would be if I could. I suppose I need to reconcile myself to the idea of being one of those on the outside looking in, and in all honesty, looking in quite enviously at the ‘real’ authors, artists and poets.
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Have you ever felt like this? Lonely, misunderstood and unsure if you are on a completely pointless quest? An artist, but only unto thyself?
As a blossoming poet and writer, I still feel like that sometimes but, I will admit, not quite as often as before. Why? Did I suddenly become more polished in my art? Did I lose my fear of exposure, vulnerability or transparency? Not exactly. I joined a writer’s group and learned I am not the only one with feelings of uncertainty. In fact, I discovered it just might be ‘normal.’
I am so thankful that I did more than think about joining my local writer’s group. Being part of the group has taught me more than I ever anticipated. I learned I am not alone or crazy or abnormal. I learned from this group of beautiful people that all writers are on their own personal journey, but need each other. Writers inspire writers. It is that simple.
When asked why I joined I replied, ‘to learn.’ I wasn’t sure what specifically, but something, and it wouldn’t hurt to go once or twice. My original plan included trying it out and simply seeing what I could glean from the experiences of ‘real’ writers. I soon discovered that ‘real’ writers are simply ‘us.’ I am one of them.
Our group shares some diverse writing interests including nonfiction, teen fiction, adult fiction, short story, children’s literature, poetry, song-writing, and writing for the ‘sheer pleasure of it.’ We are so different and yet so alike; a group ranging in ages from 15 to 70 plus, yet age never really crosses our minds because our passion is our common ground: the art in the power of the written word.
Recognizing our own gifts and potential and being honest with each other is essential to becoming the best we can be. That is every true artist’s goal. An artist cannot turn off passion and will not be satisfied with anything but his or her best. The best can only be made possible as we let go of fear and open our hearts to the words God entrusts to us. Thanks to writer’s groups, we have an environment where it can happen.
In our group, the dynamics are such that we understand the need to share and critique but at the same time recognize the desire for kind honesty, not flattery (we can get that from well-meaning family and friends.) A writer’s group draws us from our comfort zone if we are willing to work hard and be vulnerable, but it never forces. My writer’s group has kept me from giving up or throwing down my pen forever! They have become some of my new best friends. The icing on the cake is what we learn from each other, as well as from credible, experienced published authors who share with us what they have learned through trial and error. They share valuable insights and information about writing and publishing, allowing each writer to share or simply listen.
If you are thinking of joining a writers group but are still hesitating, may I strongly encourage you to ‘just do it.’ It may be, in retrospect, the best decision you ever make; the stepping-stone to becoming who you are meant to be.
Our art is the pleasure that drives us through life’s mundane avenues.
The Writer
She stares at the empty canvas
Contemplating which colors to use
Her brush hovers impatiently; quiet
As she takes the time to choose
The shades that will accurately reflect
The mood of passion’s stirred
Her colors are consonants and vowels
Her painting; the written word
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Janet is a wife, a stay-at-home mother of four, and the daughter of a King! She loves everything God gives to enjoy, including life, family, friends, music, nature and poetry. Visit Janet's blogs at: