4 Must-Read Books on Writing Groups

Writing often feels like a solitary pursuit, but it doesn't have to be. Joining a writing group can enable you to be a part of a tribe, and ignite your creativity, form great writing habits, hear constructive feedback, and motivate you to stretch your abilities.

That said, participating in a writing group can present challenges for any writer, reversing the potential rewards.

But it doesn't have to be that way for you. You can learn more about writing groups and writing group membership to make the most of the opportunity.

That's why I picked these four essential books. Each book offers valuable information, with its own vantage point, which can help you pick the right group or assess the group you're in today. In this way, you'll thrive in the group setting and ultimately succeed in your writing work.

The following books are my personal picks. They're in author-last-name alpha order, and in full disclosure, I've included my book:

No Red Pen: Writers, Writing Groups & Critique by Victoria S. Hudson

Vicki Hudson's book is a comprehensive how-to for forming a group from scratch or joining an existing circle. She gives you tools to use right away and guides you so that you can conduct a successful group experience. Her emphasis is on the critique process, and she dives deep, advocating an approach that respects the writer and their work and maximizes learning and development.

The Write Group by J.H. Jones

My book is targeted to adult beginner writers, and readers of my book have told me they feel fired up and empowered. You learn about the importance of mindset, setting writing goals, common types of writing groups, and how to make the most of whichever type of group you choose, With real-life stories, encouragement, and practical tips, new writers will gain confidence, manage challenges and achieve their ambitions.

Writing Alone, Writing Together: A Guide for Writers and Writing Groups by Judy Reeves

Judy Reeves recognizes that writing is lonely work, but believes when writers work together, they learn craft, discipline and the process of art faster and more effectively. Drawing on her years of writing group experiences, she defines and explores different types of groups, and discusses good leadership, the art of writing prompts, and how to deal with negative situations, providing lots of tips and helpful checklists.

The Writing Group Book: Creating and Sustaining a Successful Writing Group Edited by Lisa Rosenthal

Lisa Rosenthal gathers wisdom from more than 30 writing group members in a compendium of writing group advice. Many different authors--poets, playwrights, screenwriters, fiction/nonfiction writers, memoirists, and children’s writers--reflect on their experiences with live, online and international group formats and share their secrets to writing group success.

Joining a writing group can transform your writing experience, but only if you take advantage of the opportunity. That's why learning about how to tap into the support and collaboration that will enrich your creative process and your final work is so important. The practical strategies and information found in these four essential books enable you to harness the power of writing groups so that you can achieve your writing goals.

Do you recommend other books about writing groups? Let me know in the comments!