During the past few years, I've joined a couple of writers' organizations and met a wide variety of authors. Some are long-time professionals and leading lights in their areas of focus, while others are making progress in their careers and still others are newer to their craft and just beginning to practice.
With such a diversity of expertise and backgrounds, it surprised me when I heard some commonly held (and mistaken) beliefs about writing groups. On top of that, it occurred to me that others might believe in these myths, too. That's why, for this post, I want to share three common myths and bust 'em!
Myth 1: Writing groups are for literary manuscripts only.
Busted!
This myth reflects two mistaken beliefs. The first mistaken belief is that writing groups are for exchanging manuscripts, period. If you've read my earlier posts, you know there are different kinds of writing groups. A critiquing circle, where writers share their work, is only one type of writing group and there are other types that are useful, too.
The second mistaken belief is an implied attitude that literary works are superior, and genre writing is inferior. Well, that's just crazy talk. Genre writing involves a huge intentional creative commitment to align with the tropes, themes, and structures associated with a genre. Some might argue genre-writing is more challenging than literary writing!
Don't get me wrong. I'm all for literary writing, and without doubt there are groups dedicated to the members' literary works. Yet, there are just as many (or more?) groups aligned with genres and sub-genres, as well as groups that are not interested in works-in-progress at all but discuss industry news and agent pitches, hold each other accountable for progress, engage in writing get-togethers, etc. My point is there are all kinds of groups focused on different topics for different purposes, and real-life writing groups are not exclusive to literary manuscripts. If someone repeats this myth to you, you have my permission to roll your eyes and go find yourself a group of real writers.
Myth 2: Join one group and stick with it, no matter what.
Busted!
False. A writing group should serve you and your goals. If it doesn't, move on.
This means you have to know what your goals are. You may have several and may need more than one group to help you make progress on them, but you've got to be clear in your own mind what you're aiming for and how a group can help you.
In addition, your goals will change. Let's say you join a group to establish a regular writing habit, and the group is terrific for that purpose. Awesome! Yet, as you gain confidence in your writing routine, you look for something more, such as feedback on your flash fiction. If your group can adapt to your changing goals, great. But if not, there's no requirement to stay with the group. Your work and writing growth are too important to hold yourself back. By all means, thank your writing buddies, because they helped you achieve something important—your new writing habit. But feel free to go forth and stretch yourself with a new group or join an additional group, which aligns with your developing interest.
Myth 3: If you're not in a writing group, you're not a writer.
Busted!
Um, no. To be a writer, you simply write. It's pretty straightforward.
Yes, I believe that writing groups of all varieties can be super helpful in your writerly progress, whether you're focused on habits, craft, or your authorpreneurial business. But there's no requirement to belong to a group. So, if a group is not for you, no worries. That said, please, believe in yourself as a writer and keep on writing!
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You may have some beliefs and opinions about writing groups, too, and if so, I hope you'll leave a comment or click on Let's Chat because I'd love to have a conversation! And if you want to know more about writing groups, check out my ebook, The Write Group.
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