Sunday, February 7, 2010

Writing with a group?

Last month I joined a Writers Group. Some of you will already have discovered how amazing this is but it's all new to me. Don't get me wrong, I love my Sizzling Scribes and don't know what I'd do without them. However there is nothing like sitting in a room with a group of people who share your passion and just talk writing. My friends and family don't understand why I make the 80 mile round trip. It's the same reason I come back every year to the Romantic Times Convention (can't wait for Columbus in April!). Something about the creative atmosphere inspires me to be creative in return. It gives me a goal to focus on and gives me back my own passion for creating stories.

We meet every second Tuesday, I've only been twice so far and I already love it. The group has simple rules: anyone is welcome and you have to find something good to say about every piece of work before you say anything bad. There are poets, novelists and writers of short fiction amongst the people I have met so far of, all ages and stages. It is this open atmosphere that I love. I've looked at other writers groups before, many closer to home, and I've been put off by a general impression of snobbery. Given the kind of stories I write I felt that many of them wouldn't want me as a member or would look down on my work as not worthy. The very fact that this group was open to all writers, whatever they write is ultimately what prompted me to join. At the moment I think I am one of the only romance novelists and one of the few women in the group so the guys are getting an education. It's fun throwing out all their preconceived notions about the genre. Since they write in genre's I don't typically read, I too, am being educated. Inspiring me to take my work in directions I haven't considered before. So this blog is dedicated to the Glasgow Writers Group, thank you for making me welcome.

Are you a member of a writing group? Tell us about them. What is it that keeps you coming back?

9 comments:

Michelle Polaris said...

Cait,
I love my writer's groups. I've been part of two in person groups, one a cross-genre collaboration and one simply romance. The support and understanding you can get are amazing. As well as the opportunity to benefit from the diverse strengths of the other writers. I wouldn't be the writer I am today without these folks. Enjoy your new group. It sounds like you found another piece of home.

Diana Hunter said...

Sounds like a wonderful group of people, Cait!

As for me, I rely on you Scribes to keep me focused. The camaraderie and fun that goes on in this group urges me on to bigger and better stories. I have to...there's a lot of talent here and I don't want you to kick me out!

:)

Debra Glass said...

I'm a member of the Heart of Dixie chapter of RWA. I enjoy my connections through HOD. The Birmingham chapter, Southern Magic, is a very supportive group.

Cait Miller said...

I absolutely agree Diana, I love our little group. We have become great friends and provide support for each other in ways I never expected. Can't wait to get together with all of you in October!

Lynn LaFleur said...

Love the Scribes! You ladies are the absolute best.

I belong to one other promo group (Sirens of Sensual Romances), but no writers' groups. I have two wonderful critique partners (waving to Nikki and Micqui) who make my books so much better than I could write them by myself. Their help is invaluable.

Good luck with your new group, Cait!

Lynn

Tara Nina said...

I have to agree. The right writers group can help boost the initiative to write. I've been a member of several different groups but the Scribes are the best. I've gotten great support from everyone on this loop. I've made phenomenal friends and wouldn't trade any of you gals for anything.
For those out there that haven't found your group, keep looking. Go to as many different ones as you can find and try them on for size until you find the right fit for you.
Congratulations Cait on finding another group besides us that helps your creativity flow.
Tara

Gerard Collins said...

Congrats on finding such a wonderfully supportive writer's group, Cait.

I've never belonged to one. I don't think there is one where I live. And, if there is, there are certainly no other romance writers. Mostly literary here and very closed.

I rely on my hubby. He's my reader and my support group all rolled into one. But he works cheap. *g*

N.J.Walters said...

LOL And, I should also check to make sure I'm using the account in my name and not his before I leave a message.

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