October 3, 2015

How To Start A Writer's Group

How to start a writer's group #write31days
Last year, having wished for a writer's group, I excitedly joined one only to discover that it wasn't what I wanted at all. Not because the group was bad - but because it didn't offer what I was really looking for.

And that was the problem. I didn't know what I actually wanted until I recognized what I didn't want.

The conclusion? Joining that group was invaluable and it gave me the motivation I needed to start my own.

And I did. In fact, we had our very first meeting last Monday and I'm happy to say it was an inspiring success.

Here's how you can make that happen too:


1. Decide what you need and want from a group.

Know your reasons. Why are you compelled to start it? What is your motivation? Who is it for?  

I have realized that even though writing is a very personal, intimate undertaking there is something powerful about taking that vulnerability and sharing it with a group of like-minded creatives. As we learned yesterday in Why Non-Writer's Will Never Understand You, writer's are a bunch of weirdos BUT put them together and their weirdness forms this beautiful thing that makes you feel like you can do anything because you have a team behind you who understands and is rooting for you just as you're rooting for them. That's a beautiful thing and it gets missed if we convince ourselves we're content in our little bubble of writer's silence.

2. Know your mission statement.

Without a clear mission it will be hard to get people excited about your vision.

My mission was this: to create a time dedicated to working, discussing, pushing, encouraging, and supporting one another. To welcome writer's of all walks and designations. To celebrate the craft by doing it together. To challenge one another in our shared pursuits. To provide a space free from agendas and distractions in which we can all be made better by being weirdos together.

3. Be brave and cast out your net.

All you can do is ask and hopefully, if you've done a good job of #2, people will connect to your vision.

I did this through a blog post but you could do it any number of ways:
  • phone
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • the grocery store bulletin board
  • newspaper
  • stapling posters over every garage sale sign in the county 

If you're willing to take the risk and let people in on your dreams, chances are, someone will respond.

4. Have faith.

If you build it, they will come.

My goal was to find three writer's but six people contacted me after the blog {with 1 other maybe that I'll continue to encourage to join us}.

There's always the fear that everyone out there will think you're crazy and not understand the merits of a good support group but if I hadn't taken the leap and tried I would have missed an incredible opportunity to build relationships with people who understand me and that's a priceless gift.

Come back tomorrow to get my recipe for a Writer's Jam {and learn the reason behind the name}.

http://selfbindingretrospect.alannarusnak.com/2015/09/challenge-accepted-write-31-days.html {click the image above to see all the #write31days posts}
Share This:    Facebook Twitter

8 comments:

  1. When you put it like this, I kinda like being part of the weirdos. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In all honesty though, I'm so glad you were brave enough to share your vision. It has helped connect me too.

      Delete
    2. And I'm so happy to have you as part of it and hope you'll find it helpful :)

      Delete
  2. We were a pretty weird group weren't we?! It was wonderful though, something I didn't know I was missing before I tried it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So glad you liked it! Every group isn't for everyone - I learned that first hand - so to know you feel good in mine is a massive compliment :)

      Delete
  3. I'm so overcommitted right now! I do not want to be in charge of one more thing! It would be fun to join one though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If only you lived closer...

      Delete
    2. Closer? How about a different country? We couldn't be much further apart. Sad. It'll be okay though. I'm a big girl.

      Delete

I love comments and I appreciate, consider and read each one. I welcome your thoughts, whether you're in agreement or not; however, this website is a happy place and I will remove any comment that I believe to be inappropriate, malicious or spam like.

Blog Archive

Thanks for visiting!