Day Thirteen: Why Join a Writers' Group?

Writing is generally considered a solitary profession. Armed with a typewriter (yes, some still prefer them) or computer, a stash of snacks, perhaps a favorite knick-knack or two, music, and a steady supply of coffee (or another beverage of choice), tools of the trade (dictionary, thesaurus, books on writing, etc.), the intrepid writer goes into cave mode to become one with the Muse, emerging only to deal with bodily functions and a few hours of sleep. When the writing project is completed, the writer rejoins the human race with a sense of accomplishment, and perhaps a few dark circles under the eyes.

If writing is a journey into isolation for months at a time, then what about writers' groups? What purpose do they serve? Why should you consider joining one? Here are several reasons you might want to become part of such a group.

Because writing is done alone (unless you have a writing partner), joining a writers' group offers an opportunity to socialize with people who will understand what a writer's life is like. Many make lasting friendships in these groups, and get together apart from the group setting. Writers' groups provide the opportunity to network with other writers, from the beginner to those with years of experience. Sometimes groups also include people who are industry professionals and experts in many fields. A group can offer mutual support, and help you through some writing issues such as plot problems, writer's block, or setting up a schedule. They can cheer you on when you succeed, and cheer you up when you don't.

Being part of a group can stimulate your thinking and generate new ideas. It can help you to hone your craft by learning new skills, improving your English, and learning new words and expressions. Many groups provide time during their meetings for both writing and critiquing. In one group I belonged to, we met for an hour. After taking a few minutes to say hello and order snacks and beverages (we met in a small dining room in a restaurant), someone would share a writing prompt, and we would spend the next twenty minutes writing based on that prompt. Then, volunteers would read what they'd written, and the group would critique it. This had several benefits: it gave practice in writing, practice in reading before a group, and practice in how to give and receive constructive criticism. The last ten minutes or so were used for anyone who wanted to, to share a current project. Some groups host guest speakers on various topics related to writing; some host events like readings, book signings, or retreats. The groups are as varied as their members.

Where can you find writing groups? There are professional groups for writers in all genres and genders, as well as freelance writers, and writers of magazine articles, etc. There are regional and local groups that may have monthly or quarterly meetings and sponsor events and retreats. And there are online writers' groups for all ages, levels of expertise, genres, etc. Look in your local newspaper or arts paper for a list of meetings or events. Check the phone book to see if there are writing groups listed there. Do a Google search for online writers' groups. If you want to join a group, there are a bounty from which to choose. Some charge rather hefty membership fees, while other are less expensive or even free. There really is something for everyone. You just need to do a little research to see what will be the best fit for you.

During NaNoWriMo, there are myriad forums on every topic imaginable, and many you probably wouldn't have thought of. Whether you're having plot problems (Plot Doctoring), need some laugh relief (NaNoisms, anyone?), help with character names, settings--anything--you'll find support in the forums. In addition, you can connect with others and become writing buddies. Buddies communicate through email throughout the month for mutual inspiration, celebration, and commiseration. And, for those who feel they need to see real people in real time, there are local and regional "write-ins" at coffee shops, in college libraries, or in homes.

Writing may be a solitary profession, but it needn't be a lonely one. If you seek interaction, all you have to do is look for it.

Day Four: Pacing Yourself

Fast and furious, or slow and steady -- how do you pace yourself during NaNoWriMo? It depends on the individual, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. But sometimes, what has worked for us in the past, suddenly doesn't work for us any more.

As in the past, all of the anticipation that had been building up during October, manifested as creative overdrive when the virtual starting gun fired at 12:01 a.m., on day one, November 1. I hit the ground running, ideas fresh in my mind, energy flowing, couldn't get the words out fast enough. I felt like I could sustain this pace forever, and was annoyed when non-NaNo necessities, such as eating, paying bills, and catching a couple of hours sleep, threatened to slow me down.

On day two, that pesky internal editor/critic showed up trying to distract me by critiquing what I'd written the day before. I reminded it, and myself, that the purpose of NaNo is writing -- the editing and critiquing come after the clock runs out on November 30. Founder Chris Baty had warned of the temptation to second guess yourself in "A Guide to the Novelling Month Ahead." For November 2, he wrote: "Stop writing. Wonder if you should start over. Keep going. Feel better." So, I muzzled the internal editor/critic and pressed on. The words didn't flow quite as quickly because I had to veer off the "write" road onto a side path to do a little research on locations, culture at the time in which the story is set, and a few other details. That taken care of, I continued setting the stage for the "meat" of the story.

On day three, things were still going well. The characters were becoming more real, the setting more developed, and all the elements were coming together. I ended the day in high spirits, still ahead of the three-day word count goal.

Then, when I woke up to go to my physical therapy appointment Tuesday afternoon (have been in p.t. since injuring my hand in mid-July), I realized that my hand was the ONLY thing that wasn't bothering me! After three days of flat-out writing, my eyes were burning, my brain was fogging, my body felt like it had been hit by a truck, and I was completely exhausted. The realization began to dawn that I can no longer pull consecutive all-nighters as I did when I was younger--not without unpleasant consequences. Wisdom dictated that I take last night off, give myself and my characters a rest, and start fresh tonight. Being ahead in the word count helped, as did the fact that my writing for yesterday had been completed the night before.

So, where does that leave me today? Right on track, and with the added bonus of nine and a half hours of sleep under my belt. Hopefully, my characters also had a good night's rest so they can better deal with the things that are going to happen to them.

If you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and thinking of quitting, stop and take a break. Some participants write less during the week, then catch up on the weekends. If you're starting to fall behind in the word count, don't beat yourself up over it. Get up, walk around, talk to a friend or your writing buddy, watch your favorite show, read a book, pat the dog, get some sleep, and start fresh the next day. After all, what's the worst that can happen? Even if you don't hit 50,000 words by the end of the month, you will still have written more than you would have if you hadn't tried in the first place.

So, after last night's brief hiatus, and feeling refreshed, it's back to the keyboard!