Why You (and I) Need a Writing Group

Writing is a solo journey—just you, your wandering thoughts, and a collection of Crown Royal bags in a kitchen drawer accumulating like some kind of secret weird writer shrine. But at some point, we must admit that staring at a blank screen and debating whether to start a new project, edit an old story, or finally do laundry isn’t exactly productive. Sound the bugle for the writing group!

Yes, a writing group. A collection of other poor souls who meet regularly to keep each other on track, exchange feedback, and drink wine (or am I the only one?). The writing group provides stability and a safe environment to share your craziest of ideas. Joining a writing group might be your smartest move.

Accountability: Otherwise, You Just Keep Thinking About Writing

Without accountability, most of us writers spend their time thinking about writing, and, on rare occasions, opening a blank document before deciding that now is the perfect moment to get back into working out. Anyone else guilty? A writing group, however, means other people expect you to actually produce words, which makes ignoring your writing a lot harder. Don’t come to a writing group empty handed!

Knowing that people will ask, “So, what have you written this month?” is enough to initiate a nervous drop of sweat for this procrastinator. The fear of disappointing others is a much stronger motivator than your own good intentions. Amirite?

Steady Meetings: Writing Needs Structure (the whole process)

Inspiration should come naturally, which is lovely in theory but also why so many unfinished pieces exist. Waiting for inspiration is about as effective as watching for the water to boil to pour in your Mac n Cheese.

A writing group provides a schedule. You write, you meet, you discuss. And deadlines, while intimidating, are effective when others rely on you. Having a set time to show up—whether in person or online—means writing becomes a routine, not just a sporadic burst of productivity when guilt kicks in.

Honing Your Writing Voice

Many of my early drafts sounded suspiciously like the last book I had read (thanks, Tom Clancy!). It has taken a while to adopt my own style of writing. A writing group helps you sharpen your voice by giving you real-time reactions. They let me know when the tone I want fails stupendously. And, on rare occasions, when I get it exactly how I wanted!

Through feedback, you start noticing the little things—like that phrase you overuse or that your jokes land with the smoothness of a razor blade. Having fellow writers discuss your work (while you sit silently) helps you refine your style until it actually sounds like you.

Practicing Constructive Feedback

Criticism is torture. Most writing groups function where the person receiving feedback must remain quiet. Questions may be answered eventually, but initial feedback is unopposed. This may feel scary at first, but it allows for unrestricted thoughts from others. Often, that is super helpful. Writing groups let you build this skill in an environment where the goal isn’t to crush your soul (hopefully).

You’ll learn to detach your self-worth from your writing, which is important to save your sanity. Plus, giving feedback makes you a better editor of your own work. Over time, you’ll start spotting your own mistakes before someone else does it for you.

Final Thoughts: Just Join

Writing groups hold you accountable, encourage improvement, and develop your constructive criticism skills. They are a safe space to host your nearly innermost writing ideas. Their function is not hostile in the slightest. Writers write alone, but everyone needs feedback, even Steven King!

So go find a writing group. Join it. Write. Read. Show up. Discuss. Enjoy.