I’ve been wanting to write a blog about writers groups, but I wasn’t sure how to present it. And with February slipping away, my New Year’s resolution is close to being a bust. So here I am, sharing my experience of writers groups.
Let me start by saying the writing bug bit me as a teen, when I penned my first novel-length paranormal romance (still sitting packed away somewhere in a 3-ring binder). After high school I joined the military and became a high-volume reader. Several years after my retirement, that dormant bug reared up, driving me to plan out and write my first story worthly of publishing.
While scribbling the tale and all its backstory I didn’t think about the publishing aspect - I just wanted to get the story down – but I later remembered reading an article in the local paper about a veteran-related (military and law enforcement) ensemble that held author panels at the local libraries. I kept that piece on the Wednesday Warriors until my first draft was completed and then searched for the location of their next panel. This is when I discovered the panels had been taken over by the Henderson Writers’ Group. I’d never heard of them, but was eager to take in what they had to say.
One of the first HWG members I met was Linda O’Connor, then the Vice President. The information she shared was invaluable to anyone starting out in this business and, to my delight, I wouldn’t have to wait another month to learn more. I could attend a group meeting every week!
The Henderson Writers’ Group, whose Monday night meetings are always open to the public, brings together people at all stages of their writing careers. One of the founding members and now President, Jo Wilkins, saw a need for a writing community where those in the know share what they’ve learned with others. No-blood-on-the-floor critiquing is a good method of doing this, giving honest feedback on a member’s writing along with recommendations for improvement. The feedback I received led to my first revision for the same reason most new writers revise – passive storytelling or telling instead of showing.
Through the HWG I heard about other groups, both national and local. One that is both, Sisters in Crime, sprouted a chapter fairly recently in Las Vegas. SIC is unique in that it incorporates readers as well as writers and other literary professionals into their membership. They often have guest speakers and sometimes discuss popular works at their monthly meetings.
Within the southern Nevada writing community, I’d heard of the Las Vegas Writers Group but it took a while to venture out to their meetings. Here is another monthly gathering, whose main focus is on networking. While there is a $5 charge on attending, they strive hard to bring in quality speakers each month. Within the LVWG there is an opportunity to join a critique group based on what you write.
I’m not a poet, but I know several people who are and they attend the Laudably Tarnished poetry workshop in order to better their craft.
There are many other writing groups in the Las Vegas area or whatever city you live in. If you are new to the writing community or are having difficulties getting your work noticed by agents or publishers, I highly recommend joining a writers group. Search the internet or check your local newspaper for events such as book fairs, where you can talk to other authors.
Even though I will continue attending other groups, my go-to choice is the Henderson Writer’ Group. Some of the things I’ve learned from them are: writing techniques (which encompasses many things), the publishing process (both traditional and self), platform building and marketing, the editorial process, and supporting fellow writers (because what comes around, goes around).
If you have a writers group experience you’d like to share or have questions, please leave a comment.
Audrey
