Two reasons you need a writer’s group (or a community for whatever you’re pursuing)
Guest Post by Stephanie Whitacre
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I’m excited to share with you some wise and delightful words from my friend Stephanie Whitacre.
I met Stephanie while working with her husband Tim. (Hey, Tim 👋) They both possess my two favorite qualities in people: kindness and curiosity.
Tim writes code (beep bop boop); Stephanie writes words. Good words.
She’s a freelance writer and editor, and she’s working on a low fantasy novel.
But today, she’s taking her talents to Twosday.
Please give a warm welcome (aka smile at your screen) to Stephanie Whitacre!
Post by Stephanie Whitacre
Stephen King, Mitch Albom, and Amy Tan walk into a bar. It sounds like the setup for a literary joke, but this is no laughing matter. This is real life. And it has become my Roman Empire.
The trio of bestselling authors, joined by a myriad of ink-inclined friends, make up a band called The Rock Bottom Remainders.
It’s a true “don’t quit your day job” scenario. Yet, being in the presence of one another, even as a subplot to their main story, makes their work better. In the foreword of On Writing, Stephen King writes, “We do it for the music, but we also do it for the companionship. We like each other, and we like having a chance to talk sometimes about the real job…”
For the introverts among us, the solo nature of a career might be its draw. But it can also be lonely. If you’ve ever had a job that tends to be an isolated endeavor — writer, photographer, software engineer — you know the thrill of bumping into someone who gets the idiosyncrasies of your trade. For me, the job is writing, so the advice below speaks to that. But for you, it could be a different career or hobby. Here are two reasons you need a community for whatever it is you’re pursuing…
You don’t know what you don’t know.
I could introduce you to my writer’s group in the style of a heist movie. We’ve got characters like the Thrill Seeker, the Litigator, the Drama Mama, and more. Everyone brings their genre of choice, backgrounds, and quirks to the table
This is a collection of resourceful experts quick to seek out new knowledge. We have a wide array of publishing experience from those who have been traditionally published to others who have not yet played the agent and manuscript submission game.
We meet two mornings a week, rotating between an established table at a coffee shop and the library. Everyone brings their works in progress, questions they have, and any new resources they’ve found helpful.
One of my favorite things that happens when we meet is when we’re all working quietly, then one writer’s keyboard goes silent. That person’s head will raise, and they’ll ask a question like…
“Can you guys help me create a scandal that would send my main character’s father to prison?”
“What’s a way you could kill someone and not even realize it was your fault until much later?”
“Remind me, would affect or effect be better in this sentence?”
The entire group participates in these conversations, but inevitably one person’s expertise rises to the top. I don’t know what problems you’re trying to solve, but it’s magic to have people nearby to ask for help. Even on the days when we talk more than write, the totality of my writing benefits from the time together.
You’re going to need a pep talk.
I’m currently writing the first draft of a novel. It requires a lot of sitting at my desk pounding on the keyboard. But do you know what’s tempting? Doing anything but sit at my desk and pound on the keyboard. That’s why every Monday morning, my group asks if I met my word goal for the week.
If you’re going to have a goal, you have to show up. Not just for you, but for the rest of the group. The more of us in the group that can say we accomplished what we set out to do that week, the more we want to maintain standards not only for ourselves but for the encouragement of the group. (If you haven’t already, read Sarah Lee’s Twosday post about accomplishing goals.)
Pursuing a career as a professional writer is a wild ride!
In just one day of GroupMe banter, we can celebrate a signed book deal, send fingers-crossed emojis for two pending contracts, and boohoo together over five rejections. Sometimes all for one person. Being in a community that’s transparent about the highs and lows gives me confidence that when the lows come my way, I’ll be more prepared for them.
I always read the acknowledgment section of a book, and often I cry while doing so. It makes me emotional to think about the work of one person being supported by a wider network. In the days that feel lonely, witnessing the gratitude of another person for the people in their life hits right. So let’s do away with the stereotype of prolific writers being lonely hermits. The best writers among us will be surrounded by friends cheering them on, correcting their plot holes, and, in the case of The Rock Bottom Remainders, making music together.
Where do I find a group?
Your local library or neighborhood bookstore is a great place to connect with other writers near you. I met my group by making small talk with another participant at the local library writer’s conference. For a low-commitment approach, you could attend a retreat or join an association. Through that, you might meet like-minded authors you could form a group with in the future. There are also online opportunities like Critique Circle or Scribophile, but nothing can beat face-to-face interaction.
You could also do what Luke is doing…
✌️
— Stephanie
P.S. Luke here. Paid subscribers are getting an extra article I wrote answering the question What’s unpopular advice you want to share?
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