Reality or Virtual Reality? Writers Groups
When I first realized I’d like the benefits and companionship of a writers group, I thought about starting my own, perhaps with online friends. I might still do that one day. But then I thought that seeing faces while they read my material would be helpful. It’s sometimes hard to communicate nuance in text only.
So I went to Google, expecting I would find plenty of groups in Nashville (and not wanting to drive an hour each way). I was happy to find there is a writers group in my town that meets twice a month.
I attended my third meeting on Wednesday. It was the first meeting I brought material for others to read. I was nervous. The piece I brought was an amusing take on a terrifying situation, and it seemed the humor was entirely lost on my alpha reader. I resolved to humbly submit the two pages and ask for their reactions on the humor part.
It was validating. This group is good at validating each other, and it does feel nice to know they consider you a writer from the outset. That they liked my piece was icing on the cake. I got good feedback, had a head hop I had missed pointed out, and learned that the MC’s age mattered because of her reactions.
I’m glad I did it. Though this group hasn’t (so far) done an in depth critique on anything, they provide a good overall view on whether you’ve hit or missed your mark.
To reap the most benefit from a critique group, I think I’d be most interested in the local face-to-face meeting supplemented by an online group that would go into more detail. Writing is often lonely, particularly if your spouse doesn’t read your stuff. Being able to get feedback from people I trust (and respect as writers) has gone a long way toward softening my insecurities.
So now I’m going to ask questions. What has your experience been with writers groups? Is there more value meeting physically as opposed to meeting virtually? Have you found it has helped you to grow and improve or has it had a different effect?
I’d have to confess to being too chicken to go to face to face groups for most of my life – though, I’ve done several critique/feedback sessions at contact courses for the writing papers I took in my degree and they were really great. I’d love to be part of a face to face group, but there doesn’t seem to be one in the area, so online is where it’s mostly at for me!
As you know I’m a member of Critters which has been invaluable for getting down to the nitty gritty with the stories that go through, and a great learning curve on how to look critically at my own work. Then there are the writers whose blogs I read who help me feel as though I am part of a community, and then finally the Kiwiwriters site which provides support and encouragement – each online ‘group’ gives me something different, and I guess because it’s online there is less fear/anxiety involved because you don’t have to be right there, sitting across from someone who is commenting on your work
That said, I’d love to be meeting more writers face to face. I think there is value in both, so even if there was a writers group here I’d still be using the things available to me online.
although i have never joined nor wished to join a writer’s group, i do have a couple of valued friends that i email w/ regarding our various WIPs. it’s definitely an enriching experience, but they are people i’ve selected over time that i trust… and because of that the feedback has been insightful and productive. those are my thoughts, anyway
@Cassie Ah…you are my beta reader though. hehe
@Alex I think I got some good validation over the humor thing at the group. They aren’t set up to critique novels, so I keep my online friends for those. I’ve gotten some really insightful feedback from a forum I belong to and from my beta reader. When I polish Song of the Elements, it will go to my online circle.