Writers’ groups, in my experience, have been a great resource. I have learned so much from them. I attended a writers’ group before I even knew what to write. I just knew I wanted to write, had to write, and not waste my life trying to be something that I wasn’t.
I had seen a listing in the local newspaper, and after bolstering my confidence by talking to one of my siblings about it, I went. It was good enough of an experience that I kept attending this writers’ group for years. My first-ever publication was a poem for their website, and I went on to edit their anthology for a few years in a row.
So, should you join a writers’ group? That depends on what you want, and need.
Do you want to get some feedback on your work? You can find a critique group. Do you want to keep it local? Or within your state? There are a number of writers’ organizations in every state. Some are even specific to a city.
However, in-person groups are not for everyone. Especially the neurodivergent. That’s why so many NDs (some of whom have autism, ADHD, and other similar issues) have joined Facebook writing groups, like one I was a founding member of, and am a moderator for, called the Neurodivergent Writers’ Lounge.
In fact, I love online groups. Not only is it less time-consuming than driving to in-person groups, but it’s a great way to meet other authors and other folks who also have publishing experience.
And AuthorTube, which is a community within YouTube that—well, is by and for authors, just like a writers’ group is supposed to be.
There are even events within AuthorTube, like the upcoming AuthorTube Writing. Conference, which is happening this weekend. The AWC was started by author S.D. Huston, and is a free conference that provides information about writing and publishing in the current market.
There will be special guests, social time, and panels. In fact, I’m hosting a panel on Sunday, at 1:40 pm, EST. This panel is called “Neurodivergent and Other-Abled Characters: The Craft of Creating Believable Characters.” I’m looking forward to it!
And then there are some more upcoming events that I’m attending over the course of Quarter 3… one is the reader/writer event called Orlando Reads Books. I will just be attending, and not speaking.
Another is Necronomicon Tampa, of course… As some of you may know, I have been attending this con for quite a while. At this time, I know that I will be hosting three panels, and it looks like I will be on a couple of other panels, as well… The more, the merrier!
I’ve got lots going on, but I love to be busy… please drop a comment below if you have any questions for me about any of these things mentioned above.
Thanks so much for reading. Have a great day!
Heather