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I am feeling quite discouraged in my search for a writer's group. There is one meeting this morning about an hour away from me, but I can't go because of work. There is another one meeting tonight a little closer (but not much), but I can't go because attendence is limited and there are no more spaces. As well, it's farther than I want to drive on a cold, dark, icy Thursday night. Another one I attended last month wasn't what I was looking for. Another one meets at one of the campuses where I work, but conflicts with my teaching schedule. I also suspect that the students involved aren't as far along in the writing process, and it wouldn't help me much in my quest for publication.I am almost at the point of starting my own. But I have enough on my plate already. I promised myself I would not start a writing group, no matter how desperate I become, because the responsibility for running it would quickly overcome the benefits. Unless it is clear that we are only sharing work, not trying to come up with speakers and such.
P.S. I did end up going to the meeting tonight and it was awesome! What a great bunch of people. The only thing is that I'm afraid that (as usual) I talked too much. Many writers tend to be introverted, and my extrovert personality tends to take over when I'm excited about something. I hope they didn't mind. I just wish that they met on a different monthly date, since I normally have another meeting to attend on the third Thursday. But, it really was a great meeting.
If it weren't for the Atlantic between us...
ReplyDeleteHa ha! That darn ocean. It also prevents me from getting any Fortnum and Mason tea, since they stopped selling it in the US. Bummer.
ReplyDeleteI wish we could have a group,Lexi!
Hi Christine--It's tough. My job moves me around a lot and finding a good writer's group is always a challenge.
ReplyDeleteHopefully this new one will work out for you! I liked your useful links for writer's section. Thanks!
Thanks for stopping by! I looked at your profile... helicopter pilot. That sounds pretty amazing. Are you military? You probably have some very interesting stories to tell.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to find one only 30 minutes away. But I'm limited to weekend meetings because I won't do the drive after work, and sometimes its hard to juggle my work and the group because I work most Saturdays.
ReplyDeleteAnd Sundays; I just don't want to get out of my PJ's.
We don't have guest speakers at my group; but the founder brings in writing prompts and discussion topics each meeting, and then we discuss whatever two submissions have been given sent out the week before. It's a good group of people, and we just got a couple new members. The best part is discussing writing techniques and sharing what we've written - even when the crits hurt a little.
Good luck finding a group. It really is great. And I bet you wouldn't have too much effort into starting your own. If the area is that small, their probably not looking for anything elaborate themselves.
Talking is good, Christine; it gives the group a chance to get to know you.
..........dhole
You're welcome!
ReplyDeleteYeah, Navy. I have a few. Might make a few good short stories eventually.