Rejuvenating Your Writing Mojo: Joining a writer's group

Writing requires solitude, but progressing as a writer requires a whole lot more than being alone. I wrote  professional non-fiction  and scripts for many years, but when I wanted to write my novel I started to flounder. My mojo was questionable and despite my lifelong desire to publish a novel, my writing motivation wasn't where it needed it to be.  I realised that will power was just not going to be enough.   There is an African proverb that says ‘If you want to go fast go alone, but if you want to go far go together.’ 

I knew I wanted to go further, but was stagnated.  So, I did what most writer’s do when I have a problem and  did some research. The idea of joining a writer’s group appeared frequently.  Since I was used to being paid to meet deadlines, I resisted the idea at first, but after months of stalling I decided to dip my toe into the pool. 

Timidly, I found my way to a writer's group and the benefits of doing so helped me not only finish my novel but get to do my first agent pitch.  It was life enhancing experience. I  also generated viable ideas for my next two novels and completed a script for a documentary since I joined.  

My success in the writing group is an overwhelming joy to me, so I want to encourage other writer’s to consider it.  Here on this website there is a tool to help you find a group. You have lots of choices as there are writer groups out there for every type of writer and every type of genre.

There are also general writing groups that operate by geographical location. I joined the very vibrant Irish writer’s group, Writer’s Ink ran by successful crime novelist Sam Blake, and writer and coach Maria McHale.

One of the greatest benefits (that I did not even know I needed) was meeting a parade of fascinating writers at all stages of their career who care about writing as much as I do. I got a ton of book recommendations too because they love reading as much as I do. Many writers feel marginalised and many of us are outliers for various reasons. Being with a positive group of writers who set goals weekly and hold themselves accountable at the end of each week had a startling impact on me. 

In the first six months, I not only finished my first novel but started a second one and drafted a third. I am so delighted to see the people in my writer’s group getting published, finding agents, completing drafts or even starting a draft. I am constantly getting nurtured, entertained and encouraged to never give up on my writer dream.

Sometimes life has been hard and my writing group friends have had the exact right words for me. I am uplifted or impressed by fellow inkers getting to see their new book covers or getting an agent.   I actively encourage them and they encourage me. We give each other access to our work in progress and get real feedback that is both helpful and insightful. It is a decision that not only helped me grow as a writer, but as a person. 

Nadia Ramoutar, PhD, is a creative communicator, facilitator, artist and writer. She is the founder and creator of Free My MOJO online community, books, workshops and retreats.  She finds ways to empower people and organisations to make creative ideas real and she helps other people live their best lives.