I used to attend one in Leeds and they helped me to improve not just my writing but my public speaking. I've always been extremely shy especially around strangers, but after I joined the group I was able to overcome my shyness. I think it was important because writers often have to peak in public.
I never have, and I can't imagine doing it now that we have the internet. I am quite curious about what people get from such groups though - maybe there's something I'm missing.
I would never want to read out my own writing and I wouldn't want to listen to someone reading their own work (or someone else's), but I know many groups do circulate copies to read rather than have people read their work. I also think it's quite useful to give written feedback. I find it easier to organise my thoughts into concise points when I'm writing, and the act of producing a written critique really helps me to learn about writing.
I'm not sure I'd like the distraction of the interpersonal dynamics of a real-world group either. I mean, you'd want people you like and get on with, but at the same time you don't want a group that's entirely like-minded, because that would probably restrict your learning.
I'd be really interested to hear what people have found useful about writers groups that they've enjoyed.
Yes and yes! The support of other writers is always worth having.
Don't be too hasty to judge a group if you do join one. It may take two or three sessions before you feel comfortable with them and they with you. You need complete trust in a group for really good constructive critisism to emerge.
I used to attend one in Leeds and they helped me to improve not just my writing but my public speaking. I've always been extremely shy especially around strangers, but after I joined the group I was able to overcome my shyness. I think it was important because writers often have to peak in public.
I never have, and I can't imagine doing it now that we have the internet. I am quite curious about what people get from such groups though - maybe there's something I'm missing.
I would never want to read out my own writing and I wouldn't want to listen to someone reading their own work (or someone else's), but I know many groups do circulate copies to read rather than have people read their work. I also think it's quite useful to give written feedback. I find it easier to organise my thoughts into concise points when I'm writing, and the act of producing a written critique really helps me to learn about writing.
I'm not sure I'd like the distraction of the interpersonal dynamics of a real-world group either. I mean, you'd want people you like and get on with, but at the same time you don't want a group that's entirely like-minded, because that would probably restrict your learning.
I'd be really interested to hear what people have found useful about writers groups that they've enjoyed.
Yes and yes! The support of other writers is always worth having.
Don't be too hasty to judge a group if you do join one. It may take two or three sessions before you feel comfortable with them and they with you. You need complete trust in a group for really good constructive critisism to emerge.