The Write-In Versus the Writing Group - Ready? Fight!

I considered leaving this post for during November, as it would fit the theme of National Novel Writing Month, but with the start of Camp NaNoWriMo, maybe it best I do it now. I’m going to look at the two common forms of writer gatherings – a write-in and a writing group.

Let me start by discussing the similarities of both concepts. A write-in and a writing group are gatherings of writers.

Made for a short paragraph, huh? Well, that is because outside of that fact, things are different.

Write-ins are geared toward placing words onto the page. When discussions happen, they usually revolve around the present work of the person who starts the conversation. Maybe they got stuck on a plot point and need that nudge of other writerly minds to move forward. Or perhaps a character is trying to move away from the original plan of the plot and they need to discuss why. Snacks or rewards for achieving some set goal are also a possible staple of the write-in. Rarely have I seen a write-in that didn’t have chocolate or some equivalent. Yes, writers are gathered around a table, but everyone is lost in their own world (literally.)

Another way to think about a write-in is this: The environment is nurturing towards creation.

Writing groups are a different undertaking. They work with completed prose, trying to massage it for the best sheen and presentation. They discuss more, usually with fewer snacks. Everyone will be reading what is presented with an eye toward tightening or rewording. Some might have a portion of the gathering that is free write time, but that isn’t the focus of the meeting. Writing groups focus on improving the craft through editing and encouragement. Most writing groups have a specific focus, be it a certain genre or a certain length. Here, the gathering of writers around a table is traveling to each other’s worlds to pull the weeds.

Another way to look at writing groups is this: The environment is critical and geared toward improvement.

Why is it important for me to make this distinction? Frequently, after NaNoWriMo, writing groups will gain a glut of new recruits. They’ve just had this glorious experience with hundreds of other writers working together and they feel a writing group will be the same feel and flow. Then they find out how wrong that thought process is.

Before you decide to join a writing group, check them out, talk to their members. Find out what that group presents and how they operate. If things don’t feel right, don’t be afraid to speak out when the group meets. Be ready to accept criticism – and when you get it, don’t slink away.

Successful writers can operate in both environments, but one must know one’s tolerance for each before wading into the ring.

Writing for More Than Self

Most times, when we write a story, we write a story we’d like to read. It’s what we search for when we read. If your writing isn’t meant to leave your personal notebook, this can work well.
   
Once you release the writing beyond your personal borders, you need to consider a different aspect of your writing. Do you write what someone else would want to read?
   
Yes, I realize that the artist doesn’t bend to the will of the people. That doesn’t guarantee a sale, though, does it?
   
Just because you would read the story, it doesn’t always translate to what others want to read.
  
If you’re writing in a style similar to a famous author, sometimes, that gains you points. People can compare your writings and suggest you to fans of the famous author. However, it could also lead to two problems. One comes from people assuming that your writing is the famous author’s writing and your name is their pen name. Flattering, but not good for your pocket. The other problem is accusations of theft and plagiarism. Those accusations are career killers.
   
Let’s go the opposite direction. You’ve got a unique style that no one’s seen before. If your style is so far outside of the norm, it may become unsalable, because readers don’t understand it. It might not match anyone’s desired concept, so won’t get past the slush pile reader. In every case, it stalls your career at the door.
   
I’ve offered warnings. Now how do you figure out who your reader is?
  
This is where a writing group or two becomes handy. I’ve suggested staying away from the genre pigeon hole while writing. Once you’ve developed enough of a story that you’d feel safe for others to read, let your writers group see the writing. If your personal demons won’t let an unfinished piece away from your desk, wait until you’ve completed it. That won’t alter the task.
  
With other readers, even ones who read critically for errors, you’ll find hints of problems to having an audience. As an example, if you’re trying to write someone’s speech patterns phonetically, many readers will either skip it or put your story down. Writing group members will remark to the difficulty of reading it and offer ways to repair it.
   
Consider this also offers a reason to have a writing group larger than you plus one or two. The more opinions that you get, the better a feel you have for the problems within the text. Five people read a story. One comment on a problem out of five might be ignored. Three or more comments on the same problem requires a closer look, even if the opinions are not all the same. It was enough for them to say something.
   
Over time, you’ll discover your perfect reader for your writing and focus on pleasing them as well as yourself.
 
 
Today's post was inspired by the topic “Your Ideal Reader” as part of the Merry-Go-Round Blog Tour, http://merrygoroundtour.blogspot.com/. This ongoing tour allows you, the reader, travel around the world from author's blog to author's blog.
 
Don’t miss tomorrow’s posting over at: http://suesantore.com/
 
If you want to get to know nearly twenty other writers, check out the Merry-Go-Round Blog Tour: http://merrygoroundtour.blogspot.com/

The Writing Group Conundrum

So far, you’ve been writing in your cave for a while and decided the time has come to venture out to find others of like thoughts and processes. Books and articles exist on the subject, explaining about finding the right match, the perfect group. They also mention that it takes time to meet and understand the people. I won’t argue against the people who did their research.

What I want to do is add to the concepts that they put forth.

Many of the articles that I’ve read, in addition to the books on the subject of writing groups, suggest that someone needs to pay attention to a factor, or maybe two, when selecting a group. I’d say that each group can be placed into a three-dimensional graph. One axis will hold a continuum of people from social gatherings to professionally structured groups. A second axis will hold a continuum ranging from general writing to genre specific writings. The final axis holds a continuum running from basic writing/chit chat groups to pure publication preparation.

Another way to look at this is to think of the red-green-blue sliders available on many televisions. Where the slider sits on each bar affects the image that you see. In the same way, the group falls onto the three sliders and affects how they operate. This breakdown can make a large difference to someone trying to find a place where the person might feel comfortable. A social fantasy writer who just wants to gather with other writers won’t feel comfortable with a group that is dedicated to a professional structure, with determined publication preparation of their romance novels. Any more than a person looking for a professional, literary fiction, publication prep group would be happy with a humor-based group writing for the fun and social atmosphere.

Remember the earlier post where I told you that I didn’t care what genre you wrote? It’s different here, because it makes a difference for your writing group.

As you seek the group that is the best fit, start with deciding what you seek in the group. Are you interested in preparing your work for publication? Are you interested in learning new things about the writing business? What structure are you seeking when you join a group?

Many of the previous points I bring out because I have experienced a little of each of these groups. During November, there is a month long event known as National Novel Writing Month. Those who experience it shorten it to NaNoWriMo. (It’s still a mouthful, I know.) This entire concept is to write, to get that first draft on paper. They hold writing groups throughout the month, but each group has its own dynamic. Some groups will gather and share space, but all they do is write. Some groups will gather, discuss plot points, and try to marshal people along the pipeline. One or two rare groups will gather, settle down with drinks (normally non-alcoholic) and just relax their strained fingers. Whether any of these groups prove useful depends on the attendee. This mad dash writing shows a microcosm of the writing world. The desire to write, the gathering of like minds, and the hope to have a finished novel at the end of 30 days all show a compressed timeline to what some writers take years to accomplish. Personally, I enjoyed my five years I did it, though I stressed all of November. Other writers I’ve spoken with find the entire endeavor useless. It’s all about perspective.

All of this leads to narrowing down your choices. A fourth slider also exists for someone to consider, but it holds a lower ranking for me than the others. This one deals with choosing the amount of time the group spends on line (be it web based or email based) to how much time you spend meeting in person. Some people prefer face-to-face meetings. Others live with their computer and online works fine for them.

Just remember that as writers, the more we experience, the richer our writing can be.