Why should writer's join author/writing groups?

Author Groups? Why do we have them? And do we need them?

When I first started writing I was lost in a world that seemed entirely daunting and incredibly alone. There weren't many people around me that enjoyed my pass time, nor got as enthusiastic about stories and writing them in the same way that I did.

I had been published for some months, had learnt there was a group for romance authors in the nearest beach town, but they were really only into other romance writers joining their club.

Which, I mean... didn't really fit me.

So, I wondered, "Is there a group for people that write horror and fictions other than romance?"

A simple google search told me that there was.

At the time there was only two author groups in my area, and the first seemed like a bit of a boys club. So, after reading a news article about an intriguing woman that ran a speculative fiction group I flicked her a tentative email, not really expecting a response.

But, she responded almost instantly!

Why was meeting with other Authors so important?

Honestly, it is odd that I hadn't thought about meeting with other like minded people up until I was 23. I mean, seriously. But it was important, because there was an entire world of … author-dom... that I hadn't known existed.

Knowledge is power as they say, and the group I met with, I am still a part of to this day. And I have made myself friends for life.

It's an indescribable thing, meeting others that commit their time to the same kind of fever dreams. despite each of us having our differences in writing styles, planning, plotting and pantsing styles and most importantly the content we favour.

Not only was I guiding into the world of authoring by the group, but we often collect together at writing conventions and in other collaborations that make the writing experience all the better.

But most importantly, its just like a support group.

Because writing is a difficult thing if you choose to make it your labour of love. But having the support and understanding for your insane moments, self depreciating moments and self doubting moments is enough to help you to believe that you can do it.

But will it help my writing?

In short, absolutely.

Not only are groups good for support, but they are great at spurring all the important parts of the writing process. the main one of course being, inspiration.

Most of the time talking is all that gets done. But the conversations (almost most of the time) are usually about writing processed, editing processes, plots and plot holes, how to get around writer's block or... chocolate.

But these conversation serve as enough fuel to inspire the writing itself. I've often found myself leaving a group session and champing at the bit to get home and open up a blank document and get to work.

Another great part of writing group, is having sessions of actual writing.

Prompts come in all shapes and sizes, and they often help us to figure out those writing glitches we often have. Also, to help us read aloud in front of others, which I am sure you understand is very good for Authors, especially if they plan on doing book tours.

There isn't really much I can say except, go out there, google, or see your local library and find out if there is a writing group near you to help you on your writing journey.

Because mine are the push I need to keep at it, every single day.