Ever since I attended the National Writing Project’s Summer Institute 17 years ago, I have been in a writing group. These groups have evolved and dissolved, but I still work together with other writers in some way to hone my craft. But most of all, a writing group gives me a community of writers. We share our greatest strengths and our weaknesses. Our goal is not necessarily for publication; it is more one of affirmation. We respect each others’ unique styles. We talk about little things like comma placement, and big things like theme development. We have met in coffee shops, bookstores, restaurants, and homes. No matter where we meet, writing becomes the focus.
Writing groups are invaluable to me. The friends I have here are somehow closer to me, more intimate because they read what I write. Respect is the number one rule; although, we never have to speak that one. We do critique, but usually with a soft hand.
Most recently I am in a writing group with my friend Stephanie and my mother-in-law. Yes, my mother-in-law. Besides being one of my best friends, she has been a judge for 27 years and is now writing crime novels. Neither Stephanie nor Minga (her grandmother name) write in the same genre I do. But it works. The poet in me likes to cut out extra words. Yesterday, I was dubbed “the it police.” It’s amazing how many times you can use it and not even notice it. And it’s not really necessary:)
Finally, I would like to plug two books from my writing group friends. Stephanie is working on a young adult series called The Saga of the Setti. Paranormal stuff that I don’t usually read, but her first novel Rising held my intrigued because she made me care about her teen-aged characters. Written in two voices, Gabe and Clara, Stephanie sends us into an apocalyptic time where teens have special powers. It’s available on Amazon. There’s also an inexpensive Kindle version.
The second is by my friend Dianne Dempsey-Legnon. Dianne grew up in the heart of the Cajun culture. With her book Belair Cove, she captures this culture while telling the fictionalized version of her grandparents’ love story.
I am very proud of my writing group friends and hope to join the world of publishing myself soon. That’s news for another blog.
Reflections on the Teche 
I can tell writing is a passion for you. In school we have students work in small groups to discuss and polish their writing, but often as adults we write in solitude. Your writing group sounds wonderful and even included published authors. Good luck as you venture into the published world.
I started to say, it is great you have a writing group, but now you’ve made me think about my word choice with the word it. So instead I will say, writing groups are a wonderful support. You are lucky to be a part of one. Ruth has written about her group and I marvel at the sharing of these people. Whew, I said what I needed to say and no it to be seen. 🙂
Oh, Margaret. What would I do without my “it” police? You continue to help me become a better writer, and I’m not sure where I would be in writing my sequel without you and Minga. 🙂 As writers, we often go too far into our own worlds, and you two keep me grounded and structured and inspired.
Beyond happy that our friendship developed into writing partners. Thank you ever so much!
The support of an ongoing writing group sounds amazing. I am wondering just how I will keep up with my writing after this challenge ends, and who will be there to comment. How does one go about finding writing groups???
Julie,
I built one of mine from writing project friends. We have been meeting for almost 10 years now. The other one has been from a common goal, the desire to publish. Just put the request out there. Bet you find takers. But be careful that they are like-minded, kind-hearted, committed to the craft folks.
Margaret,
This is my first time joining the SOL challenge. I so appreciate your piece about friends to write with. I am going to take that as my next challenge. Thank you!
I am also in a writing group and love it–Ruth Ayres gets credit for putting us all together in a group that works, even though we are so diverse in so many ways. I cannot imagine not being a part of that group and can tell that you feel the same way about your writing groups.
Thank you for sharing this!
I am happy you have found supportive friends to write with. I wrote the previous sentence several times and took out a “that” and an “it”.
I will be looking for your novel later this year.
The SOL had brought me community, and for that I am grateful.
Thank you for sharing this link on my page today. I am glad I read this! I am in awe of your writing group and am now thinking about how I can form one of my own. I know there are some other people from my local area doing the SOLSC, maybe I can rope them into a group. 😉 Just a beautiful and intimate community that must be.