Writing is a solo occupation. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the author to sit their butt in a chair and put words on a page. But that doesn’t mean the author has to go it alone. There are many opportunities for writers to support one another.
Chat Groups
Chat groups and Discord servers focused on writing can help writers share stories and advice, answer questions, or even cheer each other on for a few minutes in writing sprints. A quality community of writers can be an excellent resource—and a time sink as writers love to chat almost as much as the love to write.
I belong to several of these groups on Discord, an excellent app for writing groups as well as gamers. Different groups focus organize on different aspects like geography or genre, but many of the discussion topics are similar.
Critique Groups
Critique groups are another helpful author association where members submit pages of their work, usually about ten pages or one chapter, and the critique reviews it, providing helpful feedback. From elements that are well done to areas that need more polish, critique groups can help an author improve both their work as well as continue to develop their craft. Like all arts, the more practice and experience, the better the result, and all authors have more to learn.
I was lucky to find an excellent online critique group early in my career. Many of the other members have become trusted friends. And as fantastic as the networking as been, the biggest benefit has been the improvement in my writing. I look back at works created years ago and cringe. What was I thinking? Well, I didn’t know any better and now I do. From point-of-view to pacing to simply writing tighter, more compelling sentences—not to mention better organizing a story—I’ve learned a lot and my current writing shows.
I cannot recommend joining a critique group highly enough. And if you write speculative fiction, my online group is always adding new members. Check out the Speculative Fiction Writers Association at http://specficwriters.com.
Professional Associations
Professional associations can provide authors high-level guidance for authors, particular when they become more advanced and need other professional resources like editors and agents. Many associations also sponsor writing conferences where authors can physically get together, rub elbows, and meet each other face-to-face.
Quality conferences typically offer workshops on everything from writing to publishing to marketing for writers of all abilities. Some conferences are more peer-driven, meaning presentations are from people in nearly the same boat. This can still be helpful as everyone has different strengths. But sometimes it is helpful to hear from an industry expert, and conferences with more industry leaders will usually be more expensive and last for a few days. The experience at such a conference can be career altering.
I belong to a couple of these as well, mainly for the annual conferences they hold. Some professional associations may offer writing competitions, which are excellent opportunities to get feedback on your work. And, of course, winning a contest or even being named a finalist can significantly boost writing morale.
Accountability Groups
This type of association is new to me, but I dare say it might be the most important. Like any good business, a writer should clearly identify what they are trying to achieve and document these as goals. For some, writing may be a form of escape or enjoyment, for others it may be something in which to dabble like a hobby, while others may have more serious aspirations in turning writing into a viable career.
For those professional-aspiring writers, there can be many distractions that don’t directly help the achievement of goals. Social media, writing for non-paying anthologies, critiquing, volunteering with writing groups, etc. can all seem beneficial, but not all of them will help an author with their own goals. And with limited time available, it is critical to be primarily focused on those things that achieve your goals.
And that’s where the accountability group comes in. By documenting and stating your goals to a small group of like-minded individuals, the group can help each other stay on track. Monthly meetings to both set obtainable steps for the next month while checking progress for the prior month help ensure progress.
I have just recently joined a new accountability group. We are in the initial stages of identifying and documenting our goals – and not everyone has the same goals—we’re not even in the same stages of writing. Some have published books and are working on new novels. Others have books done and polished and are seeking representation. Still others are writing or editing their novels. But we all want to do this professionally, and we are willing to help each other get there.
Conclusion
Authors should not think that they have to do everything by themselves. Though writing by its nature is a solitary endeavor, becoming a published author doesn’t have to be. There are many resources out there to help authors. Take advantage of them.
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