For me, group work can be brutal. When it doesn't work well, it can feel like being sucked dry.
I do like working in groups when there is a concrete problem to be addressed, everyone has their tasks to accomplish, and efforts revolve around the issue at hand.
Don't get me wrong. I like socializing with people. (Yes, I really do!) I quite enjoy a bit of chit-chat, but only in small amounts. Stick me in a crowded cocktail party or plunk me in a room full of chatty strangers, and I'm exhausted.
When I first started my creative writing journey, I took an introductory writing course in the evenings. The group was fairly large, maybe 20 people. That might have been difficult, but we were all there for a single purpose and the skilled teacher was able to contain the more extroverted students before they strayed off-task. It was a supportive learning environment and I not only gained knowledge, I left each session feeling full of energy and enthusiasm for the writing week ahead.
Once the course was over, some 15 of us decided to keep the momentum going by forming a writer's group. Very quickly, it became apparent that without a skilled leader, the group devolved into a 'tea and cookies' sort of affair, where the focus was more on socializing that on writing. That group didn't last.
Another type of writing group that doesn't work for me is the 'Aren't we Fabulous' style of operation. This is the type of group where members bring their work for critique and everyone tells each other how awesome we all are. Afraid of hurt feelings or wounded pride, no one feels confident enough to give constructive feedback. That type of group may be useful for a brand new writer who still requires unconditional love, but I find it unhelpful.
I tried another group that was just too darned large. There were at least 20 members off and on, and as a result, each participant received only a few minutes for feedback on their work. Most of my time was spent trying to sum up and convey my thoughts on other people's work in less than one minute. Stressful and ineffective, in my opinion.
As a result, five years into my creative writing journey I've avoided joining another writer's group.
Until now.
I've been struggling with my process lately. Too many distractions to take me away from my computer, so many excellent reasons to avoid writing. I felt bored with my characters and dulled out by my story. I needed to add some high-octane gasoline to my tank.
So, when I heard from a woman in North Bay who seemed to be in the same boat, and wanted to try forming a new writer's group, I decided what the heck? Why not give it a try?
Three sessions in to our new group and I am HOOKED! I feel energized when I leave a meeting, pumped up to write something new, and best of all, I know I've received excellent feedback.
Why does this group work?
1. It's small. Only 4 members. We've been able to get to know each other quite quickly (which is great for building trust) and the small number allows lots of time for feedback for each member.
2. It's diverse. There is a thriller writer (me), a romance novelist, a newspaper columnist and a playwright. Nothing is more energizing than learning something new.
3. Similar Skill Levels. None of us has to waste time teaching grammar or punctuation or story development. We are all fairly accomplished as writers and have a good grasp of the basic skills.
4. Trust. I don't know how we came to trust each other so quickly. Perhaps, because we are all older, we've come to a place where we just don't want to waste time and energy on insecurities.
5. Clear Goals. Every member clearly stated that they were there to receive honest feedback and to improve as writers. None of us were interested in tea and cookies, or a group hug fest.
6. Constructive Feedback. It's one thing to say you are willing to give and receive honest feedback. It's another thing to do it. And, that is what is happening in this group. No punches pulled! We each seem thrilled to not only do our best to provide helpful feedback for each other, but also to receive tough feedback and accept it for what it is, a chance to improve as a writer.
Conclusion? Even when you are an introvert like me, joining a group can be a transformative decision. If you find the right people at the right time, with similar goals, a group just might be the push you need to keep on writing!
