by Aastha Agrawal
Writing is a solitary activity. That is why writers tend to feel lonely and lost. But who says that you need to suffer alone? You can always join a writing group and receive support in this arduous journey from like-minded people.
Last week I shared something I had written with the YEW Writer's Workshop. Initially, I was very nervous. I was sure that everyone would hate my writing. But to my surprise, no such thing happened. Instead, I received compliments, constructive feedback, and helpful suggestions to improve my writing.
From 1933 to 1949, a bunch of writers came together to form a writing group. This group consisted of famous authors such as C.S. Lewis and JRR Tolkien. This writing group motivated JRR Tolkien to complete his masterpiece - The Lord of the Rings.
Who knows maybe joining a writing group might help you complete your masterpiece as well. Here are some of the benefits of joining a writing group.
1. Inspiration
Reading other people’s work is the best way to garner inspiration. When you join a writing group, you get to read a wide variety of work from diverse writers, which can often help you get inspired.
2. Feedback
Getting valuable feedback is essential to growing as a writer. In a writing group, you can always expect to receive respectful feedback, and constructive criticism that will help you improve your writing. You also get to critique other people’s work which is a great way to improve your writing skill.
3. Support and Encouragement
As a writer, it is very easy to get discouraged when you are writing all by yourself. Whenever you feel demotivated or are stuck, you can rely on the writing group to provide support and offer words of encouragement to help you move ahead in your writing journey.
4. Networking
You get an opportunity to interact with different kinds of writers from all walks of life. You will not only gain wonderful friends, but you will also be able to receive guidance from more experienced writers.
5. Help you complete your own work
Whenever you are working on something, it is easy to get stuck. In such times, a writing group can come to your rescue. When you share your work, you can expect all writers to band together to share ideas, ask questions, and brainstorm ways to improve your work. All this will ultimately help you complete your WIP.
The YEW Writer’s Workshop is a safe space for teen and young adult writers around the world to band together and reap the benefits of having a group of writers at your side. At our bimonthly meetings, we express the strengths of each other’s work and provide feedback on areas of growth in supportive, encouraging manners.
We meet on the first and the third Friday of every month at 9:30 am EST/9:30 pm MYT. If you join us, I promise you won’t regret it. Click on the form link below and join our writing group!