Webby Tips for Writers #11: Join an Online Writing Group

Posted by bridgid on | October 11, 2010 | 1 Comment |

This month we’re celebrating you, our fearless readers, by offering 30 days of reading, writing and networking tips. On October 31st we’ll conclude the festivities by giving one lucky reader a copy of the 2011 Writer’s Market book and a goodie bag. Learn how to enter here.

Tip #11: Join an Online Writing Group

Online writing groups offer the chance to make connections with other writers and find support. The added bonus is that you can access your online group anywhere you can get an Internet connection.

Writing groups can be a writer’s strongest asset, but, as with a live writing group, you need to find the writing group that fits you best.

When looking for a writing group, I suggest starting with writers you already know. Ask your writing or blogging friends for suggestions. By starting with people you already know and (I would hope) like, you’ll be joining a group you’re that much more likely to find helpful.

I met my current critique partner, the amazing E. L. Schneider, through SheWrites. I encouraged her to join another group I belong to, The Write-Brained Network. Now, Erin is an active member and the leader of our Young Adult Fiction Subgroup. (Sweet!)

Another approach is to look for an online writing group in your genre. YALitChat is a popular group for Young Adult Fiction Writers. Science Fiction and Fantasy writers have The Critters Workshop. Romance writers have Romance Critters. (Anyone know the story behind the critters?)

The membership of some groups, such as AbsoluteWrite and SheWrites, has grown to numbers in the thousands. (For the curious–AbsoluteWrite has more than 25,000 members and SheWrites has over 12,000.) Although intimidating, these large numbers mean you’ll get more extensive services. Also, with a group that big, you should have no trouble finding like-minded writers.

No matter what group–or groups–you belong to, make the most of your membership with these three tips:

1. Keep a professional tone. Consider every message you share, every word you write to be public. Remember that potential agents, editors, or customers might see what you write.
2. Get active. The more active you are in the group, the more benefits you will see. Participate in the aspects of the group you find the most useful, but make sure to give as much as you take. Help other members as much as they help you.
3. Manage your activity. Although this might sound contradictory to the point above, I have to say it: Don’t let your writing group get in the way of your writing. Manage the time you spend on the group to make sure you save time to write.

What about you–do you belong to a writing group that you would recommend? How do you make the most of your membership?

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