Join me as I delve into the value of joining writers’ groups and associations.
I explore the potential benefits, from aligning with a shared mission to taking advantage of exclusive services such as health insurance or legal counsel.
Using the Mystery Writers of America and The Authors Guild as examples, I outline the unique offerings that can enrich your writing journey.
But how about the smaller, more intimate writers’ groups?
For those who thrive on collaboration, crave honest feedback, and can commit time to critique others’ works, I discuss the potential advantages of these collective spaces.
With a sneak peek into my Mystery Mastermind live virtual workshops, I demonstrate how structured critique sessions can turbocharge your writing process.
Remember, your choices should cater to your specific needs because you’re intelligent, driven, and committed!
Hello, Jane Cleland here.
Interesting question: why should I, or why shouldn’t I, join a writers’ group or association? Interesting question.
Let’s start with associations. You should join one if you believe in its mission. For example, Mystery Writers of America. Here’s their mission statement: “Crime doesn’t pay enough.” It’s cute, right? Mystery authors want to make more money—they want a bigger share of the pie. If that’s a mission statement you believe in, well, it makes sense to join.
Another reason to join an association is that they offer services that have value for you. Many associations and organizations offer health insurance. Because you’re part of a group, it may be a lower-cost option for you if you’re an entrepreneur or independent in some way and in need of insurance.
It may also be something like The Authors Guild’s free legal services. They have a free contract review service that can be very valuable for un-agented authors, for example.
In terms of writing groups—and this applies both to associations and writers’ groups—you get to attend meetings with like-minded people. These are people who are writing either in general, in your genre, or in a way that aligns with your proximity or geography. That can all be very valuable for some people.
For writing groups in particular:
You work well in teams.
You are collaborative.
You have time to critique other people’s work.
You are receptive to receiving honest feedback yourself, want it, and will value it.
Maybe you want to consider a facilitated writers’ group like live virtual workshops or Mystery Mastermind. Mystery Mastermind consists of five people over six sessions with me facilitating. Each time, you get 20 minutes of devoted time just for you. It may be a good option for you.
Whatever it is you decide, I know it’s going to help you because you are smart and ambitious and dedicated. How can you lose?
If this tip had value for you, would you do something for me? Would you like it? Would you share it? Would you subscribe to the YouTube channel? I’d be so appreciative.
*Transcripts are software-generated. To report any transcription errors, please use my contact form!
