How I changed my mind about writing groups

Every writer is different. Some believe writing can be taught. I generally don't subscribe to this idea. I think people who inherently want to explore the human condition and the subconscious are wanting to do this innately. These are the reasons why I turned down my chances to go to an MFA program.

However, I do think one can improve one's writing as a craft. I do not debate the benefits of reaction and feedback from a seasoned writer or peer.

And yet, I have avoided writers' groups like the plague. I have been approached by friends in the past who talk about these groups with an intensity that borders on religious fervor. Sorry, I am not attending your church, I have thought to myself.

In 2010 I got to meet a group of Chicago writers who had experience in workshops (many of attended Clarion), and I liked their company and professionalism. We had a beer. We had two. We read at Tuesday Funk. Over time, someone suggested starting a writers' group. I began to sweat. Could I do this? Would I get annoyed? What would happen to my writing?

We began to meet. I submitted some of my work. We drank a beer. We drank two. I got feedback on my work. And we repeated the process (once, we even Skyped me in from Berlin).

Well, I am happy to report I am very happy to be part Error of Judgment, the writing group I belong to with the likes of Holly McDowell, William Shunn, Dustin Monk, Eden Robbins and Tom Underberg.

I don't always submit a story or chapter, but when I do, I have learned a lot about my own work (in a way that is very similar to when I have shared my full manuscripts with my first readers). The advice they give is articulate and thoughtful, even if I may disagree with it. In fact, the advice  has kept me moving in my project "The Ocean Hunters," and though I am not sure how much of it we will discuss in detail by the time I have it in full completed draft, I know that I will have had invaluable feedback.

I had always thought that writers' groups were writing by committee, a violation of the artistic vision of a writer. After becoming more comfortable with the way we operate as a group, I realize  that this type of feedback is really useful. What's more, its usefulness comes from the fact that I respect each of these writers for their craft, professionalism and spirit.

This Thursday I will gather with Error of Judgment for another session. I don't have any new copy, but I will provide feedback to the others. I cannot wait.

Somewhere, Gentle Readers, I changed. I am not sure or exactly how, but I did. I am still working closely with myself and by myself, but opening up windows into my work while it is still in development has felt good in this environment. I hope you can find the right environment for your writing, too.