Should you join a local writing group?

Should you join a group or not? Below are a few tips to help you decide. 

1.    Only join a writer’s group if you enjoy the company of the people in it. There is no use being part of a group if you dread attending meetings. Personalities are bound to clash however if the thought of meeting up with people in the group gives you anxiety, don't go. This doesn’t mean you have to like everyone within the group, as long as you can respect them, and they respect you, then try to stick it out. 

2.    Join a group that understands writing is meant to be a pleasure, not a chore. You should be delighted to tap away at the keyboard. Everyone can get caught in the editing trap, a good group will remind you, editing is something done after you have written your story. One can join a group and enjoy the people but also dread writing due to pressures or self-doubt. Don't let this be you. 

3.    What do you get out of it? Does it offer classes or critiquing? A great group should bestow knowledge to all its members. It supports its writers and wants everyone to succeed. If you witness people in your group tearing down others, comparing or making people feel inadequate, then it's probably best to join another group. You would think this easy to tell, however, authors are notoriously quick to doubt their skill. When people within a group start verbally bashing others in the group to members, it is easy to jump on board in hopes of finding acceptance, etc. My mother always told me “those who gossip about others to you, often gossip about you to others.”

I believe if you find a good group, which encourages and supports your writing and helps you grow, then a local writer’s group is for you. If you aren’t able to find a fit, remember, there are plenty of online communities out there to help.