by Ted Lee

Created on: June 24, 2009

A writers group is an effective way to network with other writers within your area and opens up a valuable resource - extra pairs of eyes to read what you have written. While finding a writers group can seem daunting at first, it is easier than most people think to find writers groups around you and begin to improve and help others improve in their craft.

1. The local library

The library is often acts as a hub of community events and activities, and one of them is the writers group. Often, there are many groups dedicated to different types of writing. Some groups focus on fiction, others on personal writings and essays. Some groups write about environmental subjects, while others may swap ideas and stories revolving around current events and politics. If you live in a small town, it may be harder to find that diversity of writing or a group that fits your specific style. Still, there is much to learn from any kind of writer, and training yourself in flexibility when it comes to writing helps improve your ability to write, just as crosstraining makes an athlete stronger. Still, if you feel none of the groups fit you, there is no law prohibiting you from starting your own. Work with a librarian to try and start your own writers group and connect with similar writers.

2. The university

Universities and colleges also often attract writers and advertise their groups. Ask the English department if there are any writers groups that meet at he university or college and join up with one of them. This is especially great for students, who may find other student writers and build lasting relationships and connections, but anyone can join a writers group at a university, student or not.

3. The internet

The internet is making the world flatter, and writers profit tremendously from it. There are many groups that meet on the internet, swapping stories via email or on message boards. You can find many websites, forums and message groups that cater to your specific style of writing. Do you enjoy writing Elizabethan alternate history involving vampires? That group most likely exists on the internet. If you are especially looking for a specific subgroup of writers to associate and exchange writing samples with, the internet is your best bet in finding people just like you.

Regardless of how or where you find your writing group, now, more than ever, is the best time to find one. There are many writing groups, from professional to casual, that will help you with your specific needs and questions. And you can never have too many people read over your writing to help it improve. Finding a group is easy, and many rich friendships develop between writers as they share their work with one another. Every writer should take advantage of this great resource and find a writers group to join.

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