Engage in a Scribe's Collective
In the heart of a cosy home, surrounded by a large pile of purring cats and collapsed bookshelves, an avid fantasy writer and blogger is hard at work on their debut novel, Alpha Female. This writer, who prefers to remain anonymous, has recently taken a significant step in their writing journey by joining a writers group.
The writer's decision to join was not made lightly. Fear had been a major obstacle in achieving their dreams, but they knew that critiques and fellowship with other writers could strengthen their writing and help them grow. To prepare for this new venture, the writer followed a series of key steps to ensure a positive and productive experience.
Firstly, the writer set a positive mindset and clear goals. They recognised that fear and self-doubt are common among writers and focused on what they hoped to achieve by joining the group - improving their craft, gaining feedback, and developing accountability.
Next, the writer sought out a safe, supportive environment. They read everything available on the group's page before joining and were pleased to find a welcoming atmosphere where respect and constructive feedback were prioritised.
Preparing their work thoughtfully was also crucial. The writer read the pieces shared for critique twice before the meeting and kept their comments light and mostly focused on editing for the first meeting.
Engaging in icebreakers and warm-ups helped ease tension and build camaraderie. The writer participated lightly in the first meeting, but the depth of critiques received from the group was surprisingly beneficial.
Adopting strategies to reduce perfectionism and fear was another important step. The writer found it helpful to write "badly at first" and to focus on progress over perfection.
Being ready to participate actively was also key. The writer took part in discussions, offered constructive feedback to others, and contributed to setting group goals and guidelines.
Lastly, the writer developed a consistent writing routine to build confidence and lessen the fear of sharing. They also sought fellowship beyond critiques, using the group to build connections, share ideas, motivate one another, and celebrate successes.
Now, a few weeks into the group, the writer has expanded their network to include other writers. They attend the writers group weekly and are even considering joining a second group. The writer believes that their journey in the world of writing is just beginning, and they are excited to see where it takes them.
The writer endeavored to enhance their 'lifestyle' by prioritizing their writing aspirations, integrating work on their novel into their daily routine. As they continued to nurture their craft within the writers group, they set forth the objective of improving their 'home-and-garden' – a metaphorical space for their creative ideas, which was now overseen by the supportive network of fellow writers.
