• As I work on a new novel, I can't emphasize enough the importance of writing workshops. For newcomers to the art form, a writing workshop is when you work with other writers, sharing a section of your work. The other writers will read it and offer constructive feedback about the content, the style, and the bigger picture of the piece. While eventually I hope to create a form of writing workshop within this site, in the meantime, you're going to have to find a creative writing outlet locally.

    To find a writers group in your area, there are a few options.

    The first option available in your quest to find a writers group is through local colleges. Many MFA programs will offer courses to the public in creative writing where you can sign up. These classes will likely cost money and focus on more than simply working in groups, but that will be a part of it for sure. While not the best method for most people, this outlet allows you a writers group with minimal work.

    Another option is to check out your local libraries, cafes and book stores. Oftentimes, writers groups in the area will post information about their group in these venues so you can check it out and see if there are any you're interested in. This option definitely costs the least, but this method is also very hit or miss.

    One final method that I've used to find writers groups and writers workshops is a web site called Meetup.com. This web site is about social gatherings and ways for you to meet people in your area. However, it goes beyond these types of activities and often offers a variety of cultural groups and writers groups. While it's more successful in urban areas, I've been able to find 3 writers groups within a half hour of my house and an additional three within an hour. If you don't see a group in your area, you could always try creating one yourself for a small fee and seeing if you can gather any interest after a month.

    In the end, it can take some work to find a good writers group but it will pay off immensely. Check out our next post to see what a writers group can do for you.