Kristen GwenMy favorite movies are The Incredibles. Both of them are fantastic, but the first one is really my go-to. If you’ve seen it (if not, where have you been?!) then you know it’s a story of a father who’s lost his way who can’t embrace the now or work as a team with his family. He’s been Mr. Incredible, the solo hero, for so long he can’t see that by working together they are stronger.
As writers, we can’t just be a solo act. We have to join with others on this journey. And together we will be stronger, smarter, and more creative then we can be alone. Here are a few types of groups you could cultivate to help you along the way.
- Critique groups: The best thing I ever did was join a critique group. I’ve been part of in-person and online crit groups and they are both valuable for helping you see what you can’t in your writing. Don’t underestimate the power of a good writing group.
- Brainstorming groups: The sister of the critique group is the brainstorming group where you bat around ideas together. If you want to work out a story idea, character motivations, or cool titles a brainstorming group could be for you. I’ve never been a part of this kind of group, but it sounds like a lot of fun. Find one if you can!
- Prayer groups: This writing gig takes a lot of prayer and not all of your groups will be made up of writers. Gather up for yourself a great group of people who will lift you and your writing up in prayer.
- Family: Just like the Incredibles, we are stronger with family around to support us. Spouses watch kids, are the breadwinners, and give great emotional support and encouragement. Kids can occupy themselves with their own projects and give you a bit of writing time. Parents can make sure you have time and space to create. In return, be sure to reward them every once in a while with cake or pie to show how much you appreciate them. I know some people don’t have a very encouraging family, and if that’s the case …
- Friends: Perhaps a group of friends can gather around you and support you on this journey. Be sure to let them in and discuss your writing with them. And of course, cake or pie (or both) is a must when discussing writerly things.
- Teachers: My seventh grade teacher set me on my writing journey by hosting an after school critique group. Teachers rock when it comes to encouraging. If you’re still in school and you have an encouraging teacher, take advantage of that.
- Facebook Groups: These are great for meeting the virtual versions of writers around the world. They are also great places for asking random questions and getting ideas.
What kinds of groups have you joined and found support from?
Whatever you do, don’t do a Mr. Incredible and try to go it alone. Writing is a lonely journey anyway, so grab some pals, some snacks, and head out together on this crazy road called writing.
Tracy Popolizio
Laurie Germaine
Sharon Rene
When I showed my first published book to my family, a niece asked, “Who helped you? You didn’t do this by yourself, did you?” It was as if a real person couldn’t write a book by him or herself. “No one helped me,” I told her. “I wrote it alone.”
Then I realized… dozens of people wrote that book. Family, friends, critique groups, editors, prayer warriors, even people who had no clue that they had just helped me through a sticking point…
Allison, I change my answer: LOTS of people helped me. God put it all in me. There’s no way I could have written any of my books alone.
Oh, yeah!! I can’t count the number of people who have helped me along the way. Praise God, he doesn’t expect us to do this alone. Hugs!
Yes! Kristen! We do not write as lone rangers. I am thankful thankful for each writer, beta reader, pray-er, family and friend who walks the writing journey with me!
Me too! It would be a lonely road indeed without a team! Thanks for being on mine 🙂
Hugs!