In Praise of Writing Groups – Jacqueline Harret
In a former life I was a teacher. I ran a writing group for primary school children, but we didn’t do any writing. I explained how writing starts with an idea and thinking about that idea and how to develop it. Writing starts in the head.
Our meetings had a focus on sharing ideas and, if someone had written something, sharing that for constructive feedback. You might think this too sophisticated for nine and ten-year-olds, but they rose to the challenge. If writing groups help children with devising and refining their ideas and prose, then it follows a supportive group of fellow scribes is what every writer needs.
Some authors talk about the loneliness of the job – hammering away on the keyboard, locked from family and friends as they craft their narratives. It can seem a solitary task. They may not want to share their fledgling work until they are satisfied with the results. However, the wonderful thing about a supportive network is that you don’t have to feel alone. Sharing ideas, problems and frustrations with your work in progress can help you to unravel those plot points that don’t seem to be working. Just being able to talk to other writers gives you the opportunity to share your passion for words and for storytelling. Who, other than a fellow writer, can listen to you droning on about the craft of writing for hours without glazing over?
I think myself lucky as I belong to two writing groups. I also have a writing buddy in the form of Janet Laugharne with whom I co-authored two novels, a novella, and several short stories under the pseudonym, J. L. Harland. There is a buzz to co-authoring fiction. Despite rudimentary planning the story takes on a different shape when two writers create something together.
We both belong to the Criminal Fairies writing group. There are five of us who meet regularly, over dinner in the pub, to read aloud the items we have composed for the monthly challenge. At the end of the evening, we each contribute one random word to be incorporated into an offering for the next meeting. The words are diverse, often a bizarre combination. That is the challenge. The compositions may be a short story; a chapter; a descriptive paragraph or even a poem. It’s incredible how diverse these pieces can be. We support each other, listen to each other’s frustrations and suggest ways through the inevitable low periods in writing, submitting and publishing our work. We also share much laughter. It’s uplifting.
They are also the people I trust to give me honest and constructive advice on the first drafts of my novels. They tell me what works and, more importantly, what doesn’t; they check the story for continuity; they ask pertinent questions which help me clear some of the ‘fog’ in the narrative and they offer their support in so many ways. If there are plot holes, they will propose ways to fill these gaps. These discussions are invaluable and a vital part of my writing life. It would be much more difficult without the support of my fellow writers.
Our little group has developed over several years, but the core principle is the same – sharing the joy of writing. If there isn’t a group for you to join, why not start one? You might find it makes your writing journey less arduous and a lot more fun. Isn’t the love of writing and the pleasure of sharing our creativity why we write? It certainly isn’t for the money – unless you are J. K. Rowling.
Jacqueline Harrett is from Northern Ireland but has lived in Wales for over forty years. She was a teacher and academic before turning to crime writing in retirement. Her DI Mandy Wilde series, The Nesting Place, The Whispering Trees and With Grave Consequences are set in and around Cardiff and published by Diamond Crime. They are available direct from the publisher; Waterstones; Amazon; Apple Books and Borrow Box.
With Grave Consequences may be purchased here
Website: https://harrett.co.uk
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