Writers, I need courage

RondackHiker

A friend from college just sent me a message. She lives about an hour south of me and wants to catch up. She's part of a writers group that meets every other week about twenty minutes south of me.

We did a lot of writing together in college and took many advanced classes together. I want to see her, and would love to start meeting people and have a regularly scheduled thing to attend.

The problem? I haven't written for myself in a long time. Probably since DS was born or when I started writing for a job, when he was around 9 months. I've also never been part of a formal group like this.

Should I just show up, admit I haven't written in a while but that I've been wanting to start up again (which is true), and listen and participate with the plan to bring something next week? Or should I try to write a few pages for tomorrow, not necesarily hoping to share, but trying to show that I'm willing to share and contribute?

pinkiemo

I would say just show up and listen the first time around. See what the group's procedure is then plan to bring something the next time. They won't ding you for not having something prepared now.

In fact, the couple groups I participated in rotated whose work we were reading that week so as not to overwhelm with a ton of reading, plus not everyone had new stuff every week.

LuckyDad

Putting yourself in their shoes, I would be surprised if a newbie showed up with pages in hand, ready to share. I feel it's a bit like a message board; normally you lurk a bit before you contribute, right?

It might be fun for you to make time to sit down and write. You also could think about what you want to write, brainstorm ideas, etc.

RondackHiker

The lurker thing is a really good point.

Thanks guys!

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virgin4lyfe

I WILL BUY ALL THE SOOKIE FRACKHOUSE BOOKS.
Will you be posting them with the Sookie pen name? If not I will need PM details so I can buy them eventually :P

Also, because I don't want to be totally irrelevant - you go @RondackHiker. You totally got this.

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missyishere

I was part of a writers' group in college.  We met initially in order to feel each other out.  Once we ran ideas by each other, we wrote for the following week and so on.  You could maybe bring some of your old stuff for possible workshop, but I would just go with an open mind.  I'm excited for you!

RondackHiker

Thank you all so much!

I had so much fun. The group has a great sarcastic/snarky/supportive vibe, if that combination makes any sense.

I really enjoyed it and cannot wait to go back.

missyishere

That's awesome @rondackhiker!  I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.  I should look into a local group, because it would push me to really right instead of just talking about it.