From the Fiction Desk

On December 7, 2009 I began this series of blogs on how to keep your muse energized. Tonight, I am going to bring this series to a conclusion with a discussion of writers’ groups. This may seem a bit obvious, but a good writers’ group provides not only a chance to network and learn about how to improve your craft, but it will also enthuse and recharge your muse. To find a good group takes a lot of research and honesty about what you are really looking for. Some groups are filled with “wannabes” and others are filled with the “elitist.”

What should you look for? The answer to this question is unique to your needs. What you should not look for is a group that will teach you how to write or will write your project for you. For the first, need I do suggest trying your community colleges or other schools of learning. Most writers who join a group are writers—regardless if they are published. Which leads to the second statement: While many writers are looking for paying projects, they usually want to focus on their own work—unless they are in the business of being a ghost writer and then you will hire them to write your project. This is not accomplished by just joining a group.

A writers group should offer you a chance to try new things, to grow, and to inspire yourself. I am admittedly spoiled in this regard. I belong to the St. Louis Writers Guild (www.stlwritersguild.org), which has workshops, open mic nights, and lectures—as well as special events. How I learned of them was by word of mouth.

How do you research a group or even learn of their existence? Use the web, but do not limit yourself to that, Ask other writers you may know. Ask the library and the local college English Departments. Simply ask around and then go to a few meetings before you join. See if it is the right fit for you.

Thank you for reading and please visit www.davidalanlucas.com for information on the blogs, stories, poems, and articles I write.