Not all writing groups have to be formal sessions where everyone sits down and accounts for each word written since the last meeting. Those moments of truth can be very valuable, but a less formal event call also get the creative juices flowing.
In addition to my MasterMind Group, I also participate in Writers Who Wine an informal monthly gathering of writers at all stages of their career. We meet at a nice bar, have a drink and talk about the biz of putting words together.
I meet the most interesting people and leave inspired to find new ways to express myself - and make money in my chosen field.
We started our group on Facebook with a core group of writing friends and invited anyone in the Sacramento area who wanted to chat about writing to join us. We now have 119 members signed up to receive invitations and usually about 20 show up. I always meet someone new and have twice secured paying writing gigs from the contacts made there. I know writers who are now teaching classes, have been published in the local paper and featured in online stories because of the events.
The bottom line is, don't whine about finding opportunities. Take the initiative. Gather a group of people together in whatever setting, format and venue suits you. You could be the Creative Cookies who share recipes and write cookbooks. You could found the Java Journalists and take turns making presentations in a coffee shop. The idea is to share the inspiration, contacts and joy that comes from interacting with your fellow writers.
How do you stay connected?
Yours in Writing,
Promptmasters
JT Long
Jennifer Sander
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