Earlier this year, I started a new writing group at one of
the libraries where I work. I called it Writers’ Circle, but that was only
going to be the name until the group decided on a new, original name. We came
up with several really good names, but somehow, Writers’ Circle stuck.
It works. We sit in a circle…well, square really. We start
with generalized life-sharing, read whatever piece/s of writing we will
discuss, discuss it, and we come back around to generalized life-sharing as we
prepare to head our separate ways.
Writing is a circular activity. You get an idea. It spins
around in your head. You capture it on paper – or in a computer or other
device. You read it. You re-write it. You re-write it again, as many times as
it takes, until you are satisfied with it. You get an idea…
It is important for writers to have a safe place to spend
time with other writers. It doesn’t matter if the writers in your group don’t
write exactly the same kind of thing that you do. What matters is that they
have a writer’s mind and soul. Writers are a special breed. If they are
surrounded by non-writers, they can become frustrated and without the moral
support that can only come from other writers, they could give up.
I have belonged to a variety of writing groups over the
years. The first one was back in ninth grade. Two of my friends and I named our
group “Pen, Paper, Pencil” or some variation of those three words. I don’t
remember the exact order; it’s been a while since I was in ninth grade. Not too
long ago, I found ALL of the stories we wrote. I don’t remember why I was
chosen to keep them, and it is a miracle that they are still with me after almost
four decades, especially considering that I lived overseas for all of the
1980s. I still have frequent contact with one of those friends. I need to
reconnect to the other one, too.
The next writing group I was a part of met once a month in
my neighbor’s house. I attended when I could, but when I got a full time job I
had to miss many meetings. It has been a few years since I was able to go, but
I will always feel that I am a member of the “Word Weavers” group. I had the
chance to catch up with two other members a few weekends ago at a writing
conference.
For a short time I attended another writing group that met
at a library. It met at a time that was convenient for my work schedule, and occasionally
I was able to go on a lunch break. I don’t remember if it had an official name,
but after I moved away I had to stop going.
In my new hometown, I found a wonderful writing group at my
local library. I am still a member and attend meetings when I don’t have to
work during their scheduled sessions. (I have to work many evenings with my new
job.) I will forever be thankful for this group. They are the first friends I
made in my new town, and they truly made me feel welcome.
My newest group is the one I first mentioned. We meet every
Tuesday evening. There are some people who are able to attend all of the
meetings, some every other week, and others who can only be there once in a
while. I am truly fortunate to have this group. The group provides solid
support for its members. More experienced writers are able to offer
constructive critique to newer writers, and the newer writers offer fresh
energy and inspiration to us all.
It is wonderful to have so many writer friends, some I
connect with online. The internet, email, and social media make it easier to
maintain long distance friendships.
I will need to use old fashioned communication to reconnect
to that one member of my first writing group. I haven’t seen her in a few
years, but I have her address. I need to write to her. I think we should get
the old group back together, probably not for the sake of writing…but for the
sake of our friendship.
After all, friendship is also a circle.
