The Value of Writer’s Groups/Writing Communities

Over on AgentQueryConnect, where I am a moderator, I had a new member ask me why I hang out at AQC, and what I get out of it. This member had been wondering where to post files for the agents to see and I had explained that we were a writing community that prepped writers about the business of publishing and got them ready for that moment when their work makes it in front of an agent. (Side note: For those seeking an agent–there is no easy, magic bullet. There is no wonderful hidden website where all the agents go and all you have to do is place your work there and you’ll have an agent and a book deal within the week. Agents are much too busy for that–go through the regular querying channels. And yes, WEbook has a submit to agents area on their website, but personally, I had less luck using that free service than sending a regular email query to agents.)

Let’s start at the beginning. First of all, what is a writing community/writer’s group? And is there a difference between the two? Generally speaking, a writer’s group usually meets at a ‘real’ place and in ‘real’ time. A writing community is usually something you find online. AQC is a writing community, but you could also call it a writer’s group. Basically, the two groups have the same goal–to be a place for writers to meet, gab about the craft, the business, maybe offer some critiques, share their work, share their woes, ask questions, answer questions, and basically, feel as though you are a part of a group that ‘gets’ you and what you are trying to accomplish and gain help as well as support. You can also network in these groups.

Image from The Gaping Void. You may also remember the review I did for Hugh’s book Ignore Everybody.

So, why join a group? Well, that depends a bit on your personality and goals. For me, an online writing community was a safe place to come out of the writer’s closet and talk about writing, share my writing (when ready) and learn a whole lot more about the craft, etc, in a group of people who wouldn’t ask me every week, “So, are you published yet? No? Why not?” (And hence, making me feel like a complete failure and inadvertently apply crazy pressure, which in turn, would cramp my creativity in a tight little vice, helping me get nowhere except Quitsville.)

Generally, the people you will find in a writer’s group/writing community are dedicated and understand that the road to publication is a long journey. It’s full of moments where you are sure your hair just brushed the clouds and other moments where you’re sure your toes just got singed by the devil’s very own fires. These fellow writers listen. They empathize. And when you are ready, they might just hand you a tip or resource that leads to immense improvement.

Some folks are lucky in that they live in an area that is rife with folks who want to write and get published through regular, ‘traditional’ channels. And then there are areas where the local writer’s group is a bunch of old ladies putting together their personal memoirs to give to their children as a Christmas gift. And there is nothing wrong with either avenue, as I mentioned, it all depends upon your goals. What may work perfectly for one, may not work for another. That’s the sweetness of online groups–you can find one that fits you and suits your needs.

So, the big question–what have I received from my writing community? Oh lordy! How much time do you have? I can credit AQC with so much. I have gone from so wet behind the ears that frogs were croaking back there to being agented. In the span of about three or four years. I have met many fabulous critique partners on AQC who have challenged me and urged me to improve my skills through their insightful and constructive comments. I have met others who are on the same journey as I am and we have shared agonies and triumphs–and very importantly, ‘gotten’ what agonies and triumphs they are. I have also learned an INCREDIBLE amount about the craft of writing as well as the business of publishing. And most recently, I had my critique partner slide a door open a ways for me–landing me a literary agent.

A little note: You get back what you put in. I’ve put a huge amount into the writing community and in turn, have received a huge amount back. Join for the camaraderie, stay for the insights.

So, there you have it. Writer’s Groups/Writing Communities in a nutshell.

Do you/have you belonged to one? More than one? What do you get out of them? What don’t you get out of them?

Authonomy

Some interesting things are happening over at HarperCollins. Specifically on their new website ‘Authonomy‘.

I was curious about this new online community site and signed up for them to let me know when it was ready. The other day I got an invite to try their beta version. I registered, uploaded my picture and snooped around a bit.

Authonomy, in case you haven’t heard much about it, is a site where writers can upload their work. They ask for a minimum of 10,000 words and prefer the WHOLE manuscript. You retain the rights to it as the author, but yes of course there is nothing stopping someone from snatching your work. Anyway, anyone can read what is posted (agents, publishers, editors, dude next door, other writers, thieves, etc). If you are registered, you can comment on the work and add it to your bookshelf. The works that are the most popular among the site’s readers will then get read by some people at HarperCollins. The janitor. Kidding. Sort of.

Anyway, I suppose it is a free way to get your work out there and possibly get discovered.

The thing is…

It feels wrong.

I don’t know why, but my gut reaction is, ‘No.’ And I tend to be a somewhat early adopter of new fangled tech stuff.

I guess it is the fact that they want me to put my WHOLE work up there for free. Which is fine, I guess. Except that I want to make money with this work. I want people to buy it. Now I do understand that as a business person, you sometimes have to give things away. So, sure, I will give some copies away when it is in print. I will. Even if I have to buy them from the publisher myself. But I won’t give away shares in my company. Know what I am saying? This feels like giving away shares. And for what? In hopes that some conglomerate sees me and buys me out?

I won’t even get into the whole it could get stolen, plagiarized and all that nasty line of thought stuff.

The other thing is that you are putting it up on the HarperCollins website. What if I find an agent for this piece and a publisher that is NOT HarperCollins wants to publish it? How are they going to feel about the fact that I previously GAVE IT AWAY on the COMPETETORS website? Personally, if I were them, I would be like, ‘uh, NO!’

Am I crazy? Am I skipping out on the biggest thing since that damned sliced bread?

As an aside, while I was looking for a pic of sliced bread, I came across this (which in my opinion is waaaaaay cooler than sliced bread could ever be):

Later Note: I emailed an agent about this and they were kind enough to take the time to email me back. The advice was, post a chapter or two, but not the whole manuscript as a traditional publisher may then consider the electronic rights to be compromised due to the posting of it in its entirety.

Praise for an Effective Writing Site

Back at the end of December, I joined the online community, Agent Query Connect. This has been fabulous for me. First of all, I don’t really know any local writers or aspiring writers. Second of all, I am not particularly close to any major centres where I can hang out with other writers or even join in on the events hosted by the writers guild I am a member of. Third, I am a little shy about the idea of talking about my writing face to face with ‘real’ people–although I am getting better. And fourth, I squeeze my writing in around my life–ideal for online communities, but not so much for real life communities that get upset if you bring your children along or arrive late or leave early.

Aside from these personal reasons, there are a zillion of professional reasons on why this community is awesome. First of all, there are a pile of people with diverse ideas, diverse backgrounds and a variety of helpfulness. Second, you can pop by as often as you can or desire. Third, you can ask any question and it is likely that someone has an answer. Fourth, you can get a pile of feedback on your own writing. Fifth, it is inspiring. Sixth, it allows you to make contact with other writers and eases the lonliness or isolation of many writers. Seventh, you may even meet an agent over there. Eighth, you can hear all sorts of good stuff before it is published (and possibly encourage the next BIG thing). Ninth, resources of all sorts! Tenth, there are some good laughs.

Are you getting the picture that this site is the best thing I’ve ever stumbled upon? I can’t believe how much this site has helped me grow in the past few months. I feel more confident in my writing, I’ve met other writers, I’ve got some critiques going and I’m finding all sorts of resources all the time. It’s great!

So then the other day I was editing an essay for my husband who was writing a paper on organisational behaviour within the teaching profession and I came across this description of an effective group’s features and it made me think of Agent Query Connect. Here’s the list:

No clear experts, problems are solved as group by dividing tasks among members
Members learn from each other and are willing to share their expertise with the group
Combined experience of the group is leveraged in a given situation
Tendency to make riskier or more creative and innovative decisions
Ability to overcome organisational weaknesses, especially in the area of professional development through helping each other to acquire new skills and expertise
Helpful for newcomers to the organisation
(Hunt, Osborn and Schermerhorn, 2005. Organisational Behaviour.)

The amazing thing is that all of these points describe what I have experienced over at Aqent Query Connect.
So, after reading this and you want to join, it is free–and better than most things you pay for–so go on over and join up. See you there!