Today is a great day. This time last year, 22nd August 2014, was the first time that I met the members of my writing group. I can remember the first day as if it was yesterday. I tentatively approached my library for fear that I had made a mistake; I have heard many opinions on writing groups, and some weren’t that good. I was at a delicate point in my writing group, and the last thing I wanted was a group of people who enjoyed tearing people’s work to pieces. Thankfully, I found a lovely bunch of people, and while the feedback is offered, they don’t aim to destroy your confidence.
To celebrate our anniversary, we had a mini party (food and drinks) and talked about our year together, and we discussed what we have all gained from joining the group. We have done so much in just a year; we have held a charity event, went to a writing festival (Pow Wow), and developed as writers: some have finished novel first drafts, some have explored different types of writing, and some have even won competitions. With having done so much in our first year, I can’t wait to see what we will be doing next year.
Talking about next year, we already have planned projects, events, and trips. Our first project is our war anthology, which we are hoping to finalise and get published next year. We are also looking at going to the Birmingham Literature Festival, and we are planning to create our own website.
Joining my writing group is one of the best decision I have ever made. Not only have I developed as a writer, and found others who understand what it is to be a writer, but I have also found some great new friends.
Keep writing, folks!