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Writers Groups
One of the quotations delivered by the new service, DBQuotes, in the left column included this by Ernest Hemingway:Writing, at its best, is a lonely life. Organizations for writers palliate the writer`s loneliness, but I doubt if they improve his writing. He grows in public stature as he sheds his loneliness and often his work deteriorates.
It caught my eye because of a debate that raged on the forum at The Writer as to this author's deteriorating writing prowess preceding his suicide. I know that Hemingway sought and seemed to enjoy the company of other writers. He also measured his work against theirs, a potentially self-defeating, self-destructive action. I currently have very mixed feelings about the writers' groups in my home town. Some are such cliques that outsiders simply can't get in, although their money is always welcome at events. Others are sinking so fast, they grasp at newcomers to take on too important jobs. Some are just for journalists, some just for women. The writing community is splintered and ineffective. Each group has its big dream and too few volunteers to accomplish much. I wonder what would happen if we all joined hands? [writers' groups] Listen to this article
posted by Georganna Hancock M.S. | 7:57 AM
4 Comments:
Though I have mixed feelings about groups in general - I find that when more than five people are together the individual is lost and splintering is formed - I do agree with wondering what would happen should we all join hands, which is one of the underlying concepts behind IAMcore.net my new project that is getting ready to go into initial (and very limited beta). I guess we might see about the hands-being-held in the next coming months. Your insight into the project is greatly welcomed, as always, your experience is valued on this end of the keyboard.
I'm sure Bradley's group will do better than the one writers group I joined (online). It was always laid low by one melodrama or another. I jumped into every fray, too!
Now I know better. It's just too easy to get caught up in it all.
Um, I was talking about all the writers in my area (San Diego) banding together to accomplish what they are failing at in small groups. Some of the ideas are lofty and worthwhile: a writing center, a monthly publication, a book fair/expo. I can think of even more useful features: medical insurance, discounts on broadband connections and computer supplies, and generally sharing information and camaraderie.
On the larger front, there are plenty of online communities, and they each seem to settle into filling a niche, no matter how broad the original agenda. Wren, would you care to share?
Here's how bad I am: I'll jump to sign up for a genealogy workshop or a Star Trek convention, but for some reason the idea of a writers group doesn't appeal to me. Not at all.
Why is this?
Got to think this one over.
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