Writing Group
We had our final meeting tonight. Not a meeting so much as a small party, a time where we could relax from the pressure, talk about writing in general, and then take the plunge and read an excerpt from our novels. It was by far my favourite meeting of the entire time, and not just because I did not have to write anything; I rather enjoyed the social time. It was fun to get to know the people behind the frantic looks, the hurried typing (or writing), and those moments of frustrating writer’s block. I will not miss the stress of writing, but I will miss getting together with other writers and talking about our shared passion (at least I hope we would all have some level of passion for the craft).
I have already been encouraged to join a critique group, and I will keep that in mind, keeping my ears open for any mention of a local group. I think I would grow and develop as a writer meeting with others, pointing out the excellent work, and politely marking the sections needing work. I liked the moral support of the group, knowing there were others out there struggling with me. I liked knowing I was not alone and that any pain I was suffering they would be able to identify with it. But that is over now; I am not laboring under any stress or agony of a shared deadline, just my own pressures (which can be crushing).
I will miss the times spent with other writers, but I will enjoy the memories. Who knows, perhaps I will stay in contact with a few of them online. Two of them have blogs (one, two) and I think all of them have email. Time will tell.