Finding Your Kind

Thanks to everyone who sent me their thoughts, tips, tricks and sympathy after reading about my prolonged case of writer’s block in last newsletter’s column. When you’re struggling with something so intangible and difficult to explain to non-writers, it’s nice to know you’re not alone. And that, in a nutshell, is the greatest benefit of joining a critique group, or any kind of writing community.

I know most people are driven to find a critique group to improve their writing with the ultimate goal of getting published, not that there’s anything wrong with that. But, I don’t think we should discount or minimize the social and yes, more touchy-feely benefits of spending time among our own kind. Being a writer, published or unpublished, is a pain in the butt. It’s isolating, it’s weird and it’s hard, except when it’s wonderful and breath taking and soul nourishing. I ask myself every day why on earth I choose to do this and the answer, of course, is that I don’t’ choose it, really. I came hard wired this way and the saving grace is that there ARE other people out there, great, generous people, who are wired the same way, it’s just a matter of connecting with them.

So, in honor of Spring, the season o renewal, shake off your hibernation, get out there and find your kind!