We’ve talked about the three types of writing groups, yet what happens when a group says it's one type and is really another? As in, it quacks like a duck but barks like a dog?
Here’s a story to explain what I mean. A couple of years ago, I met a terrific author whose work I admired. We talked about writing, including groups, and she shared a personal experience with me:
She joined her local library’s critique circle. The members explained how they shared works in progress for feedback each meeting. Bingo! This was exactly what the author was looking for and she signed up with high expectations. In practice, however, circle members shared cookies, not WIPs, and the session transformed into a social gathering.
“We brought in cookies, not our writing.” An author commenting on a writing group.
When the author steered the time back to work, the group wasn’t enthusiastic. No lie, she admitted, she enjoyed talking with the other writers. (Not to mention nibbling on some delicious cookies!) All the same, it wasn’t what she expected. Frustrated and angry, she dropped out. Why? The group promised one thing but delivered another.
This isn’t unusual. Many writing groups start with the best intentions but morph into another type of group or into pure networking. Maybe this sounds familiar? What’s billed as a write-in session becomes a meeting to complain about how hard it is to write regularly. Or what’s touted as a routine accountability check-in transforms into an exchange of publications looking for short stories this month.
Members may not have enough objectivity to see what’s changed because they're in it. But a newcomer with fresh eyes sees the disconnect between the promise and the experience, and feels confused.
If you’ve experienced this in the past, or you know what I’m talking about right now, my first tip is don’t take it personally. This has nothing to do with you as a writer or your work.
My second piece of advice is to think about your personal writing goals. Even if it’s not what you expected, the content of the group might support your goals. If so, make the most of the opportunity!
But if it’s not what you want to focus on, here’s my third suggestion: Bring up your observations to the group. Don’t make it a blame game or accuse anyone, just share what you’ve noticed. For example, you could say, “I’ve noticed for a few meetings we’ve talked about author platforms, and I thought this group got together to discuss drafts. Do you think we’ll continue to work on author platforms?” Hopefully, a discussion will follow and the group may course correct.
There’s a risk, of course, because the other authors could say they’re thrilled with what they’re doing in the moment, and you might end up being disappointed.
At least you’ll know where you stand, which brings me to my last piece of advice: Your work (whatever you're working on) is your priority, so invest your time in a group that will help you advance your work. If it's not what supports you, find a different group.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing bad about a circle evolving into another type of group (start with "What's your group?") or even into a friendly networking session—if everyone is clear on the purpose of the group. A problem occurs when a group says it quacks like a duck but—surprise!—barks like a dog.
Have you experienced any surprises like that? Let me know in the comments below.
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