Comments on: Of cars and writing groups

By: Hoger

Hoger — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:27:41 +0000

So maybe rule three should be amended to something like – when you received all you can, spend some time giving something back but don’t be afraid to move on.

By: Hoger

Hoger — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:25:27 +0000

mmmm cake

By: Kris

Kris — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:18:15 +0000

yeah, moving on is difficult but important. But, as a complementary rule to this one, I’d add that while the group is relevant to you, you should makes an effort to GIVE as well as RECEIVE. I hear too many people say they don’t attend meetings because they’ve got nothing to get critiqued — here’s an idea, help someone else get their story critiqued! And if no one has a story, ask why? Can we help each other get something achieved that we really want to, or are we just a group of people chilling out? Whether it’s the former or the latter, recognise it, readjust if desired, and make it clear to newcomers what the purpose of the group is.

But the group chain breaks if either the GIVING or RECEIVING link is missing — and the group is only every individual’s actions together.

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:30:05 +0000

I’ve been learning to appreciate rule 3. It can sound a bit negative (“you’re no use to me anymore”) but it can also be like staying in school too long when you should be graduating and going onto the next stage of life. That learning was important, and good, and there may be nothing whatsoever wrong with the school, but even if it’s a good school – especially if it’s a good school – it should be *aiming* to outlive its usefulness to you and kick you out into the world. I’m regularly encouraged by seeing the names of those who have graduated from Vision.

(Obviously there are other sorts of writing groups as well, and other reasons to leave, but I like this group and this reason :)

By: Cat Sparks

Cat Sparks — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:24:25 +0000

Rule Four: Cake. There needs to be cake at writing group. Being told by 9 people that your beloved story sucks is a lot easier to handle accompanied by a mouthful of vanilla slice.