Birds of a Feather

I know almost nothing about anything. But one thing I do know is that writing requires considerable self-discipline. Another thing I know is that it's a myth that writers are antisocial misfits who, by definition, must live as lonely hermits in order to live as writers. I am reminded of this every time I begin to teach another Round Robin class.

Writers need community just like anybody else. It's not a sign of weakness to join a writing group or to take a writing class because you want to hang out with other writers and talk shop. It's not a sign of weakness to need other people's support, encouragement, advice, suggestions, and camraderie on a regular basis. 

People often call to sign up for Writing Salon classes and sheepishly "confess" that they need to take writing classes because without them they don't write as much or as regularly. But they perceive the classes as crutches, and they're imagining that someday they'll be able to write without the aid of a group of peers and/or a teacher. Well sure, maybe. But then again, maybe not. Maybe they'll NEVER enjoy writing in a vacuum. Maybe they'll always need to  seek out the community of other writers.

What the heck. If taking a class or being part of a writing group gives you the structure, inspiration, kick in the ass or pleasure that you need and/or want, fabulous! Toss out the myth.

Comments

[LargePantsatLarge]

Round Robin: I love it. Would love to be someone who wrote with discipline and regularity. Now I am, sort of, thanks to daily prompts and someone on the other end of the puter. Would it be a kick to send writes to, say, Melbourne or what?

[mary ann]

And I need the writing group because it is so healthy for me to belly laugh (and sometimes cry) for an hour or two. What a great evening tonight, thanks to everyone.
mush del tiapos

[Catherine]

I wouldn't write half as much (not even ten percent as much) without monthly meetings of my writing group to set a deadline for me. I love the idea of the Round Robin classes though. Is there any way you might ever offer this as an online class, for those of us who live on the other side of the world from San Francisco? (Or even the other side of the USA)