© 2012 Rose Muenker

Although the act of writing is a solitary process, writers greatly benefit from interacting with other writers and from soliciting the support of writers and other professionals. Here are several ways to get helpful support with your writing endeavors.

Writing Support and Critique Groups

Before joining a group, find out their primary purpose to make sure it aligns with your needs. Their primary purpose may be to create a space for writers to connect, recharge their creative juices, and share their successes and troubles with the writing life. Or their primary purpose may be to provide a forum to get other perspectives  on your writing through candid feedback and critiques.

Check out the local resources for writing support and critique groups in your area. Places to look include online forums, Meetup Groups, and postings on coffee shop bulletin boards.

Workshops and Classes

Writing workshops and classes provide the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and hone your skills in a specific genre or topic, such as writing query letters, book proposals or novels.

Writers who attend workshops and classes derive many benefits. Among them are creative stimulus, professional instruction and feedback, the accountability of assignments, interaction with like-minded students, and the opportunity to stretch and expand as a writer in both new and known areas of expertise.

Many locales offer in person writing classes and workshops through adult education programs, libraries, community colleges, and writing associations. You can also find a breadth of virtual classes and workshops online.

Writing Coach or Mentor

Hiring a writing coach or mentor can greatly advance your writing goals, especially if you seek accountability and professional guidance with a specific project. In addition to providing professional knowledge and expertise, a writing coach is your confidante. Because of this relationship, you can ask “dumb” questions without feeling embarrassed, openly share your writing obstacles and setbacks, and proudly share your successes.

A writing coach also holds you accountable to your chosen deadlines, and helps you tackle your writing obstacles, stay motivated, and  move steadily toward accomplishing your writing goals.

To find a writing coach, ask other writers for recommendations, consult the directories of writers’ associations and organizations, and search online.

Conclusion

Having a writing support system helps you hone and advance your writing skills, knowledge and expertise.  Through participation in writing classes, coaching, and support or critique groups, you gain many benefits, including motivation, accountability, and  feedback on your writing.