The Necessity Of A Writers' Group For Motivation And Overall Results

I think I've been pretty clear about the fact that I'm in school right now. Going to be a nurse. Yeah. So, some weeks the only creative writing I get done is sitting at a coffee shop across from Ditty sucking down some very inspiring caffeinated beverage. This is usually good for about five pages. Five pages a week is not exactly flying, but managing a snail's pace while maneuvering the very demanding world of medical academics is what it is. And frankly, it's better than a lot of other screenwriters who are less busy than myself (oh, and you know it).

All this is to say that a writers' group is important. It provides consistency, an environment removed from your other responsibilities, and at least one other person with which to share a common goal (which should keep you from completely losing your mind). It doesn't need to be fancy. Some of the time it's just me and Ditty, sometimes there's three of us, but it doesn't really matter. This is a time set apart for you to write.

"But couldn't I just do it alone? Why do I need someone else there? I don't like people."

Why must you plague me with these questions? The other person is not only a social outlet and a partner in crime, but also creates an expectation. In that moment when you're sitting at home, thinking about going to that coffee shop to write, you may want to take a nap instead except that you know someone is waiting for you and if you don't show up you'll have to make an excuse, plus they'll be kind of mad at you for standing them up and you'll have to deal with the intricacies of correcting that wrong so you might as well get up and go. See how that works?

If you write, I know you know others who write too. So, pick one or two you can stand and set a recurring day and time and location and get to it.