Writer's Groups

All writing groups are not equal. Finding the perfect one for you will help you reach the next level quicker. Finding the wrong one may put you off writing entirely. So how do you avoid the bad ones and find the good ones. Unfortunately, I have little advice. I was lucky. I quickly found a group of talented friends. We all attended the same writing workshop in 2002. Everyone at the workshop joined an online group. Most quickly drifted away. Those that remained formed the core of the group - DragonWriters.

Although we share a love for SF/F, we are very different writers. Some outline. Some let their characters lead the way. But one thing we all share is a deep respect for each other and an acceptance of each other's methods. This is a must for any writing group.

Where did you get that idea?

Before you can start writing, you have to have something to write about. An idea. A spark. Where does that come from. I've heard the question many times and it always makes me smile. For me, and many other writers, ideas come everyday, from an array of sources. It can be something mundane like gardening or something unusual like seeing a bright pink van with yard flamingos stuck into its bumper.

Either way, ideas usually spark a "what if" thought. It can be about a plot, a character, or a society. What if a farmer found a rare and powerful artifact while plowing a field? What if a demon fell in love? What if a city could protect its inhabitants?

At first, you may find it difficult to settle on a topic, but once you start, you will become more proficient. In fact, often ideas come when I'm waist deep in a project. Rather than allow myself to be sidetracked, I've found that if I make a notation, I can retain the idea and stay on track with my project.