Be One With the Crowd

I finally did it. Despite the clammy palms and nervous sweats that ensue when I hear the words "group meeting" in any context, I finally caved. I went to an Orlando Word Weavers Meeting! This is a serious breakthrough for my anti-social side.

Okay, actually, I'm not as crazy as I'm making myself sound, though the sweating part is essentially true. (Sorry... TMI?) Anyway. So, yes. Word Weavers. Cool stuff. Want to go again. Let's talk about WHY?

Last fall, I volunteered to be the Florida Area Coordinator for ACFW (American Christian Fiction
Writers). This is a fancy title that means I moderate an email loop of FL ACFW members and get my cheer on to start local and regional ACFW meetings. Woo-hoo! Can we say in-over-head? :)

Actually, to be honest, so far it's been a wonderful experience, even if it is a little trial-by-fire at times. C'est la vie, my friends. C'est la vie.

So anyway, the material question here is WHY am I convinced that being a part of local groups is a very good thing for a writer? After all, I'm a member of two online (and extremely helpful!) critique groups. I'm not lacking in helpful input to my writing. I'm a part of a national writers' group, which provides some networking opportunities. So why the press for local meetings?

I can sum it up in one word: Energy. There is nothing like being in a roomful of other writers. You share a common passion-- the love of story-- and a dedication to the pursuit of that passion. It's an energizing experience.

I'm sure the networking is great, too. Everyone knows everyone in this business. But to recognize a name on an email is a little bit different than to know someone and have personally given and received critique from them. So that's another plus.

And while I'm totally blessed to have killer critique partners already, it doesn't mean I am above needing any further critique. Having fresh eyes review a piece is always a good idea. And honestly, I'm looking forward to participating in the giving of feedback as much as receiving it. Not that I think I have so much to offer-- but it's so much fun to read other people's work and see its strengths and wow-- when you have that moment of clarity where you can see an area that can be further strengthened, what an honor it is to be able to help someone out like that. Sweet!

Anyway... I haven't made any huge commitments as of yet to the meeting. Actually, my intent here in this blog was to talk about the wealth of writing groups that are available locally. There are probably more even than this, but check out this list, just for this month and next month:

January
Word Weavers Orlando Meeting
Space Coast Writers' Guild Meeting (Melbourne)
Space Coast Writers' Conference (Cocoa)
Central FL ACFW Writing Workshop (Orlando)

February
Word Weavers Annual Retreat
Word Weavers Orlando Meeting
Space Coast Writers' Meeting (Melbourne)
Florida Christian Writers' Conference (Eustis)

All I can say is WOW!