At lunch with a good friend last week she mentioned a saying— the greatest burden is the untold story. I immediately thought this is why I’m writing my book and the reason Facebook, blogs and Twitter are so popular. Everyone wants to tell their story. I have an unusual family story intertwined with the controversial issue of pornography and an urgency to record my family history. As a writer, I believe it would be a tragedy if this great story is not told.
This writing group is helping me make my book a reality and unburdening me of my untold story. I was the last to join this already established group. I met David Bonck in a Writer’s Center class almost three years ago. We connected on our book topics and tried to start a group but it never materialized.
David and I kept in touch and this past June, he asked if I would be interested in joining this group. I wanted the writing support and structure to crank out those pages. And I was excited about having access to the collective expertise. I was also nervous. Everyone’s very accomplished resumes were a little intimidating. Self doubt would occasionally creep in but David would quickly talk me out of these negative thoughts. Thanks David!
I arrived early for my first group meeting at Molly’s house and like a good Italian girl, I brought wine and treats. I was invited in to the spacious living room with a grand piano and sank into a plush couch. Everything was so nice I kept thinking if I drink wine I better not spill it.
Molly called from upstairs, “I’ll be right down”. She breezed in moments later bouncing along with her energetic personality. And so much like a mom, she wanted to know about my family, where I worked and asked questions about my book. She made me feel comfortable. Oliver, Molly’s standard poodle, I now consider the seventh member of the group, wandered in the living room and affectionately nudges me for a quick pat. He is sweet. Everyone else arrived late. They greeted me warmly and ribbed each other about how they never start on time.
Even though I joined a well-established group, I easily fit in. The reasons are:
Þ The group connected on my book topic.
Þ I was committed to critiquing others work, submitting my own pages on time and there was a reciprocal connection to all of their book topics as well.
Þ The group thought through the process of including a new member. They talked to David in detail about my work habits, writing style and personality. They also considered if my expertise could round out the skills of the group to help their projects along.
Consider these points when inviting a new member into your group or starting your own group.
This group also works because the tone that was set from the beginning that this is our time to work. We could easily spend the time talking endless about family and work life and the latest books we were reading but we all have a goal and are determined to reach it.
I’m so grateful to have found this writing group. I have finally found true mentors, that I never found in any workplace, and a great resource to improve my writing. And the best part is I have met these wonderful new friends.
Posted by Kristin Battista-Frazee
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