Unlock Your Creativity With Online Writing Groups
Former literary agent, now a freelance editor, writing teacher, and IP/story developer for major publishers and creators.
By Mary Kole
Online writing groups have made it easier than ever to meet like-minded writers, experience mutual accountability, and get back on track with your writing goals. Are you stuck in a creative slump? Or perhaps you’re an aspiring author in need of the right guidance? If so, online writing groups are worth exploring. Online writing groups are designed to help writers of all levels boost their creativity and express themselves through the written words. Let’s find out why online writing groups might be the missing puzzle piece that jump-starts your writing career, or kicks it into high gear.
Online Writing Groups Led by Experienced Instructors
While some online writing groups focus more on building a community than providing instruction, there are many led by knowledgeable teachers (many of them are published authors themselves) who can guide you through the process of crafting stories, poems, or essays. Some online writing groups are geared more toward general skills and accountability, while others are focused on specific genres or types of books. In these types of online writing groups, you will get expert advice on how to structure your ideas, create complex characters, develop strong plotlines, and bring rich world-building to life. But online writing groups aren’t just about learning the technical aspects of writing—they can also be about discovering what motivates you as an individual writer and connecting with other passionate peers.
Online writing groups can help you find your writing voice. Through practicing and trying out different writing styles, you will learn which techniques work best for you while still staying true to yourself. Usually, writing workshops are conducted in small groups so everyone can discuss their stories and get feedback from their colleagues, therefore allowing them to gain insight into their works and be inspired by what others have accomplished. With creative writing critiques and conversations built into each session, everybody has the chance to give their opinions and learn from each other in a supportive environment. This kind of constructive criticism can really help you see your work as an audience might, and clear your thinking about a specific project.
Break Through Writer’s Block With Online Writing Groups
Joining online writing groups will help you break through any writer's block that may be stopping you from recording your thoughts. By completing activities designed to stir up creativity and debating strategies to overcome any hurdles while writing, not only will you be more motivated than ever - you'll also have fresh ideas for future writing projects!
By attending online writing groups, you can acquire the knowledge needed to improve your storytelling craft while developing your own writing style. With helpful exercises designed to spark imagination and talks dedicated to overcoming any writer’s block you might be feeling—being involved with other writers offers accountability, feedback, and empathy. So if you’re looking for a jumpstart to your writing career or want to get out of a rut—online writing groups are the perfect choice for you.
Want writing guidance, feedback, and accountability?
Self-guided writing study is great, but can only take you so far. Apply to Story Mastermind—a small group workshop intensive for your novel, memoir, outline, or picture book idea. Achieve a robust outline or draft, or a portfolio of picture books, in a rigorous but supportive environment. Imagine how much closer you can be to your writing goals after participating in Story Mastermind.