Get Constructive Feedback on Your Writing in a Writing Club

One of the most important benefits of joining a writing club is that it gives you access to people who are experienced with writing, publishing, and critiquing written work. It’s a skill to receive writing notes with grace, but it’s even more of a skill to give constructive criticism to others. By giving (and taking) feedback, you are constantly growing and working on your skills.

A writing club also offers camaraderie in addition to feedback. More than likely, someone in your workshop will have gone through what you are currently experiencing and can provide valuable advice. Criticism from fellow writers is one of the best ways to learn—and grow as a writer—because it helps you identify problem areas and come up with solutions for improvement. When you know your story, you are obviously familiar with it, and can become enamored. It’s when your story is interpreted by an outside reader, though, that you will finally see how it might resonate (or not) with eventual audiences.

Receive Encouragement and Support in a Writing Club

When you join a writing club, you become part of a community full of like-minded individuals who understand what is involved in creating something out of nothing. Knowing that there are people out there who are rooting for you to succeed is incredible for writing motivation! And because everyone in the group has similar goals and experiences, it becomes easier to stay motivated and keep going even when things get tough. Whether or not you believe in writer’s block, we can all use some motivation and accountability sometimes. A writing club is a great way of staying on track, because sometimes deadlines can be very motivating. You can bank some of the momentum you generate, and keep it in your back pocket for the next time you’re struggling. It can also be very inspiring to provide positive motivation for others.

Learn New Skills in a Writing Club

A writing club also gives you an opportunity to gain new skills related to writing, such as editing, literary techniques, or understanding how to market a book effectively. You may even receive advice on where opportunities lie within your book genre or how other writers have found success within their own careers. Ultimately, this knowledge will help pave the way for future success as an author or freelancer. I’d strongly suggest finding a writing club of fellow writers and authors in your own genre, or writing for your target audience. They’ll be best suited to help you, because they’ll know the particulars of what you’re doing.

Joining a writing club is one of the best ways to improve your storytelling craft while receiving support from writers who get you. After the pandemic, a lot of critique groups, workshops, and writing clubs went online, so it’s easier to find an accessible one now, more than ever before. Not only does a writing club provide valuable feedback on your work but it also gives you access to new skills and ideas. If you're looking for ways to hone your writing abilities and get more out of your creative pursuits, joining a writer's club could be just what you need.