Setting Self Doubt on Fire: Writing Group fears

Hi all! I’m back, a little later than normal, but here again to share my self-doubt fighting ways. Today I am going to talk about something I have recently experienced myself. As you can see from the title I will be talking about writing groups. I never realised what fear would arise from considering joining a writing group, at one point I even tried talking myself out of it. So as I’m sure I’m not the only writer out there who fears writing groups in this post I will be sharing my reasons why a writing group is a good idea, and help you to defeat Mr Self-Doubt’s sneaky attack.

The one main fear that can come from looking into joining a writing group is that your work will be torn to shreds, and your ability will be questioned, which for us self-doubters is our biggest fear, to have confirmed what you already fear. However, as I have often said in my past posts Mr Self-doubt often lies to you, if writing is your passion, then you do not need permission to do so, and no one starts off as a brilliant writer, like everything in life practice makes perfect.

So here are my 5 reasons to join a writer’s group:

• You get to meet and interact with other writers: Writing can at times feel lonely, so being able to get out and mingle with other writers is helpful. Even though your family and friends are supportive it can be difficult for them to understand what it is to write.
• You can gain additional support: This journey can often be difficult, especially when faced with constant rejection, so it helps to have even more people in your life to help support you through, as long as you are prepared to also support your group, it needs to be give and take.
• You can receive feedback and improvements for your work: It is ideal to have as many people as possible to look at your work, often people who love you won’t tell you when you have done something wrong, and so this is where a writing group comes in handy; they won’t be afraid to say when something sucks, but hopefully they say so in a constructive way.
• You can make new friends: Getting writing advice and support isn’t the only positive, you can find yourself meeting new and interesting people.
• Discover new writing opportunities: Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find out information. The members in your group could know of a website that helps you find places to submit stories, and of competitions or events even. Every bit helps. Yes, if I meet horror writers I shall spread the word about The HorrorTree,

At times you might come across an unfriendly group who might be everything you fear, however, if you don’t take the opportunity you can never know the answer to your what if question, and if you do not like the group you can always leave and look for another. On this journey, it’s about taking risks, rising against fear to achieve that final goal, so put fear and doubt aside and go see what awaits you.

To end this post, here is another inspirational quote:

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.” – (Eleanor Roosevelt)