One year ago this month I stepped into a room to begin my first writing group experience. I’m taking a moment to reflect on some of the positive changes that have taken place in my writing and in my life since that first Friday evening.
More Confidence
As an introvert, my weekly Amherst Writers & Artists writing group has given me more confidence in my writing, and more confidence in speaking in front of a group. We read our work aloud and offer feedback and our group can be as small as six or twice that. Learning to be comfortable in a changing setting has been another benefit. Writers from other AWA groups frequently drop in and interested writers are encouraged to join.
More Curiosity
It renewed my interest in poetry, both reading and writing it and learning about new poets. My writing group has generated a willingness to experiment and put myself out there with new and different writing forms.
More Writing
I’d gotten into a rut with my writing after working solely on a mystery novel for an extended period of time. Now, my mind has opened to new writing experiences and my writing group work enhances all my efforts: short stories, mystery novel, postcard fiction, poetic fiction, flash fiction and this blog.
More Publishing
It’s opened my mind to submitting my short pieces even while working on a long project. I’d thought I needed to pay attention to one thing at a time until completion, when in fact, working on many projects has made me more prolific. I’ve recently submitted seven short pieces to an online fiction contest and received an honorable mention and one story was a finalist. I didn’t win but I felt like a winner every time I submitted.
More Giving
Best of all, through my writing group, I’ve been introduced to a wonderful group of writers who are giving back to the community in so many ways and that’s encouraged me to want to do the same. One example is 916 Ink. It helps Sacramento youth improve their literacy skills by providing free creative workshops that end in a beautiful publication. Check it out!
Even a small step like joining a group can feel like a big challenge to an introvert. I’m hoping my enthusiasm will encourage others, particularly introverts like me to take one small risk and find out how much more your life can hold.
Linda Townsdin 
I’m so glad I joined a writing group a few years ago – for all the reasons above 🙂 May you have many more writing group anniversaries!
Hi! Thank you so much for commenting. I really enjoy your blog!
Great post, Linda. Thanks for sharing the many ways in which you’ve grown over the past year. Have you read, “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking”? My wife (an introverted artist who also works a visible job in our library) read it and raved about it. So I’m reading it. I’m more of an extroverted introvert but I’m finding the book provides hope and encouragement to introverts. Anyway, maybe a book for you to consider if you haven’t read it. Happy writing!
I loved that book. The author also did an inspiring TED talk on the subject. I’m in the middle of the introvert spectrum too. Thanks for commenting!