Writing Isn't Such a Solitary Experience


You’ve probably heard writers bemoaning that writing’s a solitary experience. And most of us would agree — and disagree. While it’s true that a lot of the time we’re holed up by ourselves, pecking away at the keyboard when we’re not staring off into space, we’re often gathered with our “tribe members”. And, no, those strangers surrounding us in the coffee shop while we watch the blinking cursor on our laptop screens don’t count.

For me, my tribe members can be found at my local Romance Writers of America chapters, workshops, booksigning events, and conferences. Though, I admit, we spend most of our time together discussing industry news and trends, sharing marketing tips, and expounding on our current work in progress. Not writing.


The only actual writing I’ve ever done with others are brainstorming sessions and my regular critique group, which may or may not count. A few times a year, I meet with one or more writer friends and hash out book ideas. And for fifteen years now, my critique group has met every two weeks and edited each other’s pages.

But I’ve never actually sat down and written with others until now. For a while, I’d been hearing about write-ins and thought I’d give it a try. Basically, you meet with other authors in a specified location (restaurant, coffee shop, library, etc.) and you sit together and quietly write. I even have one friend who does this long distance via Skype.


Why a write in? I suppose it seems a waste of time, driving somewhere just to sit and quietly write — there’s none of that networking and chit-chat like at meetings or conferences. But it works for some, and I’m giving it the old college try. There’s structure and habit to these write-ins. They force me to set aside a specific period of time to write. There’s also accountability, which is a huge plus. I’m easily distracted and tend to check email or Facebook. Write-ins force me to stay on task. And reporting how many pages I wrote at the end of the session is a bit like stepping on that scale at Weight Watchers. I like that accountability aspect.

Not sure this will become a regular practice for me. Time will tell. But, for now, working beside a kindred spirit a few times a month is a nice change of pace from the hours alone in my home office.

Comments

  1. I've never tried writing alongside anyone else. It sounds intriguing.

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  2. Thanks for the post. I sat around a table with my four brainstorming partners last summer and we enjoyed ourselves with a few hours of writing, lunch, and then brainstorming. We set aside a whole day rather than our usual few hours of brainstorming at a local coffeehouse. We met at one of the women's cottages on a lake not far from Green Bay, so we all enjoyed the change of scene, pardon the pun. I imagine we'll do it again come summer. It can't hurt to change things up now and again. I recommend giving it a try.

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    1. I've never considered a whole day. Maybe I should try that next :)

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  3. sounds like a great way to keep up the process

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  4. A friend and I write together every month or so, dedicating the day to it, plus do a couple of two-day trips a year. It definitely refreshes things.

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    1. A writing trip! I love it. Need to try that next :)

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  5. I like having a writing tribe, and a critique group to catch all of the things I don't see when I write. And I love writer friends like everyone here who are supportive and understanding of a career that isn't as easy as many non-writers think.

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  6. How wonderful to have such a longstanding, committed, critique group! Thank you for sharing your process, Cathy!

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  7. How interesting. I've never heard of a write-in before. I can see the appeal though. If you've never watched the movies "What the Bleep Do We Know?" or "Down the Rabbit Hole" (circa 2004 ish?) you should check them out. They explore the idea that everything is energy and 'like' energies attract each other. (Positive energy attracts positive things into your life.) It would make sense to me (and perhaps the scientists in the movie) that being surrounded by other writers who are "in the zone" would attract you to get in the zone too. What do you think? It gives me something to consider. Thanks for sharing, Cathy!

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    1. Elizabeth, I definitely feel energized afterwards. Must be some truth to it :)

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  8. Interesting idea! I will say that, although I write alone, I always feel surrounded by like-minded, writer friends...even if it's online. The warmth and support come through!

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