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Though one half of The Complete Guide to Writers Groups, Conferences,and Workshops comprises listings of organizations, resources, and educationalprograms for writers, it is not your typical guide to writers workshops. Instead, it is aguide to what to expect from being in a writers group. The subject matter may seemobvious to all but the beginner, and the writing a bit workmanlike, but for the novicethere are some interesting pointers. Why do writers join writing groups? What is expectedof a group member? How do I give (and take) criticism? What do I need to know to setup my own group? Perhaps the best thing about writing groups, says author EileenMalone, is that "when other writers are expecting to hear at the next meeting whatyou've written that week, you've got a compelling reason to get down to work."Amen.

Tucked amid talk of facilitators, rewrites, envy, and mentors are some interesting bits oftrivia. "The term freelancing," we're told, "dates from theCrusades of the 12th century when warrior knights who lost alliances with landed lordsoffered themselves as mercenaries--a lance for hire." We learn that Edmond Rostand,author of Cyrano de Bergerac, liked to write in the bathtub, while Raymond Carvercomposed in his car. And, before they became the household names they are today, Cynthia Ozick and Joseph Heller wroteadvertising copy, KurtVonnegut wrote press releases, and Amy Tan wrote horoscopes.Book Description
"The whole glory of writing lies in the fact that it forces us out of ourselves and into the lives of others." — Sherwood Anderson

Writing is solitary, but thriving and growing as a writer—and getting your work published—requires support and networking. This one-of-a-kind guide shows you how to get yourself plugged into the literary circuit and connected with other writers, no matter what your background, age, writing experience, or genre.

Here's your essential reference to:

• Writers organizations—a directory of 400 conferences, courses, seminars, and workshops
• Writers gatherings—why retreats, centers, foundations, classes, and groups play an important part in a writer's life
• Writers groups—suggestions for joining an established group or forming your own
• Writers conferences—searching, evaluating, or attending the one that is most valuable for your needs
• On-line writers groups—what they are and where to find them

Customer Reviews (2)

Dated, but perfect for what it is supposed to be
Half the book, granted, is outdated lists (of the constantly changing contact info and deadlines for all of the conferences and workshops, which are easily accessible via the internet now, anyway).

But the other half of the book alone is still worth the purchase price. I wish someone would do an updated version of it.

I read this book several years ago when I started SOC (Screenwriters On-Line Cooperative) and it was instrumental in helping me define our culture, goals, and structure (i.e.: what to look for in a writers' group, what to expect, how to form one, how to GROW one, etc.).

I still recommend that all new members read it, so we're all on the same page as to how to benefit from - and contribute to - a good writers' group.

I also use it as a reference in my screenwriting classes to help students offer constructive criticism to one another - and how to best incorporate the myriad suggestions and insights they receive themselves.

I have loaned it out several times - and now must buy yet another copy!

Worked for me, I started up my own group because of it
I used this book like a bible and searched around for a good writers group for me but nothing measured up and I know that because I used the book to help me evaluate my needs and what each group was providing.Consequently,I started up my own group, again using the book as a guide and now we alluse the book to settle differences and improve ourselves as we grow.It isan excellent guide and one that keeps on giving.The only thing we wouldlike is to have the list of resources in the back of the book updated toinclude websites and e-mail addresses, otherwise, it is just about perfect. ... Read more