Writers and E-Groups---Procrastination for the New Millennium?

Writers and E-Groups---Procrastination for the New Millennium?
by Robin Bayne

So. . . how many writer's groups do YOU belong to? Yahoo groups, Topica lists, Mailman lists- the new possibilities are endless. Many of us belonged to more than one local group before the Internet changed the world, allowing inexpensive long-distance communication with writers everywhere. Now that we can talk on-line, writer's groups and organizations have increased in number and size. But is that always a good thing? Writers write, and that's not getting done while we're busy discussing page format and submission policies.

Online, All The Time

Online groups divide up into similar types! Many belong to multiple chapters, plus outside groups. I found the Faith, Hope and Love chapter of RWA and ACRW (American Christian Romance Writers) for inspirational writers. One of the most helpful lists I've found is "The Writer's View," an online discussion group for those either published or in serious pursuit. The list hosts a panel of experienced Christian writers, who lead discussions on all aspects of writing and publishing without the time-eating "chit-chat' of some lists. All of these groups offer on-line discussion loops for members, plus web-sites with Members-Only sections.

Evaluate Your Groups

Once a month, or quarterly, writers should evaluate the time spent on line or attending meetings. Personally, I've found that avoiding live chats helps me save time-I can answer email messages at my own convenience.

During evaluation, consider the following about each of your memberships:

1. What type of member are you?

If you are merely participating as a social member, perhaps your time might be better spent off-line, writing.

2. Are you paying dues to this particular group?

If so, what do you get for your money? An informative newsletter? Free promotion for your books? What's the money used for? Could you use it better elsewhere?

3. Have you outgrown this particular group?

Is it time to leave a group aimed at beginning writers, when you've sold four books? Do the group's interests still match your own?

4. Do you find yourself skimming through message digests or deleting certain subjects unread?

When I returned to inspirational writing, it was time to leave some of my other groups. Don't feel bad about moving on-it's part of the natural progression of your career.

5. Do you find yourself reading digests out of habit?

Do you really need to read another speaker's online chat on the subject of Point of View? Or are you there because you meet your friends there, and you chat every month? On the other hand, do these folks motivate you to write? If so, by all means keep chatting, there's value for you in it.

6. Do you lose too much writing time dealing with e-mail and surfing the Internet?

It's a very real time-consumer. Just like talking about writing isn't writing, researching and reading reviews on line aren't writing. I find this can be a problem if I don't curb the number of groups I join. One policy I've personally adopted: Don't join any author's promotional lists. If invited, simply decline respectfully, explaining you know you will hear their good news on one of the writing loops.

After careful consideration, perhaps you can trim a few of the groups you have grown away from. Save that time or that money for other projects. Perhaps you need to research more advanced groups. Many web sites offer legitimate writing courses that operate as discussion lists. And don't forget to consider a good critique group, which can help you flesh out problems before you submit your work. A carefully selected critique group can improve your writing and motivate you. You might just make a few friends, and write a few books, in the process.

Robyn Bayne is the award-winning author of 5 published novels, 3 novellas and a variety of articles and short stories. Visit her website at www.robinbayne.com and enter a monthly drawing to celebrate her latest book, "From Now On."