February Diligent Writers Critiquing Group.

I founded a critiquing group called The Diligent Writers Critiquing Group, they are held once a month on the third Saturday.  I had the group and wrote this post on Saturday even though I am posting it today.  

Having email the group reminding all of the upcoming meeting, but not receiving any RSVP yet, I arrived at the coffee house early.  I always arrive early to eat and set up before hand.  I expected to be the only one today.  I was armed with my laptop prepared to work on a few things for some of my writing exercises.  I noticed everyone around me was looking at me like, Oh you’re one of those.  You know the people that come to coffee house and use their Laptops.  The showoffs.  (Yep, I thought.)

At the appointed hour one person showed up.  This was good news.  (And she popped out her Laptop.)  We started our meeting reading and talking about our work.  Then she told me she was at a book club a few nights ago and told them about our meeting.   A few of them said they might show up. I was surprised and glad.   

After a bit a man from that group did show up.  He was a poet, an editor and a published author.  (He popped out his Laptop.  Now all three of us have laptops, it was great.) 

We had a wonderful discussion of our work. I told him about one of my exercises and how it came about.  It was a re-occurring nightmare I had when I was young, and how I turned the bad dream into a really unique story with a good ending.  I was very proud of it. 

Then we discussed his work and he read some of his poetry.  It was really good. His poetry was understandable and really good.  It showed dept, thought and feeling.  It was amazing to hear and read.  And I think he enjoyed sharing them. We also discussed a lot of really deep issues, issues that a writer can write about and delve into.  

The time came and went too quickly though, we all had other things to do.  But the time we spent together was fun, valuable and extraordinary.   

Each month the group gathers is a great opportunity to learn, grow and bond with others of like mind.  To get together is a wonderful experience and enriches your life.  If you have a hobby that you love, I recommend joining a group.  If you cannot fine one, start it, that’s what I did. 

At first I was scared but now I look forward to planning and holding them, however the group doesn’t need much planning.  The people enrich it enough to make the experience one to remember.   Until next time.