  Noticing Newbies
This week: Growing Your Own Writer's Group Edited by: JACE  
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Hi, I'm JACE .
Welcome to this issue of the Noticing Newbies newsletter. Join me as I take you into some nooks and crannies of Writing.Com that you may not have found time to check out yet.
Don't forget to toss me a note about what you liked or didn't like in my column, or about a topic you'd like to see discussed. This newsletter is about and for you. And for you seasoned members, I hope you'll find something you can take from my ramblings. 
Your Noticing Newbies Newsletter full-time Editors:
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Growing Your Own Writer's Group
Excuse me while I exercise a little chaos and depart from my planned continuation of WDC member classifications from last month's column; I'll return to that next time.
One of the many tasks I enjoy as a Moderator is welcoming new members who introduce themselves in the "Noticing Newbies" . To a person, every member states how much they enjoy writing, and that they hope to improve their craft here. For that matter, one can read similar statements in most every group forum where two or more members come together. We all want to become better writers. We're looking for accountability.
I'm currently reading a fascinating book called Writing the Life Poetic by Sage Cohen. Ms. Cohen is a poet extraordinaire, though many of the topics in her book apply to other styles of writing, including short stories, memoirs, essays, and the like.
One chapter in particular is called "Growing Your Writing Group."
None of us lives in a vacuum; anyone who writes needs interaction with others in the forms of feedback, encouragement, and yes, criticism. Finding folks with similar interests or writing styles is a good way to challenge us and help develop those skills.
How would one go about growing a small writing group?
The first thing is to advertise yourself. Complete your Bio Block or your biography tab, or both. Post your interests and writing styles. You don't have to "give away the family farm" and bare all. What genres interest you? Do you prefer writing poetry, short stories or novels? Perhaps you'd feel more comfortable meeting with younger members or folks over 50. The bottom line is decide where you want to begin.
Next, take some time and read around. Find writers here whose offerings you enjoy reading. Review some of their work--be concise, helpful and above all, polite. Once a rapport has been developed, ask if maybe they might like to form an informal group that might meet weekly or monthly to discuss each person's writing. Limiting to three or four persons makes for a more manageable and potentially fruitful meetings.
You might just create a forum in which members can meet. Or, if each person has a Basic membership or above, you might meet in Chat. Whatever the case, planning ahead of time will make for a successful meeting. Each person should identify one piece that he or she would like to discuss. Post the items in the forum ahead of time so each gets the chance to read and prepare for the upcoming meeting. Come with a positive attitude and be open to learning from any comments made. Treating each person with respect ensures success. Be encouraging.
Finally, you don't have to start your own support group--countless groups exist already that may provide the support and encouragement you seek. I've listed a few below:
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Persevere. It may take some time to find the right people to help you improve, but it may be one of the best decisions (beyond that of joining Writing.Com in the first place) you'll ever make.
Good luck in all your writing endeavors.
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An Upgrade Moment
Will return next time. Send in a comment if you have something you'd like to see featured here.
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Check out these Newbies (I've selected folks who have filled out their Biography or something in their Bio-Block). Take a moment to review something in their Port ... or just say hi.
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This is a poem I wrote about a girl I knew. We've been friends, lovers, and now enemies.
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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And from the mailbox about my last Noticing Newbies newsletter, "Just Like the Rest of Us" .
From noheart: I like it, thanks for sharing this letter ^-^
Thank you.
From ~ Aqua ~  : Hello! How are you? I saw many newbies and found out that newbies are trying to find a way to get merit badges. Why not explain the ways or about merit badges on the next email? Just a suggestion though.
I didnt know the uses of chat room except for chatting or talking....Thanks for all the work!
I'll address that next time. Thanks!
From jim1184  : Hi Jace, good news letter. Checking out some of the edior picks this afternoon. Thanks Jim
Always a pleasure to hear from you, my friend. 
From Teardrop : I'm new to this site, I'm still a bit confused. I usually dont chat with anybody; I'm kinda slow, but Im thankful for this newsletter, thank you. :)
You're welcome. I hope you choose to stay with us and get more involved; it's worth the journey.
From BIG BAD WOLF is Howling  : Sometimes you wonder about time- like how watches don't work on Leap Day.
Submitted item: "February 29th and $10 Watches"
Is that so!? I must say, I admire your perseverence.
From Unwritten Insanity : I use chat nearly everyday! I use it just to talk with the 'regulars,' many members (but not enough) who come in just for a break from normal life and some mixed-up insanity. We usually hide out in a usermade room that is open to everyone. We love new people!
Sounds like a wonderful way to meet new folks. But how do you advertise for others to come join you in Chat? 
From mike56: I am a new person here on writing.com, and I was wondering if you could put this on Noticing Newbies. I would be glad if you did. With writing.com forever,
Submitted item: "Invalid Item"
Consider it done.
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Noticing Newbies: April 04, 2012 Issue [#4976]
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