1. There are many writer's groups out there, but few offer you the chance to grow as a writer instead of simply competing.
We at the Write Practice know two important facts:
- Writers write better when they're not trying to do it alone.
- Writers actually grow MORE when they're helping other writers grow.
[ One of our many articles on this: http://thewritepractice.com/every-writer/ ]
2. To grow as a writer, we need not only write, but also to be involved in the writing of other people—especially those who are not as advanced as we may yet be.
This is the same basic principle that leads to teachers understanding their craft better than even "experts" in that same craft. The act of analyzing what works and what doesn't and putting those things into words helps writers to see their own work more clearly.
[ While we teach, we learn. http://ideas.time.com/2011/11/30/the-protege-effect/ ]
3. To that end, our contests are designed to not only offer prizes, but that all-important chance to grow as a writer, AND to make contacts within the writing community.
In our Writer's Workshop, here's what we do:
- We encourage writers to write something new every week.
- We provide a safe, secure place to workshop their stories, giving and receiving critique. Giving critique is actually more beneficial, though most writers don't understand this at first.
- Because our forums are secure (not even Google can see them), anything posted there is considered unpublished, which is a plus for literary agents and editors.
What we are doing is helping writers to build the all-essential community they need to succeed as a writer in the 21st century. It's a first for many people, and there is always a learning curve; however, we've seen enough writers enter brand-new and continue in critiquing and writing until they're published to know that it works very well.
We've put a lot of study, psychology, and knowledge of author history into our program, and we can say with confidence that it works.