I finally got around to joining one of the ACFW’s Texas chapters, “Writers on the Storm,” which meets in The Woodlands, near Houston. Saturday, I attended my first meeting, and I tell ya–I had a blast! How wonderful it is to be with folks who talk the same language, have the same concerns, and just understand what you’re going through. Don’t get me wrong, talking to “outsiders” about my work is nice, but it’s nothing like being totally immersed in the culture of authors.
Our guest speaker, Bob Stewart, was delightful. He’s a professional writer from way back, doing journalistic pieces for some of the nation’s top magazines and covering some of the top stories over the past couple of decades.
He has taken up writing novels and has several that sound intriguing–thrillers, mysteries, mystery/romance. Heavens, I’m going to have to add another group of books to my “to-be-read” pile! If I’d had the sense God gave a goose, I would’ve had money in my purse yesterday to buy one then.
We met in a Mexican food restaurant called Lupe Tortilla. I’ve never heard of the place, but I now have a new favorite Mexican restaurant. Oh, goodness–even left over, it was good!
Joining a physical group that meets regularly is so important. Authors need other authors, other professionals in this business. We need the contacts, networks, leadership, advice, encouragement that these organizations offer. It also gives us the opportunity to help others even as we gain help ourselves. And we can always learn. Always. It’s not like anyone has this craft totally figured out.
Several years into it, and this blog still refuses to be categorized. It's eclectic and includes everything from writing posts to snippets from my ordinary life. 
Linda W. Yezak 
So happy to hear you’ve found a home away from home. I’m with you in saying every writer needs a group of fellow authors in their life. I am ever so grateful to the critique groups and writers’ associations that have been part of my life on this journey.
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You belong to some good ones. I’ve enjoyed attending some of those gatherings and meeting some of the members. It’s great being with folks with similar interests!
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Writing groups seem such a great idea, I really wish there was one near me. Have fun with your group 🙂
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I wish there was one closer to me too. There are some about an hour away, then there are others affiliated with the organization I belong to, but none of them are closer than two hours. If there’s a local one, I’ve never found it. 😦
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I belong to two groups – one in person and one online. Online for 10 years and in person for 8. I could not have published what I have without them, seriously.
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I agree, Hope. I find my online group as valuable as my physical group. Both offer opportunities to accept and offer help.
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Going to be attending my first in-person group in just a couple weeks – a bunch of children’s writers maybe 20 to 30 minutes from here (assuming I’m not driving through snowmageddon, of course LOL). SO looking forward to it! Love online groups, but in person sounds SO wonderful!
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It’s fun. Real hugs instead of cyber ones! 😀
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