Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Being Edited (Part 6 of 6)

Here are additional reasons for joining (or starting an editing group).

1. Being part of a group enables us to dig deeper into ourselves. As we pull from within, we more readily accept ourselves, others, and our world. It doesn't matter whether we write theological texts, murder mysteries, or personal-experience articles. The more we write, the more we look inward and examine ourselves.

2. We offer support and affirmation and become a true mutual-help group. About the second year of the Scribe Tribe—the editing group I organized and led for nine years—I realized that we not only helped each other, but we also cared about one another. As members shared their writing, regardless of the topic, they shared themselves. I learned to appreciate and to care about them. They reciprocated: They cared about me.

Through the years, I've watched writers discover healing from childhood trauma, rape, incest, divorce, addiction, and countless other problems by writing about them. Many who didn't specifically address their issues found acceptance among other writers and that gave them the courage to resolve their problems.

You want to become a good writer?
Start with a willingness to be edited.


  1. Lisha asked about starting writers' editing groups. That's the next topic.
    I presented it the way it has worked for me. Some of you have had excellent experiences in your groups, so plase share your insights. You might offer suggestions to improve what I've offered as guideline. (And they are GUIDELINES, not laws.)

  2. Writers' editing groups work well when personalities mesh. When choosing partners, make sure your ideals are the same or the input can become confusing. Some people have strong opinions that won't fit with your thought processes and then you can become bogged down with confusion.

    Blessings, Nancy


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