Eleven (11) Life Lessons Learned from a Writers’ Group

Things I learned from this writing group, “Shut up and Write!” The very first thing I learned was that the title is just what it says, “Shut up and Write.” I arrived thinking that it was a group where writers talked, brainstormed and shared ideas about their writings or upcoming writings. Expectations most of the time will easily send you down a path you hadn’t hoped for. While going down that particular path, I experienced a bit of disappointment. It was nothing major, just my expectations of my own mind weren’t met. My expectations weren’t the groups’ reality and that was my fault. Lesson 1, keep your expectations loose to avoid mild disappointment and note the title of the group and what it stands for.

Upon hearing initially about this group, I assumed that the group as it was communicated to me was one of movers and shakers. It wasn’t explicitly stated but lightly implied. I didn’t have any plans of attending but immediately contacted a writing associate and advised of this group that could be the perfect fit that she was looking for. As I chatted with her, she seemed delighted to hear of this group and advised that she would be attending the next meeting. I was so proud to have opened another writer’s door for a fellow writer. Also, the person who advised me of the existence of this group was an educator and seemed very elated about the group and…