Part 3, Section 3, Writing Groups Summary and Analysis

While calling around is one way to escape the isolation of writing, so too are writing groups. Anne encourages novice writers to seek out the social and emotional support of a community of fellow writers. Writing groups are simply groups of writers who gather to share, review and support one another's work.

There are many ways to build or connect to a writing group. One way is to participate in a workshop or class, much like the ones Anne facilitates. Anne shares a story from one of her students illustrating the difference between a brutally honest feedback and a nurturing response. Anne chooses to provide a nurturing response in which the student has an opportunity to keep writing. A fellow student determines it is better to be honest and let the writer know how truly...