SOUTH NEW BERLIN – A guild of area writers who recently organized a new online group called “Chenango County Writers” have made good on their intentions of turning a social media-conceived activity into a face-to-face workshop for writers.
“I started Chenango County Writers to meet new people who share my love of creative writing,” said Megan Martinez.
According to Martinez, the formation of a “support group” works twofold, the obvious being a collaboration of creativity. But more importantly, she said it encourages camaraderie in a craft that can be inherently isolating.
Said Martinez, “Writing can be a very lonely activity, and I knew that I couldn’t be the only [writer] in the area who felt that way.”
Martinez maintains that one of the greatest benefits of hosting the group is that it allows her and her fellow writers to have a place where creative and motivational support, inspiration, and other useful information can be found outside of Google, Facebook and other online resources.
“Our discussions include everything from novels, short stories, and how poetry can develop into music,” said Martinez.
Currently, the group consists of four core members that meet every other week; but hopes are that by reaching out, the group can evolve into something much bigger.
Martinez said that the beauty in reaching out to others who have a knack for writing is that each member brings a different perspective and a variety of skill level to the table, keeping members motivated. And, the face-to-face format makes interacting feel more organic and real – something online social media can’t offer.
“While the group was only established about two months ago, I personally have already gained a lot from the experience,” said Martinez. “I’m more excited and driven to keep writing than I had been due to the fact I now have this support. Knowing that every two weeks I'll be sharing another part of my novel has pushed me to spend at least thirty minutes a day on it.”
But just as that sense of accountability is ever present, Martinez said that constant feedback from others who are at different points on the arch of writing expertise equates to a type of education as well.
“I’ve already learned so much from them,” admitted Martinez. “Not only have I received great feedback on my own work, but I’ve also learned about copywriting, editing tips, and publishing.”
To keep the creative juices flowing, Chenango County Writers has started a collaborative writing activity in which each member participates in the dialogue.
At the end of the day, the purpose of the group is to have a place where people can meet others with the same passion and allow them to find inspiration and support, said Martinez
“We want to encourage area writers to join us, bring a piece of their work to share with the group and receive positive critiques.”
While the Chenango County Writers brand is merely a formality, Martinez indicated that writers from all area counties are just as welcome.
The group will meet again on March 3, and every other Thursday after that beginning at 6 p.m. in the South New Berlin Library located at 3320 State Highway 8 (North Main Street) in the Hamlet of South New Berlin.
For more information, email megmartinez04@yahoo.com or “like” Chenango County Writers on Facebook.