Choosing a writing group that will help you as a working writer can be a challenge.

While some groups, such as your local writer’s guild, may appear to be beneficial on first glance, they may not ultimately deliver what you really need.

Here are a few good questions to ask, before joining the latest writing group on your block.

Will this group help me meet other writers?

Another important point to consider when thinking about joining a writing group is the opportunity to network with other writers. Although writing is a solitary activity, most writers enjoy spending time with other writers—particularly in a more casual social setting.

See if the group you’re pondering holds regular meet-ups, mixers or happy hour events where you can get to know the rest of the members over coffee or drinks. Even if the group doesn’t officially host these types of events, they may offer other networking opportunities at events like literary conferences.

If all else fails, see if you can befriend someone from one of the group’s workshops or classes and invite him or her out for a drink afterward to connect with another writer one-on-one. After all, why join a group if you don’t intend to participate? Continue Reading

There’s a union for every profession, and freelancers are no exception. If the thought of joining a union conjures up images of strikes, scabs and outrageous membership dues, think again! The Freelancers Union is an awesome nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting freelancers from all disciplines—and membership is 100 percent free.

Though the group is geographically based in New York, its membership is open to anyone who freelances professionally. There are currently 160,000 members in the group, and members live all across the United States. Continue Reading