On Tuesday night, I attended my first local writers' meeting, and think it's a good fit. Usually, I give clubs a wide bearth, and nearly didn't go. The thought of another poorly resourced, money vaccuum didn't appeal. (The local art club drove me insane, because I paid £45 ($72) for subscription and gained little insight. Basically, there was nothing I did there, that I already couldn't at home.)
Luckily, this wasn't the case here, and was pleasantly surprised. I'm determined to give my original novel a platform, improve my writing skill and aim for publication. (Which is encouraged by the group.) Meetings take place between 7.30 and 9.30 every week from Sept until June. Subscription costs a reasonable £10 (about $15.) Over that period, there are workshops, readings, guest speakers, and competitions. There's a glut of activity to get stuck into!
A lot of the members are older, and male. There were probably three people within my age range in attendance. The group leader wears a cowboy hat, and tinkles a bell on a desk to catch our attention. :) I like the organised layout, and the fact I was bombarded with paperwork. No actual writing was done, but it's given me a lot to look forward to and plan for.
In two weeks, there's a Halloween reading which tickles the muse. I've started writing a zombie story, and want it to stand out. Horror is my go-to genre, so it's a good way to make an impression. Which means trademark description and total mindf*** narrative. Public speaking might be tricky though, but if I have fun writing then it should translate over. The whole process is never easy, (being rusty is an added challenge), but know it'll turn out okay. The pressure of a dwindling deadline spurs me on.
Anywho.. If I can settle into a comfortable pattern, then it should be really worthwhile in the long run. For personal reasons, I want to have at least one skill that's palatable, and leads to something good. Despite health issues, I'd like to be known for one thing, and be decent at it. This group is what I've been looking for in terms of the right motivation.