by Rieko Mendez

Editor’s Note: This is the first of three installments on What to Take on Your Writer’s Journey. Look for the next article next month, that explores the question of “Why Must You Write This Book?” 

I write YA fiction and started writing seriously in the last five years. As a writer, there are craft books, workshops and conferences to hone your writing and I recommend using them. Here though, I want to share what I found crucial in my writing journey—what upped the game so to speak. 

Writing can be solitary. For one, it is about head-down work, typing on a computer or writing in a notebook. Second, it’s your story, whether fiction or nonfiction. Add the pandemic and social distancing and it can truly feel solitary. But, it doesn’t have to be a solo journey, and finding your community of writers is highly recommended—it is good for your craft and your soul.

Sharing my writing with other writers in many ways was a first step in challenging myself to be a serious writer. But sharing my writing was hard the first time as those doubts crept inside of me. Is my book and writing good enough? Could I even say I’m a writer?

The first time I shared my writing was with a friend who wasn’t a writer. While kind, it became a fiasco since she couldn’t understand why I was still working on the same story after a month, 6 months and a year. I quickly learned that I had to find a community of writers who understood the writing craft and process.

Joining SCBWI was golden in my writer’s journey. I tested the waters at a regional critique day where I sheepishly shared my first few pages with other writers at the table. To my surprise, they liked my protagonist and the premise of my story. Each of them shared questions that pointed to where I needed to revise. In turn, hearing their pages, I saw elements of where craft was working or not working in their pieces. As we went around the table, I was learning to be a better writer. Sharing my writing with other writers lit the fuse of my writer’s journey.

I found my first serious writing group at SCBWI regional writers retreat. After a weekend of sharing, receiving and giving feedback, three of us in the group clicked and we started meeting. I soon realized how cathartic it is to be able to vocalize the story with other writers and to seek input on where I was struggling. As I shared my writing, it started to become REAL—that I am a writer and my voice matters.

I also unexpectedly found a writing group right in my neighborhood. They were moms from my children’s elementary school, who by chance were also writing. There is something heartening that happens when you find another writer. We understand the inner voice that drives us to write. The frustrations. The highs. The lows. And the joys. This group is where I learned to be okay with being vulnerable since that’s when the true story emerges.

As a community of writers, we become better writers. Having more than one writing group or partner is valuable in your writer’s journey. Currently, I have three writing groups and three one-on-one writing partners.

You can seek out writers groups on SCBWI-LA’s Critique Exchange or at their Critique Day and Writers’ Retreat. Outside of SCBWI, research other writing associations, local writing centers or workshops at libraries.

Sharing with other writers showed me that everyone has a story to tell. And as a community of writers, we make sure that each of our stories has the kindling it needs to take off. Writers groups vary in focus and role so keep testing the waters and find your community of writers.

Look for the second installment of What to Take on Your Writer’s Journey next month.

For more fantastic content, community, events, and other professional development opportunities, become a member today! Not sure if there is a chapter in your area? Check here.

Rieko Mendez, a SCBWI member, received special mention for her YA contemporary fantasy at SCBWI-L.A. Writers Day 2021. She mentors teen girls in underserved communities on writing through WriteGirl, an organization that promotes creativity and self-expression to empower girls. As board chair for Ready, Set, Read, a local literacy nonprofit, she co-authored articles for the 2020 LA Times Reading by 9 Guide. She is a graduate of Stanford University. http://www.riekomendez.com

Photos provided by the author.