Here’s how it works:
Let’s say you live in Monmouth County, New Jersey, USA and you’re looking to join a creative writing group. Your Google search takes you to FindAWritingGroup.com (FAWG for short). From there, you’d follow the link from the Find A Writing Group page to the relevant Yahoo Group. Once you join, you’ll find by-county links to writing groups throughout New Jersey. What's more, you get to connect with other writers in your own country/state.
Who will join/run these groups?
Other writers, just like you and me. They join the FAWG network to find a local writing group, promote or start up their own (be it a statewide organization, like the GSHW, in New Jersey, or a small meeting at a local Barnes & Noble) or just to connect online with other writers in their country/state.
Why would they stay?
Aside from the obvious networking benefits, I hope to make FAWG.com a useful writing website. It comes with a blog (I’ve called it Write Around the World) and a Live Journal community.
As well as copying my weekly selection of interesting posts about writing on there, I hope to persuade some of my writer/agent/editor friends to guest post on a regular basis.
Why would someone set up/moderate a FAWG Yahoo group?
I’ll add a brief bio of anyone who sets up and/or moderates a FAWG Yahoo group to the FIND A WRITING GROUP page here, along with a link to their personal blog and website. As the FAWG network grows, those people should see a significant increase in traffic.
Is it hard to set up a Yahoo Group or link an existing one to FAWG?
It’s a straightforward process. I’ve even provided a step by step guide for setting up a FAWG Yahoo group (please note, you'll need a Yahoo ID first). Once you’re up and running, there should be little maintenance needed (I’ve run two Yahoo groups for over a year now, and aside from the occasional spam message, I’ve had no problems). Of course, from a networking point of view, you may want to start and/or get involved in some of the writing discussions that take place, but that’s entirely up to you.
I’m interested in helping. What do I do now?
Thank you. Please spread the word.
If there isn't already a FAWG Yahoo group for your country or state, and you'd like to start one, follow the instructions on the Set up a FAWG Group page (You don't have to be a seasoned professional writer to join or set one up or link an existing Yahoo group to the network).
Any suggestions, opinions are, as always, most welcome.
Jon Gibbs admin@FindAWritingGroup.com