Thanks for posting, Ron. I like your reason for joining Toastmasters – it makes so much sense. You don’t have to be “bad” at something to learn how to do it “better.” And, of course, it’s always a benefit when you can surround yourself with others who are interested in accomplishing the same thing.

I joined not because I believed I was a tepid or timid speaker, but because I wanted to immerse – and surround – myself with those who could provide kinship. A kinship of excelling together, no matter at what level. (I’ve been fortunate to receive quite the complement of kudos and encouragement to continue, even invited to become a leader in the regional directors group, which I said yes to.)

I will share your column with the Abbott Toastmasters group, but wanted to give you credit for another fantastic column.

P.S. It feels awkward to use the common TM abbreviation as I spent about four years in my early 20s devoted to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s teachings (Transcendental Meditation, or TM), going so far on my quest to reach enlightenment that I attended Maharishi International University (Fairfield, Iowa) for about two years. I am very satisfied that it serendipitously led me on another path of “enlightenment,” on which I’ve stayed with varying degrees of “success” since my mid 20s.

P.S.S. Sorry I was so late in getting this out! (It took file cleanup day at work to make it happen.)

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Rusty. I think you are very wise to leave the critiquing to the critique groups. That way, at least, people know what they’re in for.

We are also fortunate in California to have the 100-year-old California Writers Club with 17 branches statewide. My local branch is now the fastest growing with 101 members. The smaller critique groups are formed with encouragement behind every word we share, and they meet in members’ homes for a more relaxing environment. Some are genre-specific; others like mine are mixed genres. Many members have solid writing and editing backgrounds so we mentor as much as offer corrections. Our branch has devoted writers, readers, panel discussions, high-quality guest speakers, and workshops. I realize not all regions have such an organization as this but if you do, please take advantage of it.

The reasons that you want to be with other writers is to find camaraderie, encouragement, education, and sharing ideas. If you can’t fill those needs, leave. If you do find one, enjoy the ride for as long as you can.

Thanks for your praise, Warren!!

I think the writing groups you are talking about Doreen are a bit different from the ones I mentioned in my column. I agree that groups such as PWAC are a great idea! They are wonderfully supportive. My major quibble is with the so called “critique” groups.

I’ve been a TM for 11 years and LOVE it! There is no more positive atmosphere than you find at a TM mtg. Yes, we clap a lot … but it’s all in the spirit of positive reinforcement.

With respect to being a writer, what has worked best for me is belonging to several professional writers grps. I’ve found PWAC (the Professional Writers Assn of Canada) to be one of the most amazingly positive orgs I’ve ever belonged to. Whether we need a quick answer to any writing-related question, just want to hang out at a virtual water-cooler or are giving or receiving a job (freelance writing project) referral, we get it all thru the assn’s 3 listservs.

We’re all opinionated, but that’s OK! We’re all adults and all professionals, so it you take it as it comes, and for the most part … it’s most helpful.