Are you a literary in-grown toenail?

Writing can be a solitary pursuit. Its easy to get so lost in your characters and their situations that you become like a literary version of an in-grown toe nail. The best way to spell relief is to get out in the company of other writers.

That's what I did this week, attending the St Petersburg Chapter of Florida Writers Association. Public Relations specialist, Dale W. Hutchings, took us through a brainstorming exercise that had something for everyone. The case study of writers attempting to develop a marketing plan offered ample opportunity for creative thinking. The bottom line on this exercise, according to Hutchings, was to stimulate writers to think outside their current marketing strategies with a plan to maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses.

The next best part of any writers group is the time after the program to get acquainted. Those of us who are experienced and published can encourage newbies. Clearly the St Petersburg FWA has serious talent capable of landing four of the top 10 positions a  recent contest including the #1 spot. Congratulations to all the winners.

Exchanging ideas, listening to other solutions and talking with folks who understand your "write mind" is energizing. The cure for in-grown toenail syndrome: find a local or regional writer's group and drop in  periodically. Sometimes you learn and sometimes you teach others, but every time you participate with fellow writers you return to your solitary pursuit richer for the time spent.