What are Creative Writing Communities?

Before considering their importance within writers, one should establish what exactly is a creative writing community. What specific tools and resources does it provide for writers, and what is the significance in it being a “community” for them? In general terms, creative writing communities give students resources for “…assistance, understanding, and camaraderie.”[1] They allow the individuals within them to bounce ideas off of one another and gain inspiration as a result, which emphasizes the central collaborative nature contained within these communities.[1] 

With these aspects in mind, it’s also crucial to examine the theme of community in these groups and how this plays specific roles in the success of the writers within them. A specific benefit of such is in the assurance that the communities provide to writers, allowing them to see the size and strength of the foundation that exists to champion all writers.[1] This then enables confidence to prosper, giving way to the ability to recognize the growing support and celebration of the art.

Additionally, there are different ways in which these communities are created, coming from aspects such as state and/or town funded projects or educational institutions. Some have different purposes and are even created to simply fulfill one’s own personal development. Others may be looking to publish their works as well, where they seek these communities for the feedback needed in order to edit and refine their writing, readying it for publication. With the implementation of these communities within creative writers’ lives, these individuals are able to reap significant benefits in their writing and choose a writing community that best suits their individual needs, like one that holds them accountable or simply suits their busy schedules.[2]

The Impact on Creative Writers Alike

There are several different forms that creative writing communities can take, one of which serving as therapeutic support groups. In a study that specifically observed this type of writing community, they combined the two concepts of bibliotherapy and therapeutic writing. Bibliotherapy utilizes books as a form of therapeutic practice, and therapeutic writing works with bibliotherapy to be a form of creative writing that aims to affect “…emotional, cognitive and/or behavioral changes.”[3] Both aspects have been recommended for those experiencing various obstacles within their lives, including social, physical, and psychological hurdles. In such, therapeutic writing interventions have shown to enhance overall group cohesion, which also aided in improving overall attitudes and increased the drive towards deeper self-discovery and reflection.[3] 

This specific study also examined its effect on older adults, showing that these two forms supported their overall well-being and provided them with an environment that fostered acceptance, acknowledgement, and sources of inspiration.[3] These environments also served to increase their overall confidence and alleviate feelings of isolation, thus accentuating a sense of support. This then provided grounds for having the freedom of self expression of various personal experiences endured.[3] Observably, these elements served towards the overall improvement of older adults within their lives, a clear example of the heavy positive impact that such communities have on overall prosperity and happiness.

In relation to the topic of self-reflection and the inspiration gained from these groups, the subject of personal change that was brought about as a result of creative writing communities has shown how this has allowed individuals to challenge their sense of identity. Within studies examining this aspect, research has strengthened these findings and illustrated how creative writing “…provided for re-appraising life experiences and identities.”[2] This yields evidence that furthers the overall concept that creative writing communities have the power to create meaning-making experiences, which inspires not only the writing aspect of these groups, but also a deeper sense of self.

Within this discussion of creative writing communities, it is important to further recognize and define the role that the communal aspect plays on writers and their environments. Due to their community involvement, one of the benefits of these groups is in their use of the arts as a tool for communal development, particularly within disadvantaged populations.[4] The overall increase of leadership skills in the groups also helps lead individuals towards building community links, then providing grounds for change they feel is needed within their surrounding community.[4] Therefore, writing communities help those within them to have an increased desire towards change as a result of their shared experiences and how their obstacles towards such are represented through creative writing. Additionally, these aspects of both the writing and gained sense of change aided in the overall increase in literary knowledge, literacy, and communication skills overall.[4] 

In considering these gained skills, one study surrounding the idea of creative writing communities instilled a more academic approach, where a program called Teen Writers Academy worked to “…encourage creativity and improve the writing skills of participating teens.”[5] Through various elements in fostering these skills, such as creativity exercises, selected readings, one-on-one mentoring and overall writing practice, the academy was able to offer a space for writers within ages 13 to 18 that allowed overall growth in their quality of writing.[5] In such, students were able to receive feedback from one another as well. With their shared talents and ambitions within writing, which was contained within the Teen Writers Academy environment, they could thrive in a space that expressed the importance of psychological and/or practical support during the time of a creative breakthrough.[5] These communities are important for students in their continuous development and instill the importance of both self-reflection and literacy building skills.

Evidently, creative writing communities serve to the benefit of all age groups, whether you’re an older adult, adolescent in high school, etc. They help to establish a stronger sense of self and provide a constant source of inspiration and feedback for writers. If you’re a writer and haven’t considered joining a creative writing community yet, why not give it a try? You never know how much it could enhance not only your writing and literacy skills, but also your well-being and confidence overall!

How Does PSG Fit In?

Here at Publishing Solutions Group, we understand the importance of groups like creative writing communities and their influence in the success of various writers alike. In such, we strive to provide polished content that aids writers and students in the strengthening of their writing and literacy skills. We work closely as an experienced team to ensure that the necessary materials to encourage these experiences are high quality and provide a solid foundation towards prosperity.

[1] https://lithub.com/how-having-a-writing-community-stimulates-creativity/

[2] https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2010/06/14/shut-and-write

[3] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/capr.12304

[4] https://academic.oup.com/cdj/article/49/1/54/297374?login=true

[5] https://doi.org/10.1080/15411790802134335

Photo free to use under the Unsplash License.