The Benefits of Joining a Writing Support Group

Sandpoint Film Festival at the Panida Film Festival, Nov. 2, 2013

Just a few days ago I was treated to the heady experience of seeing my first screenplay up on the big screen and hearing audience laughter and applause for my words. First excitement; then happiness; then appreciation. My excitement was in seeing Root Bound in a movie theater. Happiness washed over me when the story touched the audience. And my appreciation for my membership in writing groups blossomed as I became aware of how far I have progressed since the day I first overcame my fear and visited a writing group.

Actor James Pendleton, Director Rebecca Cook and
screenwriter Mary Jane Honegger enjoy the moment
following award at Sandpoint Film Festival.

Without the inspiration, motivation and mentoring I received from members of the Coeur d’Alene Chapter of the Idaho Writer's League I would not have become a writer. Without the mentoring and support of members of Northwest Independent Film & Video Entertainment Society (kNIFVES) I would not have become a screenwriter. Of course my family support was essential (especially my spouse), but in addition to that "attagirl” attitude I received from my family, the information, advice and expertise provided to me by those writing groups enabled me to step up on that stage as a screenwriter. 

Root Bound director Rebecca Cook shares information onstage at the
Sandpoint Film Festival while screenwriter Mary Jane Honegger and
Festival Director Janice Jarzabek share the limelight.

For me, joining writing support groups enlarged my world and enabled me to break outside the solitary box I created around my writing. These groups held informative monthly programs with plenty of networking opportunities; and sponsored classes, workshops and conferences. Through these groups I learned of writing opportunities, grew to appreciate critiques of my work and found mentors whose encouragement helped me set higher goals for myself as a writer.

Jennifer Lamont Leo chats with friends at
2008 Idaho Writer's League Meeting.

Most importantly, I found friendship with other writers by joining these groups. They were writers. They understood. They appreciated why it takes me so long to find the right word or phrase. They commiserated with my rejections and urged me not to give up; they buoyed me up when I flubbed (big time); and applauded when success came my way. They showed up for my premier or sent their best wishes.

Nancy Owens Barnes supported my screenwriting from the beginning. Several years ago the two of us decided to learn how to write a screenplay. We attended our first screenwriting workshop in Kalispell together and ordered screenwriting software with the same hopeful expectation. Nancy not only read my first draft of Root Bound, she agonized with me through years of rewrites and cancelled production schedules. As a writer, she understood. She was the first person I called when the project was done. She and her husband Tom attended the Root Bound premier.

Sitting in the same row with her were fellow bloggers Liz Brinton and her husband Nick and Jenny Leo. Other bloggers, Kathy Dobbs, Ana Goodwin and Jennifer Rova, had sent their well wishes prior to the showing. Together the seven of us have been blogging on Writing North Idaho for nearly three years. We all met at the Idaho Writer’s League.  I know it sounds cliche, but their support means the world to me.

WNI Blogettes at Newman Lake retreat in 2011.  From left:
Jennifer Rova, Jenny Leo, Liz Brinton,
Mary Jane Honegger, Nancy Barnes & Kathy Dobbs.

On second thought, I’m going to amend my opening statement. My heady experience was not just in seeing my first screenplay up on the big screen … it was in seeing my first screenplay up on the big screen while surrounded by family and friends who support me as a writer.

With that much support I was already a winner even before the opening credits rolled.  I hope you'll check out a writing support group near you or take a look at the many online networking opportunities for writers.  Good luck!

2013 Root Bound
Audience Choice Award
Sandpoint Film Festival

I would also like to express special thanks
to my husband Larry for his willingness to support
the many extraordinary requests he gets
as a result of my writing career.
Thanks, Hon!