The Complete Guide to Writer's Groups, Conferences, and Workshops

Eileen Malone knows what she's talking about, not only as a writer but as a teacher. Ms. Malone walks her talk by creating an atmosphere, in classes and in writing, of the importance of a friendly supportive writing group to move you forward as a writer. Her style is straight forward information with good resources (yes, outdated) that one can seek out. As she said, Amy Tan herself realized the importance of such a group. I have been to several like groups but never did I feel the intense dedication as in Eileen's classes to support the uniqueness of a writer. Read her "how to's" and you feel inspired to continue with your writing. I must say that because of her I ventured to write my first fictional novel, The Skye in June, due out soon. Thank you, Mz. Teacher.

Half the book, granted, is outdated lists (of the constantly changing contact info and deadlines for all of the conferences and workshops, which are easily accessible via the internet now, anyway). But the other half of the book alone is still worth the purchase price. I wish someone would do an updated version of it.I read this book several years ago when I started SOC (Screenwriters On-Line Cooperative) and it was instrumental in helping me define our culture, goals, and structure (i.e.: what to look for in a writers' group, what to expect, how to form one, how to GROW one, etc.). I still recommend that all new members read it, so we're all on the same page as to how to benefit from - and contribute to - a good writers' group. I also use it as a reference in my screenwriting classes to help students offer constructive criticism to one another - and how to best incorporate the myriad suggestions and insights they receive themselves.I have loaned it out several times - and now must buy yet another copy!

I used this book like a bible and searched around for a good writers group for me but nothing measured up and I know that because I used the book to help me evaluate my needs and what each group was providing. Consequently, I started up my own group, again using the book as a guide and now we all use the book to settle differences and improve ourselves as we grow. It is an excellent guide and one that keeps on giving. The only thing we would like is to have the list of resources in the back of the book updated to include websites and e-mail addresses, otherwise, it is just about perfect.