The importance of writers’ groups in the literary landscape by Kel McDonough

Writing has always been considered a solitary venture, where stories are crafted from the
writer's imagination through fingers tapping on keyboards, with words appearing on screens.

To the reader, this all takes place in cave-like rooms with closed doors and & "Do Not Disturb" signs hanging off the doorknobs, pots of warm beverages, and a cat sleeping on the windowsill.

 

The truth of the matter is that writers thrive in communities. From those aspiring writers who wish to connect with more established authors to help them navigate the literary landscape, to the established author who has writer's block or needs beta readers and structural editors to help them knock out a few kinks in their latest work. Some are writer-adjacent professionals, such as illustrators, marketers, literary agents, and independent publishers who work to support writers and help get those books into readers' hands.

The best way to create that community is to join a writers' group where you can connect with like-minded people who can help you take that kernel of an idea, and you can use their feedback and encouragement to write a full-blown story. In small towns, you can generally find a writers' group with meetups in local libraries and cafes that will welcome you.

However, suppose you want to get out there and network, exploring more significant
opportunities to share your story? In that case, it pays to become a member of a larger
organisation.

Most states have larger non-profit organisations, such as Writing WA, that are supported by membership fees and State Government arts grants and are governed by the relevant not-for-profit authorities. Groups like this have the resources to facilitate events for writers, connect writers with professionals within the industry, hold competitions and release publications to which their members can contribute their works.

Then we have national writers' groups that specialise in specific genres, represent different communities and cater to special interest groups, such as the Romance Writers of Australia.

This organisation brings romance writers together who want to connect with fellow writers who specialise in the genre. The Romance Writers of Australia (RWAus) started in 1991, with eight friends gathered around a kitchen table in suburban Sydney. It has grown to 700 members nationwide, with 55 people who hold positions within the organisation. RWAus is considered the spiritual stomping ground for romance writers in Australia. It has committed itself to creating an environment where the key elements of diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only encouraged but also fostered for writers within the genre.

RWAus releases Sweet Treats, an anthology edition of romance works by members, which is available on Amazon, and a monthly publication for members, Hearts Talk, that addresses issues that romance writers face and offers encouragement and advice from more established authors and professionals in the industry. RWAus also holds events such as the annual national conference with writers' workshops, award presentations and opportunities for writers to "pitch" their work to publishers and literary agents that also attend.

This year's conference, "Writer Wonderland," is being held in Tasmania. The conference will take place at Wrest Point in Hobart from the 22nd to the 24th of August 2025, where – as Jem Gowen, President of the Romance Writers of Australia, says – "fellow romance writers can learn, share, create, celebrate and evolve their writing career together in a supportive environment." Writer Wonderland has a jam-packed program that includes workshops from bestselling authors, such as AK Mulford, Sarra Cannon, Brenda Novak, Stacey McEwan and Sarah MacLean, as well as an opportunity to pitch your work to international literary agent Sharon Pelletier and Australian literary agents and publishers. The event offers social events, such as Queer Beers, Newbie Welcome, Cocktail Party, and the Gala Dinner, where annual awards will be presented to members who have been recognised for their excellence throughout the year.

RWAus also has state liaison coordinators who coordinate and hold get-togethers, events, and workshops in each state. This provides writers with more opportunities to expand their network and develop their talents.

As the Romance Writers of Australia continues to grow and evolve, we hope to see more
aspiring authors join us to build a stronger community for our romance writers in Australia. So, now is the time to venture outside of your writer’s cave, join a writers’ group, and hopefully, we will see you at the next conference.