For almost two years now, I’ve been hosting community write-ins twice a month, and the experience has been nothing short of inspiring. Over time, I’ve watched writers of all levels make incredible strides in their projects. The breakthroughs they’ve had—whether it’s pushing through writer’s block, achieving a personal word count goal, or simply finding their creative flow—have been nothing short of remarkable. The feedback I’ve received from participants reflects not only the power of these group sessions but also the sense of connection and motivation that comes from writing alongside others.
(Never heard of the term “write-in?” Sometimes they’re referred to as “co-writes.” For more on what this event actually IS, see my post, What IS a Write-In?)
In this post, I want to share some of the key benefits of group write-ins and why they’ve become such an essential part of many writers’ routines.
- Accountability Boost – Writing in a group helps keep you on track. It’s so easy to put off writing when no one’s watching, but when you know others are expecting you to show up, it’s a whole different story. Whether it’s a set start and end time or simply knowing that others are writing too, that gentle pressure can be the nudge you need to stay consistent. It’s easier to show up, because you trust others will be there, too, for the same reason: to get some writing done.
- Built-in Motivation – There’s something contagious about seeing other people deep in their writing flow. Even when you’re feeling sluggish or uninspired, being surrounded by others working hard can spark your own creativity. It’s that sense of “if they can do it, so can I.” Plus, there’s often that little adrenaline rush when you hit a word count goal alongside others, making the process feel like a collective achievement.
- A Sense of Community – Anyone who’s followed me online for a while knows that I am not shy about admitting that writing is lonely work. Writing is often a solitary endeavor, but when you join a group write-in, you’re immediately part of something bigger. The camaraderie and understanding you share with fellow writers – just by showing up – can add tremendous value to your writing practice. Writers get the struggles and the triumphs of the slippery creative process, in turn helping you feel supported and less isolated. It’s a reminder that you’re not in this alone, and support can keep you going through tough writing days.
- Idea Generation – While group write-ins may focus on individual work, the time spent together can still be a great opportunity for brainstorming and sharing ideas. You might not directly collaborate on your projects, but just chatting with others before or after the session can give you the fresh perspective you need. Maybe someone shares a strategy for tackling a plot hole, or someone else’s writing sparks an idea for your own story that you hadn’t considered. Write-ins are also wonderful opportunities to share resources with one another.
- Structured Writing Time – One of the hardest things about writing is simply carving out the time to do it. Group write-ins offer dedicated time to focus on your project, free from the usual distractions. Knowing that you’ve set aside a chunk of time to just write creates structure in an otherwise chaotic schedule. It’s like a mini writing retreat within your regular routine, where the only focus is getting words on the page. “This was a perfect time box for me,” said one writer who attended one of my recent write-ins. “I got the assignment done I wanted, and I did it faster than I would have if I were writing on my own.”
- Less Pressure, More Progress – Group write-ins encourage quantity over quality, which can be a huge relief for writers who (like me) struggle with perfectionism. The goal isn’t to write perfect prose; it’s about getting your ideas out. There’s freedom in knowing that no one is expecting a polished draft right away. This mindset helps silence your inner critic, allowing you to push forward and make real progress rather than getting stuck on small details.
I host two free write-ins a month, on the first Wednesday at 11 a.m. MT and the third Thursday at 2 p.m. MT. Get on the list to receive regular reminders about upcoming write-ins here.
Are you part of a community write-in or have you participated in a write-in before? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience. Drop me a line or share in the comments.
