Recently I came across the concept of a writing club. Definitions of a writing club vary, but it all boils down to the same core idea: a community of writers to support, cheer, and hold space for one another. If you want to create a writing club, consider these eight elements to make the most of your time, energy, and connections.

You are not going to write a book that everyone will love. If you write for everyone, you write for no one (credit to Seth Godin for that one). The best way to write a book that readers will recommend to the right readers at book club is to craft an ideal reader. Knowing your ideal reader will focus your writing and voice, both attracting and repelling the right people.

As you craft your ideal reader, remember these guidelines:

The editing and revision stage of writing is a mammoth task, and by avoiding these mistakes, you set yourself up for more improvement, less overwhelm, and a rush of confidence.

If you want your reader to read your book, answer this question before you start writing.

If your reader is going to pick up your book, they’re going to expect a story. And if they find disjointed journal entries instead? Well, you might have a very disappointed reader on your hands. Some writers at the very beginning of their memoir journey are unclear of what actually constitutes a memoir. The essential difference that you must understand is that