ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Writing is such a solitary occupation, but thanks to the Elk Grove Writers Guild, it doesn’t have to be. 

Since 2019, the Guild, a nonprofit organization, has brought local writers together to collaborate and share their progress. At the monthly meetings, each member is given the chance to tell the group what they are working on and what they have done to advance their writing the previous month. The camaraderie helps members be accountable and show progress in their work. 

Meetings also serve to keep writers abreast of current information about changes in the literary world, discuss writing tips, explore current training available in our area, and seek answers to questions about their trade. 

For example, at the March 7 meeting, one of the topics discussed by members was the use of AI in writing. Though most publishers reject creative work that solely uses AI, there are other ways it can be legitimately used without censure. The issue of writer’s block was brought up by a concerned author. Several members commented on how they personally beat the problem. 

An announcement was made about who would be speaking and what subjects they would cover at the upcoming Writers Guild Conference at the Holiday Inn on Oct. 25. An agent and editor will be attending to look over authors’ work. Conference registration is only $60.

Speakers are brought in regularly at monthly meetings to address diverse topics related to writing. Writers who regularly attend the two-hour monthly sessions agree they are greatly benefited.

The gathering features writers from a variety of genres. There are participating authors writing memoirs, mysteries, thrillers, dystopian novels, family histories, poetry, a courtroom drama, humor, science fiction, non-fiction and literary fiction. 

Rosemary Covington-Morgan, a writer of character driven fiction, said she attends “especially for the networking opportunities.” She has published a novel, “The Dancer-A Murder Mystery”; a novella, “Swimming through the Mud” and a collection of short stories, “Tales from the Rio Vista Writers.”

 “Information about completing my novel has been especially helpful,” she said.

George Hahn, the Writers Guild’s vice-president, and publisher of nine science fiction books, also praised the event. His tenth book, “Energy Unlimited,” will be available for purchase this month.

“I appreciate the feedback,” Hahn said. “It is necessary to hear what other people think of what you have written.”

Loy Holder, the Guild’s president, said he been privileged to meet the group of “talented writers.” 

“They have become my friends and inspire me to keep writing and finish my book, ‘Cat and Mouse,’ a suspenseful romance story,” she said.

Attendees do not have to be published authors to join. The yearly cost is $65. Members will receive a bonus of a monthly newsletter with writing advice and happenings in our area. Members may request to share their work in the newsletter. 

The meetings are held at the Round Table Pizza at 10054 Bruceville Road, Elk Grove, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. 

For more information, see egweg.com.