A Collection of Writers

This Friday in Sioux Falls was the second day, and the first full one, of the Festival of Books, an event held annually in South Dakota - this year it happened to be at the east river location. While I was at the event there was a particular kind of collection that I hadn't noticed the importance of until I was there. There is a certain necessity in gathering a group of people who have something in common. The collection in particular that was spoken about was a group of writers. Having a writers group can be helpful for those in the process of creating works of literature. The genres and styles don't have to connect with other writers. A group creates a safe space to allow others to bounce ideas together, to gather constructive criticism, and to be aware that you aren't alone in your methods of writing. Groups of like-minded people create the idea of comfort and safety. With the power of technology and the internet it has been easier to have these groups. In a state like South Dakota people are often spread out and it can be difficult to find a community of writers within a small driving distance. The internet has enabled like-minded people to find each other for those who are no longer in school and around people who might have something in common with you.

There was also a collection of authors at the event. Many of them were from the state and of those from South Dakota some had been published by a company and others were self-published. These collections are faith restoring for those in geographical locations where it just seems like you won't even leave a microscopic footprint on this great big map of people.