Nadia Ramoutar a writer, filmmaker and artist living in Co. Wicklow, on the benefits of joining Writers Ink.
Being a writer is a journey many people wish they had the courage to start or to stay with when things get hard. And they will get hard if you do it right. For those who have always wanted to write, beginning may seem like the greatest challenge. For those who want to be published, keeping writing is an even great challenge. And even once published, writing again and starting the whole process over can be daunting. So what is a well intending writer supposed to do?
Of course, anyone can write but writing well is a whole other concern. Not to mention that competition for publication is so fierce these days being skilled, discipline or talented is not really enough.
There are things that help a writer and honestly, things that don’t. But without a doubt one of the best steps a would-be or wanna-continue writer can do is join a writer’s group. Joining of course is just the first step, but actually finding the right group is essential. Not all writer’s groups are created equal and many don’t give you the resources, support, structure and cheer leading that a writer needs to thrive, not just survive.
Writers Ink
Writers Ink is a thriving writer’s group based in Ireland but welcoming members online globally. Offering several on-going resources like daily activities to help a writer set goals and meet them, consultation sessions with leading literary agents, insider tips and insights, supportive comradery with fellow writers and also special coaching and writing events throughout the year – there is something here that provides tremendous value for the monthly membership.
Created and led by the winning team of Best-selling author Sam Blake and non-fiction writer and mindset coach Maria McHale, Writers Ink helps writers at all stages of their writing career set goals and often excel beyond what was hoped.
“Writing talent can get you started but it won’t get you finished. Sam and I created Writers Ink for the part nobody warns you about, the aloneness of it where you have no feedback or accountability and no insight into how publishing actually works. And especially no one cheering you on, we exist to end that,” Maria McHale remarked.
Carol Griffin on Writers Ink
Carol Griffin, an Irish writer, found that Writers Ink gave her exactly what she needed beyond just getting words on a page.
‘The problem wasn’t writing the first draft but what to do with it when I did. I had 87,000 words, now I needed to learn the craft. I consumed books on writing but I needed something extra. Writers Ink was the missing piece, a writing community of craft, coaching and critique.’
Writers Ink is ideal for the writer who wants to grow and who values quality and not just quantity when getting words down. Having a group of fellow writers as a positive and supportive network is a great bonus too compared to some competitive and negatively motivate groups.
‘I’ve learned tonnes about how to improve my writing, how to navigate the industry, and importantly, how to get out of my own way, how to keep going. The community is endlessly supportive, all boats rise here. In Writers Ink I found my tribe. It has shaped the writer I am and the writer I will become. So grateful,’ Carol explains.
More Writers on Writers Ink
Another writer, Muiread O’Hanlon shares Carol’s enthusiasm for the benefits of joining Writers Ink. Members can apply to have their works in progress reviewed by successful literary agents and get direct feedback.
‘Having an agent with such experience look at my work and talk with me about my inspiration for the story, and the plot and characters has really helped me hone the two novels I’m working on.’
Twice a year, Writers Ink run a free global online writer’s challenge, a deeply rewarding experience that often leads to success.
‘My first encounter with Writers Ink was through a week-long challenge. I discovered a supportive community that guided and nurtured me and, since joining the group and getting helpful feedback on my work.’ Muiread said. ‘I’ve had some short stories published and been placed in a novel writing competition. I credit the group with helping me achieve that.’
Ruth O’Leary
One of the many Writers Ink success stories is Ruth O’Leary, bestselling author who is now on her third commercial novel. A lively and active member of Writers Ink, Ruth is supportive of other writers and quick to offer encouragement. This is the climate that Sam and Maria have cultivated in the Writers Ink space to make the writing group unique. While being a member, some writers like Ruth have gone from novice to novelist.
‘When I joined Writers Ink in February 2020, I simply hoped to pick up a few skills to improve my short story writing. Thanks to the support and encouragement of my fellow Inkers, and the invaluable guidance of Vanessa and Maria, my writing grew in ways I could never have imagined. Six years later, I have a literary agent, a publisher, and three published novels out in the world; two of them Irish Times bestsellers,’ said Ruth.
Becoming a Bestselling Author
Many people dream of being a best-selling author. At Writers Ink, this wish is nothing but a goal in motion. Many members including the founding members have done just that and more continue to climb on board.
A monthly fee and a few hours a month are a small investment when it comes to such huge payoffs when considering joining a writer’s group especially Writers Ink. Writing can be so challenging and frustrating requiring long solitary hours and hours of effort. A writing group is like a safety net to catch a writer when they wobble or get discouraged. Having Writer’s Ink is a secret weapon in the challenge to keep going and the Inkers (members of Writers Ink) don’t hesitate to celebrate one another’s success or offer support when times are hard – which they often are, off and on the page.
‘I would never even have dreamed of writing a novel, let alone building a career as an author, if it hadn’t been for Writers Ink.’ Ruth said with bubbling enthusiasm characteristic of a true Inker.
(c) Nadia Ramoutar
Nadia Ramoutar
Nadia Ramoutar is a writer, filmmaker and artist living in Co. Wicklow. She has been “an Inker” for a number of years now and it helped her write and illustrate two poetry books, sell two film scripts and a write a novel since then.
Her latest book “Radical Notions of love” is available from Bridgewater Street Books here:
https://bridgestreetbooks.ie/product/radical-notions-of-love
Or listen to the audiobook here:
https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Radical-Notions-of-Love-Audiobook/B0GQ6TK1CY
