How To Boost Your Writing Journey With a Mastermind Group

Even in a world that’s so digitally connected, writing can still feel isolating. The lion’s share of my writing and writing-related tasks are done in the quiet of my room, where I brainstorm, edit, email, upload, download, post and more. As a solo writer, I’m also the solo figure-things-out-er. I don’t have anyone in my local friend circle with whom I can think through writing goals or analyze projects.

Enter: the mastermind. Mastermind groups are a valuable source of support and feedback for writers. My current mastermind has met for nine years and grew out of connections we formed years ago in COMPEL. Let’s unpack what a mastermind is and how it works.

1. What is a mastermind?

A mastermind is a group of peers who meet to help each other learn, grow and achieve their goals in a particular area. While the idea of forming small mastermind groups comes from the business sector, Scripture shows us the wisdom of getting insight from others. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed” (ESV).

Masterminds are different from critique groups or coaching. Critique groups offer peer-reviewed, editorial feedback on pieces of writing. Masterminds offer peer feedback on the path of the writer, like advice for overcoming an obstacle, direction for a project, or strategy to reach a goal. Coaching offers this kind of help as well — but usually in top-down, one-on-one sessions instead of roundtable discussions. Masterminds can have a cost to join (often when they are led by an industry expert) or can be free to join (finding connections with fellow writers).

2. How should we structure a mastermind group? 

Mastermind groups work best when they are kept small, have clear goals, and have enough structure to keep the group functioning well. While size can vary, most recommend keeping a mastermind group at five to eight members so it’s robust but doesn’t become difficult to manage.

The group should delineate clear purposes so members know what to expect. One group I was in agreed to meet monthly for a year and provide focused feedback for two members each month. A healthy mastermind also needs enough structure to keep it going. Members should agree on meeting dates, length of meetings, method of communication between meetings, and level of member responsibility and accountability.

3. What should we do in our mastermind?

I’ve been part of three different masterminds, each with different agendas. One mastermind involved six authors I’d met in a large writing community. One author was on the “hot seat” each month. She would explain her current project — a book proposal, a new subscriber opt-in, or an online summit, for example — detailing plans, goals and obstacles. The other members would then offer feedback with possible improvements or potential issues to be aware of. I learned so much, whether on the hot seat or listening to all the input.

My current mastermind meets monthly over Zoom, where we each share what’s working, what’s not working, and how we can pray for each other. After one member shares, the others speak about any struggles and cheer on any wins. We share practical resources, our own experiences and biblical wisdom to help one another in this calling as writers.

Our work as authors may be primarily solitary, but it doesn’t have to be isolating. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (ESV). A mastermind can provide iron-sharpening encouragement, feedback and wisdom to boost your writing journey and bring deep friendships along the way.

Cheering you on,
Lisa  

Want to start a mastermind? Pray for God to remind you of five to eight people, and then reach out with your vision to form a group. Already part of a mastermind? We’d love to hear about it!