Dilemma:

A writer friend of mine is starting a writers group, and she’s invited me to join.

There are rules to this group. It’s going to be small and serious. I don’t have a problem with the rules.

The reason I’m waffling is that I want to join a writers group, but I want other mystery writers in it.

I know. I can learn from other writers, no matter what they write. Variety might even be a great idea recharge for me. However:

Poetry.

I…don’t like poetry. I’ve only encountered a couple of poems in my entire history as a reader that have resonated with me. Here’s one.

I admire poets, but I’m not sure how I’d help one make her work better. That would make our relationship one sided, and how could I shortchange someone that way? A small, serious group needs everyone working hard for everyone else.

My friend is going to try to talk me into it. We’ll see. I’m tempted, but I certainly don’t want to be the weakest link in a new group.

If Louise Penny, Gillian Flynn, and Sophie Littlefield want to start a writers group, I’m in.

Anybody have a success story of a mixed genre writers group?