My Thoughts on Inter-Generational Writing Groups and Buddies

**Please note that this was written in the context of NaNoWriMo and what I have seen/experienced there.**

First things first. A writing group is a group of people that encourage and help each other with their writing. Whether that be talking out plotholes, sharing character profile sheets, or even just comparing wordcounts, writing groups are sometimes exactly what you need to help you keep writing consistently. Writing buddies, on the other hand, are more personal relationships between two writers. It often functions much like a writing group, but with only two people involved. 

A lot of people looking for writing groups or buddies will specificy either a genre(s) or age range that they would like keep it restricted to. This is, in part for simplicity, and to more easily find like-minded writers.

However, there are some people who think that it would ultimately be better to lose these requirements. While there are certain advantages, I would like to discuss the disadvantages instead. Because the fact is, there are not a lot of these limitless writing groups out there.

The question is: why?

Most people who want to make a writing group or be buddies want to have someone that they can really connect to, to build a community with. Humans also tend to naturally congregate together by age. You almost never see teens hanging out with adults unless they have a more unique relationship than is typical, or are being made to for one reason or another.

So a teen isn't very likely to make a writing open to all, much less seek out those who are older than they are. And those that are their age understand what it is like to go through the exact same things in the exact same circumstances. Culture evolves, as does language, and while everyone experiences the same feelings in life eventually, context can change, however slight. So naturally teens don't feel like adults can truly relate to them. They can, it's just a matter how well they are able to from their own lives. 

The point is, all people will experience rejection, love, hate... all those things, but they will all experience them differently, and as time flows on, as things in the world change... different generations will see things in different lights.

Teens feel more validated and safe around those that are their age. Adults have the power and capability to do things that other teens might not. Those that are 19 and under might not feel comfortable talking to a 60+ stranger who could be literally anyone. In general, it's to be avoided, especially with parental concerns from family. It's better to play it safe than get in trouble.

Then there is the fact that on forums, there tend to be less older/elderly people present. I don't know why, but there definitely seems to be more people that around 30/40 and under than those that are 50+. 

Some younger generations also may be afraid of the older generations, whether that was because of past experiences, or a desire to strike out on their own, it's something to be respected. One thing that can be a concern is the portion of people who try to strong arm your story into what they want/like. This is a problem in all ages, but there is more fear of this happening when someone is older than you.

Now, after all that, there are some older people who don't want to be in groups or buddies with younger people. In short, if you're someone's senior, you're fair game for being asked for advice. And some people have no restraint.

In the end, no one should judged by their age. That's not a good thing to do. But you do have the liberties to be with the type of people you want to be with. So it's up to you whose group you join, and who you become buddies with. Just be warned that the reasons I stated above are reasons that groups and buddy requests will limit age. It's not you, as an individual, it's the personal preference of whoever is making the group or buddy request, and everyone has a different view, backstory, and life. We're all human. Remember that.