Do I need to do a course or join a writer's group before I can become a writer?

Do I need to do a course or join a writer's group before I can become a writer?

Russell Celyn Jones (Published writer. Professor of Creative Writing and Director of the MA Programme at Birkbeck College (University of London).) gives expert video advice on: What advice do you have for writers just starting out?; What cautions do you have for wannabe writers?; Is it true that 'everyone has a novel in them'? and more...

Most writers join writers groups now more than they did in the past. There is something to be said about having a community of like minds who will discuss with you your work. And of course, it gives you access to readers, for the first time, who will have critical opinions to make. Most people benefit from the workshop type of scenario so it is becoming much more preferable for writers to join some group. Although, my word of caution would be, don't stay in that for the rest of your life.