How to Start a Writing Group

Posted by Rick

August 6, 2008

Writing can be a very solitary means of expression. Most art is. The artist paints a picture, the writer pens a novel, the sculptor chisels a figure in stone. Then hopefully they will share their creation with the world.

But what if the artist had feedback during the creative process?

For the writer, a writer’s group can be a very valuable means to hone their craft. Check your local papers or library to see if one meets on a regular basis in your area. You can even find them online. If you belong to Facebook there are many writers groups you can join, network, and solicit feedback from. Or you can start your own.

Huh? Start my own, you ask? Yes. It’s not really that hard. Let’s take a look at some of the basics on getting started, and some questions to ask along the way.

The Art - Is it a poetry group? Fiction? Or all encompassing? Decide what the group’s focus will be on for starters.

The Size - How big do you want the group to be? I would suggest not to make it too big at first. You want to be able to manage it while also giving everyone the opportunity to share and provide their input. Too large a group may be hard at first.

Friends First - Start with some friends who write. It may be more comfortable for you to begin with people you know. Perhaps they know someone who may be interested also. If you feel you need more people you can ask your local library if they wouldn’t mind allowing you to post a flyer advertising your group.

Schedule - Start a schedule and stick to it. At first it is best to keep it light. Perhaps once or twice a month. If the group really takes off you can consider adding to the schedule.

Location - Where will you meet? At a bar? Your house? Will the meeting locations change every time, allowing it to be held at the homes of other members? At the library?

Atmosphere - Depending on the location, how do you see your meetings going? A loose gathering of friends with cheese and wine, ready to openly discuss their work? Or something else What will the group be the most comfortable with?

The Rules - Discuss the format of the meetings with the group. Will every writer get a turn to share their work each night or will each meeting focus on one or two members? Should they submit their work for feedback well ahead of schedule or will it be an open reading at the meeting designed for immediate, off the cuff feedback? Is there a time limit to feedback? How is feedback best presented? Out loud or written? Remember, it is up to you. There are really no rules here. But the more structured you make it at the start the better. Trust me…writing groups will evolve and morph as time goes on. Rules and people will change but hopefully the focus will not.

The biggest rule of all. Have fun. This is supposed to be fun right? Sharing ideas and soliciting feedback can be energizing. Immerse yourself in it, be open to criticism, and grow…

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