7 Tips for Starting a Writers’ Group – Writing Alone, Writing Together
Starting a writers’ group can boost your motivation to write, and keep you accountable to send your work to literary agents, magazine editors, and the world! Whether you’re a freelance writer, aspiring novelist, or published poet – a writers’ group can keep you motivated, disciplined, productive…and published.
I mentioned my writing group on Twitter, and received several “I wish I belonged to a writers’ group, but there’s none in my area” or “My writing group disbanded – and I really miss it!” responses. So, here are my tips for starting a writer’s group.
Before the tips, a quip:
“If you don’t feel that you are possibly on the edge of humiliating yourself, of losing control of the whole thing, then probably what you are doing isn’t very vital.” – John Irving.
Fellow scribes, a writer’s group will help you stay grounded as you teeter on the edge of losing control and possibly humiliating yourself! To learn more about writers’, read Writing Alone, Writing Together: A Guide for Writers and Writing Groups
by Judy Reeves. And, check out these writing tips…
But first – the benefits of a writers’ group:
- Information sharing, which leads to growth
- Inspiration from successful experiences
- Support for rejections and feelings of failure
- Encouragement to keep going
- Feelings of solidarity and connectedness
- Feedback for your writing, article ideas, or plans
- Accountability for your writing goals
7 Tips for Starting a Writer’s Group
1. Decide on the best place to meet. My writer’s group started in a classroom at our local elementary school and moved to our homes (we rotate through the members’ houses). We’ve also met in the pub, which wasn’t as comfortable as a home. Other great places for writers’ groups to meet include the library, an uncrowded coffee shop, or a spare room in your local community center.
2. Be clear from the beginning about the structure of your meetings. Will you read your writing out loud, and will everyone give feedback? Will you email your story, article pitch, or book proposal before the meeting? Will you write during your meetings (that wouldn’t work for me – but it may be appealing to writers who struggle with motivation or time to write)? Will you brainstorm story ideas or wrestle with plot problems?
3. Be flexible about tweaking the structure based on group dynamics, location changes, new members, etc. Instead of rigidly adhering to “the way we’re supposed to do it”, consider mixing things up a little. For instance, if you meet every two weeks, you could alternate between a critique night and a “just talking about writing” night.
4. Be clear about what you’re looking for in a writers’ group. As I told my writing buddies last night (waving to my fellow WOBBERS! which stands for Write on Bowen 
) – I prefer sharing our writing goals, experiences, information, and inspirations. I’m not big on reading my writing out loud, nor do I love critiquing others’ writing. But, a writer’s group should be an amalgamation of what everyone needs and wants – which is where flexibility and open-mindedness comes in.
5. Develop clear guidelines. Is your group open to new writers? Will you invite other writers – and do they have to be interested in your genre? When you’re starting a writer’s group, it helps to have a plan. My group recently faced a dilemma involving a possible new member; we weren’t all on the same page (as it were) and we hadn’t decided beforehand if we were ready for new members.
6. Re-evaluate your writing group regularly. Agree on the guidelines for your writer’s group, and then re-evaluate after a season – such as every quarter or every September.
7. Consider recruiting a co-leader. When I started this writer’s group two years ago, I had a co-leader who pulled out at the last minute because of other commitments. I wasn’t happy spearheading the group on my own, so I let it wither away. One of the members encouraged me to start it up again (Hi, Maggie!) – and I’m so glad I did. It’s a smaller group and I’m not “in charge”, which is what I wanted all along.
For me, the best part of this writer’s group – besides the motivation and encouragement – is seeing how we’re achieving our goals as writers. We’re completing novels, book proposals, and articles. Together, we’re forging ahead in this crazy business – and our progress is sweeter because we savor it together.
Fellow scribes, do you have any thoughts or questions about starting a writers’ groups? I welcome you below!
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Comment by Laurie PK on 14 May 2009:
Kelly asked me on Twitter: How do you find writers in your area interested in forming a group?
Ask at your local smaller bookstores or libraries about possible members — and post signs on their bulletin boards. Try Craig’s List. Or, place a newspaper ad — some small local newspapers give free ads or space for nonprofit information. Also, try community centers or continuing education institutions.
We’re lucky on Bowen Island, because we have a community forum on which we post news, opinions, questions, and info about stuff like new writer’s groups! If your community or city has a shared space, it could work to find other writers.
And — some city halls or official city websites have space for local community groups. Some have calendars that display the meeting times, group descriptions, etc.
Anyone else have any tips for finding fellow writers? That’s a great question!
Laurie PK’s last blog post..7 Tips for Starting a Writer’s Group
Comment by Gini Grey on 14 May 2009:
Wonderful article Laurie – bang on with all the aspects to look at and be clear with. I would reiterate the importance of being clear about what type of writing group you want to join, be a part of, or start up – what do you want to get out of it and what do you want to offer? Having a clear intention for lead you to the best outcome.
Gini Grey’s last blog post..Process
Comment by Maggie Rayner on 15 May 2009:
I am part of WOB, Laurie’s writing group and love it! I find our particular group’s goal of “getting published,” invaluable. It has helped me give up my attachment to procratination in favour of personal accountability. The process has been gentle. There are no demands from the group only the focus during meetings of each member’s progress; encouragement and feedback between meetings. The shared knowledge and expectation of success from each member is a nudge forward, a current quietly drawing a pebble into the main flow of the stream.
Comment by Bob McDonnell on 15 May 2009:
Great points. I am fortunate to be part of a group of eight that uses most of what you said.
We schedule two people to submit at each meeting. (Twice monthly) They email their submission to the rest of the group a few days before the actual meeting.
Do other groups do this?
Bob McDonnell’s last blog post..Bobby pin — origin of the word
Comment by Laurie PK on 16 May 2009:
I like the idea of scheduling people to read at each meeting. We don’t do this because we talk about writing more than read our own.
At the beginning of my writer’s group, most of us read — and it was so time-consuming! So, scheduling in advance and sending your work out first sounds ideal.
Thanks for this tip, Bob. I, too, am curious if anyone else does this?
Laurie
Laurie PK’s last blog post..7 Tips for Starting a Writer’s Group
Comment by Bob McDonnell on 16 May 2009:
We have a two hour meeting each time, so we can get through a business meeting and the critques.
Eager to hear what others do too.
Bob McDonnell’s last blog post..Bobby pin — origin of the word
Comment by Tumblemoose on 18 May 2009:
Laurie,
I’ve had such a struggle attempting to get a group going in my local area.
The first person who responded to my ad was a crackpot and other respondents have just never followed through.
I’ll try again soon, and I’ll use these tips when I do.
George
Tumblemoose’s last blog post..What Kindergarten taught me about writing today
Comment by Laurie PK on 18 May 2009:
An effective tip for starting a writer’s group is to keep meeting, even if it’s just you! Set your schedule (eg, every 2nd Wednesdays at 7 pm), and get into the habit of showing up. You’ll create momentum and draw other writers…and soon you’ll be fighting off new members!
Laurie PK’s last blog post..How to Make Money Blogging for Writers
Comment by Bob McDonnell on 19 May 2009:
Tumblemoose
It might help to have one or two friends to start it. Also, try posting a notice at the local library, coffee shops, etc.
Do a search on Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin to find locals who are interested in writing.
Bob McDonnell’s last blog post..Sanction — good or bad?
Comment by Tumblemoose on 19 May 2009:
Laurie and Bob,
Thanks for the helpful suggestions, I’ll put them in play this summer.
Cheers
George
Tumblemoose’s last blog post..What Kindergarten taught me about writing today
Comment by Wendy Frederick on 28 May 2009:
Great way to organize ideas and get started!
Pingback by On Writers Groups: Part III—Rules « Mots Justes on 1 June 2009:
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Comment by Laurie PK on 2 June 2009:
Here’s an excerpt from a great post about writers’ groups, over on “Mots Justes.”
Blogger John Fox takes a hard line [about critiquing in writers' groups]:
“Don’t give supportive critiques. Critiques should be debilitating and harsh. The minute you start cheerleading is the minute you lose respectability. Of course you need to talk about what is good with the piece, and tell someone where to submit it, and how much work it needs (if much) before they send it out, but focus on the negative. That’s what’s helpful.”
Fellow scribes, focus on the NEGATIVES when you’re discussing a piece of writing. Yes, the writer of the piece needs to not take it personally and develop a thick skin….but the critique will make him or her a successful writer! Stay focused on that.
Here’s the link to Annlee’s whole article on Mots Justes: http://motsjustes.wordpress.com/2009/05/29/on-writers-groups-part-iii%e2%80%94rules/
See you soon!
Laurie
Laurie PK’s last blog post..5 Ways to Increase Your Writing Income
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Comment by Elizabeth Ducie on 20 September 2009:
We had a stand at the town’s Art and Crafts Open Day. We set up a flip-chart and wrote ‘The Big Chudleigh Poem’ which had contributions from 37 people aged 7 – 0+ and which was later published in the parish magazine. We signed up 18 interested writers on the day and gained a couple more via the parish magazine.
Comment by Laurie PK on 24 September 2009:
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for this creative idea for writers — it sounds so fun! And I love the idea of publishing it in a magazine, and inviting more writers to your writer’s group.
Lovely!
Laurie
Laurie PK´s last blog post ..Networking Tips for Successful Writers – How to Get More Writing Jobs
Comment by ayda on 26 September 2009:
Is it possible to have a writing group via internet? And so the meeting and feedback, responses and critiques through internet? Thank you.
Comment by Laurie PK on 26 September 2009:
Hi Ayda,
Yes, it’s possible to have a writing group over the internet; in fact, I have just the starting point for you!
3 Tips for Joining an Online Writing Group is an article here on Quips & Tips for Successful Writers that describes how online groups work.
I also recommend visiting the Absolute Writers Forum (just Google it), and browsing their extensive forum for possible writing groups.
I hope this helps; let me know how it goes!
Best writing wishes,
Laurie
Laurie PK´s last blog post ..5 Over-Used Words and Phrases for Writers to Avoid
Comment by Katharine Trauger on 29 September 2009:
We have assignments for short pieces, and read aloud. Anyone can comment. Forces us to think outside the box. Works with a small (6-8 members) group.
Pingback by How to Write a Romance Novel - 8 Tips From a Published Writer on 20 April 2010:
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Comment by Glenn on 17 June 2010:
Laurie – Loved your thoughts on putting a group together working on a common idea, we do the same on our website. Come visit!
Glenn´s last blog post ..Do You Know How To Make Money Investing?