How to form a local writing group

Forming a local writing group requires planning.

Writing can be a lonely pursuit. There are times when every writer needs to commune with others of a like mind. A writer's group is one answer to this problem, but groups are not for everyone. If you have decided it is the right path for you, but there are none to be found, forming a group is not a difficult process. However, it is important to create guidelines and begin by asking yourself what you hope to achieve. Consider the kind of group you want to start and the fellow writers you want to include.

Things You'll Need

• Meeting location

Instructions

1. Decide how many members your group should have. A good number is six to eight. This will provide you with enough people in case some are unable to attend a meeting, but not so many that the group becomes difficult to manage. Writers can be found everywhere, but a good place to inquire is your local college campus. Perhaps speak to someone in the English department to help you meet up with other writers.

2. Consider what the skill level of your membership will be. If you allow all levels, it can be more difficult to work together than it would be if everyone were of a similar skill set. Along the same lines, think about the genres you want to include. Will this be a poetry group? Science fiction or fantasy? Non-fiction? Try to put together a group of people who envision the same goals and whose writing is within the same category. If you mix vastly different types of writing, you will find it difficult to accomplish anything.

3. Identify how you want to structure the group. Discuss when and how often you will meet. A good rule of thumb is once a month. This gives writers time to produce new writing for each meeting. Where will you meet? Try to reserve a room at your library where it is quiet and the mood is appropriate for writing. Meetings should allow enough time to give everyone a chance to speak or read their work.

4. Compose a list of goals for your group and what each person's expectations are. Will you be inviting speakers or hosting workshops? If so, will you want the presenters to provide writing exercises or prompts as part of the activity? Variety is key in keeping not only interest, but creativity flowing. Also, decide how you will handle the critique process and ways to keep it constructive. Will you review each other's work? Establish guidelines for critiquing and group etiquette.

5. Appoint someone to facilitate each meeting and to come up with a relevant writing topic for that month. It is helpful to have one or two co-facilitators as well, and to take turns sharing the responsibilities. The task can be rotated on a monthly basis and the person responsible for leading the group should compose the agenda for that meeting. Always seek feedback and leave time for questions at the close of your session.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a name after your group is formed. The membership will feel more invested if it helps decide what you will call your group.

• Interview potential members to find out if they are likely to fit into the type of group you are organizing.

• Set aside a few minutes at the end of each meeting to brainstorm future activities and gather feedback.

• Be open to trying new activities.

• Avoid running an ad in the newspaper. Instead, stick to word of mouth to recruit members. Random advertising can create the problem of having to deal with a large number of people who are unsuitable for your group.

References

• The Adventurous Writer: 7 Tips for Starting a Writer's Group - Writing Alone, Writing Together
• Writing on the Run: The Natural Way to Write, Any Time, Any Place
• Happenchance: How Not to Start a Writers' Group; Seth M. Baker
• Happenchance: 8 Reasons to Start a Writer's Group; Seth M. Baker

Resources

• Writers Digest
• Coffee House for Writers
• The Writer Magazine