The most helpful writers' groups are made up of writers who are working on the same type of writing. Playwrights need others who understand dramatic structure, travel writers need others who travel and work at making their descriptions fresh. Mystery writers need others who have worked at dropping clues.Essayists will learn best from those trying to wrestle personal issues into publishable form.
Where to Find Writers Who may Want to Join a Writers' Group
Often a group will come out of a creative writing class, as a way to continue learning after the class is over and the teacher is no longer around. Another strategy is to list it on Craig's List, noting what kind of group is wanted. Putting up a note on a local bookstore's bulletin board is good. Posting a note on the board of an English Department of a local college also works. Or simply send out an e- note to all the literary people you know who have mentioned they want to write. Writer/photographer Mary Altier, who started the Women of Words writers' group in Santa Cruz, CA in 2001, called everyone she knew who liked to write or wrote in their work. Eight years later the group is still going strong, with all members published writers. Being in a writing group can often ensure that members keep writing.
Who to Invite or Include in a Writer's Support Group
Bringing together writers of many skill levels will help everyone. The seasoned writer may need to get a whiff of the newbie's enthusiasm, and experienced writers can act as mentors. It is a good idea to include a few published writers if publishing is a goal of other writers in the group. It is important to know those who join will really write, and not just talk about writing.
Deciding How Often to Meet and For How Long
Some writer's groups meet weekly, others every two weeks, some monthly. Every two weeks is the most common, as it gives people a chance to prepare some writing, but not too long to have it get stale before it is read to the group. Some groups encourage members to send a work in progress via email to the other members in between meetings if a reaction is wanted right away, or if there is a deadline that will come before the next meeting.
What to do During a Writers' Group Meeting
To get the creative juices flowing, some writers' groups begin with a ten-minute writing exercise. The person hosting can choose the topic, or the group can generate a list and choose one of those for each meeting. After the exercise, each person reads what they wrote. After this opening exercise, each person can read a piece of writing they brought along, passing out copies, and the group should give feedback and note editing suggestions, including ideas for where it might be published if that is of interest.
Members should be careful to be constructive and not punitive. It may be necessary to set a time limit for each person's reading and discussion to be fair, allowing everyone time to read and get reactions. Some groups also build in time to talk about the writing life, resources, tips on getting published and other helpful ideas.
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