Local Writer's Group

[TonyaRMoore]

Is anyone here a member of a Writer's Group or Critique Group in your local community? I'm looking to take the plunge and look into joining one but I'm a bit nervous and don't know what to expect... or even where to start.

Please tell me, what has been your experience?

For starters, would it be better to reach out to the group and see if they are accepting new members--which I assume they always are but the only other option that I can think of would be to simply show up at one of the meetings and I have cold feet just thinking about that.

 

[J. Rook]

I am a member of two local writers' groups, one for novel writers and one for short story writers. They both operate out of the local Arts and Crafts organisation which is provided by the local council. I came across them through an advertisement in the local paper.
There is a huge range of skills and experience in the groups. There are some genuine writers and some who attend the meetings for a bit of socialising. The groups are run by a person with real writing expertise and years of experience in publishing (retired).
For the dedicated writers the groups are a great opportunity for sharing and questioning, discussing writing technique (you should see what we did with the oxford comma the other day), and analysing the writing of established authors. From my point of view, the learning is on-going, and I have been attending the groups for over three years.
Periodically a new person makes a diffident appearance through the door but they are made genuinely welcome. Anyone who is interested in writing is interesting to the group. Sometimes people contact the group leader in advance.
I hope this helps.

 

[KG Christopher]

I was a member of a writing group when I was young. Mostly science fiction. Again, it was run by the local council and we would meet once every week. I found it very good for getting into the writing process and more than anything, the mutual support we gave each other. I did try and join a writing group in southern Spain, but I just didn't 'click' with some of the people. I think writers tend to have high opinions of themselves and sometimes that can be off-putting. However, that was the only problem I ever experienced. I am looking to join another group, either in Spain or Switzerland as I feel they are quite supportive arenas. Litopia is a bit like an online writers group. We do run a flash entry every week, and it really is a great way to brake down any embarrassment or inhibitions you may have about writing, thinking 'I am not worthy enough'. Writing is an art form, and like all artists, there are great voids of loathing followed by highs. If there are no writing groups in your area, then probably join a 'literary appreciation' group -- a reading group, and I am sure they will be able to point you in the right direction, or you could start your own group?

 

[Bluma Bezbroda]

I joined a writing circle in Amsterdam recently and as far the experience was really good. I was going there with an attitude "probably won't work out but at least I tried..." but I was positively surprised. We are in a group of 5 people, all amateurs, completely different stages and styles. It is really amazing and helpful for me to hear what people have to say about my chapters after reading them for the first time. The only thing is they tend to be ekhm, flexible, with submission deadlines

I would say go for it. People are kind and helpful, in most cases

 

[Kitty]

Local writing groups can vary considerably. Some will be critique croups, some will focus on self publishing, some will be largely social. The only way to find out if you are a good fit is to go along to a couple of meetings and see what it's like. I've been a member of a couple. One was run by a successful author and was excellent for honest feedback. I learned an enormous amount. The other was run by a group of people who were all about bigging themselves up and they did this by putting other people down. I didn't stay.

I would contact them first. If they know you are coming they should go out of their way to make you feel welcome.

 

[KG Christopher]

Local writing groups can vary considerably. Some will be critique croups, some will focus on self publishing, some will be largely social. The only way to find out if you are a good fit is to go along to a couple of meetings and see what it's like. I've been a member of a couple. One was run by a successful author and was excellent for honest feedback. I learned an enormous amount. The other was run by a group of people who were all about bigging themselves up and they did this by putting other people down. I didn't stay.

I would contact them first. If they know you are coming they should go out of their way to make you feel welcome.

Yes, thats what put me off one group, if it wasnt about 'me me me' then you would be ignored or be-littled. I expect it is the same in most artistic circles. But you are right, you have to look for one that is good for you.

 

[Carol Rose]

I've belonged to two local RWA (Romance Writers of America) chapters in the past. Each of the two groups was as different as different could be, even though both were sanctioned chapters of RWA. So definitely visit each one as many times as they will allow you to do without joining before you make a decision. Every group's dynamics and purpose will vary, and it's best to find one that will suit not only your writing needs, but your personality.

 

[TonyaRMoore]

Thanks everyone, for sharing your experiences. This has really helped to give me some perspective. I will check it out and let you all know how it goes.

 

[Nicole Wilson]

I am a member of a writers group, and I love it. It's been very helpful for me to get small edits throughout.

Echoing what others have said, try a few out and find out which will meet your needs best. Don't be afraid to meet with others with different genres because they'll have strengths that you won't.

 

[Patricia D]

I belong to a local writers' group. It is only for mystery writers and is closed in that the (6) members don't want to add anyone new. The larger groups, sponsored by organizations, can be a good seed bed for smaller critique groups of writers with similar skill levels, IMO the ideal.

The experience all depends upon the membership. Ideally, they will help you find plot holes and missteps, etc. If they don't, it's a chance to meet other writers but not doing anything for your WIP. When I lived in Atlanta, another writer and I had our own two-person group. She had years of editing experience, and I got back more than I contributed, which is why I've stuck with the current group, where that dynamic is reversed. Some days you give and some days you get.

Keep your eyes open for people with whom you'd like to exchange reading and commenting.

Here is an interesting blog that recommends a format for writers' groups. We use that model, and it has had a very positive impact. Otherwise, more aggressive individuals can dominate the session.
15 tips for successful writing groups

 

[TonyaRMoore]

Thanks again!
Patricia, thanks for sharing those "15 tips for successful writing groups." It brought up several points that I need to but hadn't previously considered.

 

[Robinne Weiss]

I'm a member of the local writer's guild--they conveniently have a Facebook page through which I do most of my interaction with the group (because I live in a very rural area, and have a hard time getting to the city for meetings). Various factions of the group meet weekly at coffee shops around town for writing/socialising. They also meet monthly to discuss society projects (the odd anthology of local work, bringing in speakers for workshops on topics we're all interested in, etc.), and to catch up on what everyone's up to. A very welcoming group, overall, and quite open to new members. Very keen on building members' writing skills through workshops. Not so focused on critiquing each other's work--some of that goes on, but I was burned when I was asked to critique something and apparently annoyed the person because I actually critiqued it, rather than just telling her it was the best thing I'd ever read. The group culture is more along the lines of stroking egos...

The rural district I live in has just started a new writers' group, organised by the district council's arts coordinator. I'll be curious to see how that pans out. It would be great to have a group that meets regularly in a place less than an hour's drive away!