This is the third in a series of posts about writing groups:
Discovering what type of writers’ group you’d like to be part of (Rule 1) and setting your goals (Rule 2) will help your meetings be productive, rather than excuses for gathering and commiserating about the state of the world, one’s parking tickets, or intentions to write the next bestseller.
Learn from others...
A writers’ group can also be a wonderful two-way platform where published authors and aspiring authors meet.
We often think of inviting headliners whose books have been adapted into films or stayed on the number one slot for weeks on end. But there are unsung heroes and heroines in our midst who have done the quiet, grinding work of getting from idea to manuscript, persuaded an agent to take them on, and have seen the finished product on bookstore shelves.
The format for such an event can be simple: an intro (requested from the author in advance) and an author reading, followed by a Q&A session that will invariably lead to questions about getting published but hopefully also about the craft of writing.
The setting can be as informal as a coffee shop or an art centre or university with space that may be free in the evenings. Spreading the word through your contacts and social media will also raise your group’s profile in the community and help flush out others who are interested in creative writing.
These authors, embedded in our communities, often have more time and energy to devote to demystifying the path to publication for aspiring authors, and often won’t ask for a fee.
They remember what it was like to be starting out and generally appreciate the invitation to speak about their work because it means they are doing their job – reaching out to readers. (If your writing group is feeling generous, get in a few copies of the book for the author to sign after the event.)
Alternatively, someone in your community may enjoy teaching others about poetry, fiction or essays, and holding a session as a workshop is another good way to broaden the reach and scope of a group.
As word travels, your writing group’s calendar should shape up to have a mixture of the following spread in alternate sessions over a few months:
- a public event or workshop; and
- a manuscript critique or ‘writing prompt’ activity
Each six months you can meet for a brainstorm and plan the sessions ahead.
There is no substitute for developing your craft by sitting down and getting to it. But being in a community of writers who are supporting other writers comes a very close second.
Best wishes,
(Reading & Writing Development Director)
Hi Catcreative, searching your local libraries may give you other leads for a writers group, this is how I found mine.
Other than Google, where would you look for a writers group to join?
Thanks as that was very thought provoking and I will search for a writers group here in Dallas, TX. to join and perhaps be able to use some of my skill sets to help.
LeePed87