writing groups

by Rosie Burns
14th March 2014

Hi, am about to start a writers group in my home town. Any suggestions on guidelines for the group? Want to ensure it is fair, fun and everyone gets something out of it. Are any of you members of actual group and what works best?

Replies

A friend and I started a group in 1993 and we are still going. I haven't time to write at this moment but I will get back to you over the w/e.

best wishes.

rosa.

Profile picture for user liza.loo_31513
Rosa
Johnson
270 points
Practical publishing
Film, Music, Theatre, TV and Radio
Poetry
Short stories
Fiction
Autobiography, Biography and Memoir
Comic
Media and Journalism
Business, Management and Education
Sports
Rosa Johnson
14/03/2014

Hi Rosie. I joined a group at the end of last year and it made me do more for myself, which is a good thing because I can be lazy... It is a good idea to be able to keep a handle on the meeting as some people tend to go off track and the discussion has nothing to do with writing, nice chats but that's not what the group is for. Try and get your members to be honest when they discuss someone's work, constructive criticism is good but as you know everyone wants to say something nice and not be hurtful, it shouldn't be hurtful but helpful! so as your group will be new you will be able to get that point across from day one. I hope it is successful and you have good times. but keep a grip lol. We have a young woman who comes up with our projects and points us to competitions as they help you to focus.

All the best with your new endeavour Regards Paul

Profile picture for user paul_garside
Paul
Garside
330 points
Ready to publish
Fiction
Comic
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Gothic and Horror
Middle Grade (Children's)
Picture Books (Children's)
Adventure
Speculative Fiction
Poetry
Short stories
Writing dialogue
Editing
Literary agents
Proof reading
Cover design
Publicity and Marketing
Preparing Your Portfolio
Identifying Your Audience
Literary
Synopsis
Voice
Paul Garside
14/03/2014

Good idea, although I guess this is kind of an online one. We are meeting monthly rather than weekly.....

Profile picture for user andtuck@_4614
Rosie
Burns
330 points
Developing your craft
Film, Music, Theatre, TV and Radio
Short stories
Fiction
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Rosie Burns
14/03/2014