Absolutely! The better question is: how do I find a writing group that is right for me?
I’ve been in a few writing groups and I can say they are extremely valuable. Crucial actually. Not just for the social camaraderie (who can resist coffee shop conversations?) and for the supportive nature of like-minded people coming together (writing groups are amazing for this!) but also for the shared resources.
If you are a serious writer or just a hobbyist, finding the right writing group for you will make your writing journey so much richer!
Let me give you a few guideposts to help you find the best writing group for you and then I will share links where you can connect with them.
1. Location of the meetings
During Covid, Zoom became an option to meet as a writing group. Zoom has its advantages and limitations. Beyond the obvious advantage of not having to leave the comfort of your comfy pants, you can also collaborate with writers from–well, all over the world!
MY Saturday morning “Coffee and Critique” writing group adopted Zoom meetings in 2020, and although I did love seeing the group and listening to them share their stories, it’s harder to critique. What I mean by that is–it’s harder to follow along on the document. I couldn’t make notes like I could when there was a hard copy in front of me and, even though I would take some notes, it would be difficult to share exactly the spot I was discussing.
If possible, I suggest a physical location. You want to find a writing group that meets close enough to you that you’ll want to go. If it’s a long drive, you may find yourself talking yourself out of it.
Sometimes, writing groups will meet in a home–which is great! It’s quieter and does feel much more cozy. Of course, this also means you may, at first, be going to a stranger’s home and/or inviting strangers to your home.
Bookstores and coffee shops are also great places to meet. The downside is that it can be noisy and sometimes you won’t get a good place to sit and share.
I’ve met with writing groups in all of these places. As my writing group got to know each other from meeting in a coffee shop, we began to ‘host’ in our homes.
2. Frequency of meetings
Somewhere between weekly and bi-weekly is reasonable. If you also have a day job, you might find it intensive to meet every week because you may feel like you need to produce a product for each meeting.
I prefer meeting every other Saturday morning. It gives me something to look forward to, but I also have time in-between meetings to produce writing to bring.
3. How does the Writing Group organize the meetings?
This the most important question to ask. Writing can be very personal and we feel vulnerable when we share. Trust and mutual respect is the platform for any successful writing group.
Some writing groups are very serious, others not so much. The key is to find the one that is going to work for you. So, as you are looking to find the right writing group, here are some of the questions you want to ask:
- What is the purpose of the group’s meeting? Brainstorming? Critique? Editing?
- Is there a strict limit/expectation of pages that each member can share?
- How is the critique given to each member?
- Is the writing group active in the writing community? Do they go to writing conferences?
- Are there published authors in the group?
- Is it a ‘specialized’ group ~ such a SciFic, Romance, etc?
In short, yes! Join a writing group!
It is important that you find a writing group that is best for you. The first writing group I joined, I learned about through my hair dresser! A lot of times, you can find a writing group through word of mouth.
Also, check your local bookstores and libraries. Oftentimes they will have information posted about book clubs and writing groups. Online, you can check your local “Meet Up” or simply type in “Writing Groups” and your city.
If you are meeting with a writing group for the first time, I would definitely suggest that you meet in a public place.
A writing group is not only going to help you grow as a writer, but most likely you will make some great friends along the way.
Here a some photos on me and my writing group.
