How to Form a Writers Group, Part 1

Birds of a feather flock together—unless they’re writers, in which case they tend to fly solo. Solitude and independence are revered parts of the writing life, but pecking at the keyboard alone can eventually lead to feelings of disconnection and isolation.

Nobody better understands the ...Birds of a feather flock together—unless they’re writers, in which case they tend to fly solo. Solitude and independence are revered parts of the writing life, but pecking at the keyboard alone can eventually lead to feelings of disconnection and isolation.

Nobody better understands the struggles and triumphs of writing than other writers, and we can all benefit by forming groups to help each other achieve our goals. A good writers group not only provides a forum for critique and workshopping, but can also offer networking opportunities, professional partnerships, community building, and access to resources in other areas such as publishing, publicity, book sales, etc.

Established writers groups exist almost everywhere, but don’t always welcome new members and won’t necessarily offer the kind of experience you’re looking for. If birds of a feather prove difficult to find, form your own group. This allows you to set the tone and attract like-minded people. You may have to step outside your comfort zone to make it happen, but the payoff is worth the effort. Here’s how to get started:

• Define. What’s your group’s purpose? What are its goals? Who’s in it? Novelists? Poets? Published writers only? A combo? How many members will it have? How often will you meet? Is the group for encouragement only, or will criticism be part of it too? The more detailed your vision, the easier it will be to attract writers with whom you can establish mutually beneficial relationships.

• Advertise. Put your vision out to the world. Design a flyer that describes your group and speaks specifically to the writers you want to work with. Post it where writers gather: coffee shops, book stores, libraries, universities, community colleges, writing conferences, etc. Post an e-version of your flyer in the community groups section of Craigslist (www.craigslist.com). People who are interested will find you.

• Screen. Ask for details about what prospective members want from the group. Get writing samples and any other information you need. The idea is to create a group in which every member can contribute and thrive. The more screening you do now, the less likely you are to end up with people who don’t share your vision.

• Meet. Coffee shops, community centers, libraries, college campuses, restaurants, bars, private homes, etc. are all possible venues. Launch your first meeting by getting to know each other and sharing ideas about how the group will operate. Every group is a work in progress. Details about how to offer critique, give support, lead workshops, etc. will evolve as you go (and I’ll address them in part two of this series).

A supportive, collaborative writers group can charge you with energy and inspiration, offer moral support and encouragement, help you brainstorm and problem solve, and provide a touchstone to your artistic growth and development. When like-minded writers unite around a similar vision and goals, their skills, talents and resources synergize for the benefit of everyone involved. And when that happens, the sky’s the limit.