I’ve been a writer for a long time, but only in recent years have I participated in a writing group. There’s lots of opinion on what makes a good writing group, and here’s mine.
I’m lucky in that I have only been in two writing groups, and the second was an out-growth of the first. On a whim I decided to try one, and I’m glad I did, not necessarily for obvious reasons.
If you’re aspiring or returning to writing, or even if you’re a well-accomplished writer, a good writing group can be transformational. Entering into a group can be exciting and inspiring. But you cannot ignore that there is tons of criticism and dissatisfaction with writing groups. Spoiler alert – it’s the people that make or break the effort.
I’m pumped about this topic today because I just returned from a session with my good writing group. We call ourselves the G5 and we’ve never failed, even through the pandemic going zoom, and now starting to carefully gather again. Sorry – no – not asking you to join. But here’s why you might like to be with us.
What Makes a Good Writing Group
- Committed Writers – This means serious writers with aptitude for the craft. Serious in terms of commitment to the group objective(s), and working for the good of all. This implies respect for others, and making contributions. For example, predictably bringing your work in, respecting others time, paying attention to others’ work (as with feedback, etc.). Expect and support familiarity and consistency among your fellow writers. You should
- Clear Group Definition – The group members need to know why they are participating and what they are striving to attain from participation. This doesn’t need to be formal, but clear. Given the dynamic nature of the craft, there is a lot of variability in terms of the main emphasis of an particular group. For example, is the emphasis actual writing of new content, concerns with publishing, or marketing, or something else. This doesn’t mean it has to be locked in and other writing-related interests can’t be brought up, but there should be a main thrust of the group. And there should be a set schedule that gets followed, with communications as needed.
- Positive Personalities – Members must be nice. As they say, no one can suck all the air out of the room. And it’s not a personality contest. It must be a candid and safe forum for sharing. If you are buying or selling something, this is probably not the place for it.
- Commitment to Learning – The good group features sharing and learning. Ideas or questions are not ridiculed. Accept that no one knows it all, and things are always changing anyway. Make contributions that help yourself and others.
The private, even intimate, craft of writing is richer if we can manage to share with others as we are going through the process. You might have heard it alluded that writing can be cathartic – writing in context of a good group can amplify such positive affects.
Maybe this is the elusive obvious. But the writing craft can be fickle. Good writing groups come down to the individuals that make them up. When you are in one you’ll know it. If you get there you won’t take it for granted!