Anne Fotheringham

Joining a writers’ group is something every writer should consider. It’s like having your own personal support group. The members will help you work on your novel or short story by giving you valuable feedback and all they ask in return is that you provide similar support for their work. And it’s free!

Benefits of joining a writers’ group

Friendship, feedback and support are three of the most important things a writer can benefit from by joining a writers group. By nature, many of us are solitary souls, working away at our craft, one-on-one with the words. It is easy to unhook from society and get down on yourself because the people who do surround you don’t “get” you. Your writers’ group members will so “get” you. And you will “get” them. Often, writers who participate in such groups develop long friendships.

Having to read your work on a regular basis at group meetings gives you presentation skills for those public readings you may be called upon to deliver. Better to practise that skill with a small group of colleagues than to be suddenly thrust into the limelight without any experience to draw on.

If you look at the credits or thank-you notes authors often put in their novels, you will find authors often credit or thank the members of their writers’ group for helping them through the process and providing key feedback.

So how do I find a writers’ group?

Writers’ groups don’t always advertise their existence. This is because they often choose to limit the number of members they have, not out of a sense of snobbery or elitism, but because if a group is too large, then it is hard to give everyone an equal chance to share their work and receive adequate feedback.

Contact your local writers’ associations to see if they have any information that can help you. Writers’ groups often meet in members’ homes, but some meet at libraries or other public venues. Ask your local librarians if they know of any groups in your area. Attend local writing-related events and ask around.

Are there different kinds of groups?

Some groups are social – they like to serve coffee and cookies; others don’t serve refreshments, but just get down to the reading and feedback. Some groups find they like to have guest speakers from time to time or to have workshops delivered by someone from outside the group. Other groups remain strictly “reading and feedback” groups because they want to focus on their work in progress. Join a group that meets your preferences.

How do I know I will get along with everyone?

The only way to find out is to ask to visit, meet the other members and listen to their work. If you don’t feel comfortable, there’s no crime in checking out another group. For a writers’ group to be of benefit for you and for you to participate fully, you need to find a group where you feel comfortable.

What if I can’t find a writers’ group?

That’s simple– just start your own. Advertise through local libraries, literary societies, writers’ organizations, etc. If you want to keep the group members limited to a certain genre, be sure to mention that when recruiting members. Personally, I think writers benefit more when the writers’ group is a mixed one. My own group includes writers of chick lit, memoire, plays, short stories, romance, humour, fantasy, horror, sci-fi, etc. We learn a lot by sharing our type of work with each other. Sometimes we even try writing in other genres because our interest has been piqued by another member’s material.

How do you run a writers’ group?

There are a few simple guidelines for creating and managing a writers’ group.

• Meetings should be on a regular basis and last about two to three hours.
• The venue(s) should be easily accessible to all members.
• Keep the group numbers small enough to give each person a chance to read.
• Encourage feedback and sharing among your members.

How do you handle critiques?

The most important thing to emphasis to members is the need for RESPECT when critiquing each other’s work.

• Listen quietly when others are reading.
• When it is your turn to offer feedback, be encouraging.
• Share your reactions to their work in a polite manner.
• Do not use any type of profanity or insulting language.
• First point out what you like about the work in question.
• Then mention anything that does not work for you and say why.
• Offer constructive suggestions for improvements.
• Talk directly to the author, not to the group when critiquing.
• Show others the respect you hope they will show you.

My writers’ group has been in existence for over 20 years. Some members have been there from the beginning; some have left or joined along the way. Some of us are working towards publication, some have been published and some are not. But we make no distinction – we all write, therefore, we are all writers and respect each other’s work. I think this is why we are still going strong after all these years.

Do you belong to a writers’ group near you?