Previously I wrote the Ten Benefits of Joining a Writing Group. Now that you have thought about it, have you joined a writing group? No? Then start your own.
How to Begin
All you need to start is a fellow writer. Set a date and time to meet on a regular basis, perhaps once a month or every two weeks. If you don't have a writing buddy then you can start a group by putting up flyers in the library and local book stores. If you can afford it, put an ad in the paper.
It is up to you to decide whether you want writers of similar genres, or a mixture of writing tastes. My group consists of a great variety of genres - poetry, sci-fi/fantasy, general fiction, romance, non-fiction. Having a variety of genres may help others take a leap towards writing something they have never attempted. We have several writers who never wrote poetry. Our poetry sessions have given them the opportunity to explore other creative formats.
Location
Decide on a location. If you can find a meeting room that will not charge you, such as a public library, arrange for regular sessions there. Be sure to emphasize that you are a non-profit group. Meeting at a restaurant or coffee shop is another option as long as the atmosphere is conducive to writing and reading aloud. Another alternative is rotating between members' homes, but this may pressure the host to have a clean home and provide beverages and snacks. If everyone is in agreement to bringing their own refreshments then by all means, go for it. As your group grows you may need to move to a roomier location.
Format
The purpose of a writing group is two-fold. First you are sharing your writing with others and getting feedback, and secondly you become more motivated to write.
Our group averages 8 people per session - sometimes more, sometimes less. Therefore, our meetings are scheduled for two hours in length. A more casual format may not have time limitations.
Start by sharing writing done outside the group that members brought with them. Reading aloud can be scary but it is important. You could catch mistakes you didn't see when reading over your work to yourself. Also, it helps prepare you for reading to an audience when you have your first book launch!
After an individual reads their work comments and suggestions are given by other members. Try to focus on the content rather than grammar. If a writer wants a more in-depth critique or help with grammar this is best done via email.
After everyone has had a chance to read (and not everyone has to read; they may not have anything to share at that time), then the session leader hands out a sheet of prompts.
Session Leader
Members should take turns leading a session. Plan in advance who will lead the session so they have time to prepare. Since our meetings take place in the meeting room at the local library, our meetings are scheduled for the whole year with indications as to who is leading each meeting. A schedule is emailed to every member. Leading is voluntary. Members are not required to lead. Having different leaders takes the workload off one person and also adds some variety to the sessions. However, you may want to elect one member to set up the schedules and send out reminders.
Prompts
Originally our group started by giving one prompt for everyone to write from. It is interesting to see the differences and similarities in each other's stories. A creative muse enters the room and touches everyone.
- A selection of five or six prompts may be provided as well. If your meeting takes place near a holiday or the beginning of a new season, the prompts can be themed. For example, Christmas, Halloween or Springtime.
- A group of random words can be listed along with the suggestion to write a story or poem using all the words, or as many as possible. Or have everyone pick one word from a dictionary and use that one word to write a story.
- An assortment of photographs, or objects drawn from a bag make good prompts
- Have each member write a person or character on a piece of paper then pass the paper to the next person who will write down a place. Pass to the next person who will write an object and finally pass the paper to the final person. Each individual will have a person, place and thing from which to write a story.
- Have each member draw a picture, pass it along to the person next to them and then reveal the prompt: “This object is in your living room. How did it get there?”
- Draw prompts from a bag filled with slips of paper each of which is a different prompt. Some examples of prompts are: “I remember when…”, “The first time I saw…”, “I think it's time to quit…”, “A haunting premonition…”
Ideas for prompts can come from songs, a line of poetry, book titles, sources such as “The Writer's Book of Days” by Judy Reeves or online. A search online will result in plenty of writing websites consisting of prompts. Be creative!
Writing the Prompt
Ten minutes is a fair amount of time to give everyone to write, though smaller groups may desire fifteen or twenty minutes. You want to make sure everyone has a chance to read in your allotted session time. If you have extra time you can always write from a second prompt.
An egg timer can be used to ensure the time limit is followed, however, do not force members to stop their creative flow when the timer rings. Let them keep writing and wait until everyone is done before you share your work.
Remember, you have written non-stop for ten minutes. The material is very raw. Grammar and repetition are common and need not be commented on. If you like what you have written you may want to take it home and expand on it. I have written a whole novel based on prompts.
In Summary
Remember, a writing group is a tool to assist you and your fellow writers in reaching your writing goals. Keep the mood upbeat and avoid conflict. This is counter-productive. Your goal is to spend time writing, explore your creative muse, and motivate each other. And most of all, have fun!
