Comments on: 6 Tips for Making the Most of a Writers’ Group

By: JoAnna

JoAnna — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:15:06 +0000

I love the idea of a writing buddy! What a great way to stay accountable for what you’re working on.

By: JoAnna

JoAnna — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:14:02 +0000

Pretty tasty isn’t it??

Some people struggle with giving criticism just as much as they struggle to receive it. I’ve found that this helps soften the blow (even if the criticism is actually a tool to help improve a piece of writing).

By: Nancy

Nancy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:13:06 +0000

Great tips Joanna! (Love this: a “criticism sandwich”). Makes me want to finally find a writers’ group.

By: Joshywashington

Joshywashington — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:03:46 +0000

I Joining a writing group was a wonderful thing for me. I have taken a break for the last little while but am about to get back into the routine.
My group was great for my discipline, community and craft.
My writing group is comprised of play writes and published authors who were very talented and very receptive and encourages to my work.

We would write for a half hour in silence then read what we wrote in the half hour, no critique, no praise usually, just let the words be what they are.

It was a big hurdle for me to let go of wanting to write something “good”. Especially with seasoned writers effortlessly penning prose around me, I struggled to be where I am at in my development.

So just having the time set aside, with no judgment and a willing group of writers is maybe the best ting you can do for your craft. Especially as the rain sets in.

By: Abbie

Abbie — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:24:10 +0000

I think if people don’t feel comfortable with a writing group, at least have a writing buddy. I found mine through MatadorU and it has been a great experience and I’ve learned a lot just from her honest feedback!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:47:10 +0000

Great tips, JoAnna! I love my writer’s group. They’ve become some of my best friends, but we still manage to be very helpfully critical of one another’s work.

By: Travel-Writers-Exchange.com

Travel-Writers-Exchange.com — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:31:07 +0000

Finding a writer’s group can be tricky, depending on where you live. Second, you must be dedicated to learning and connecting with other writers. Some people sign up with Meetup.com, find a bunch of groups to join, and then never attend any of the Meetups. Don’t waste the organizer’s time. It’s not fair to the organizer or other writers if you don’t participate. Some of those groups have 200+ people, but only 5 or more will show up. This could work out in your favor, especially if the organizer is a writing coach!

On a personal note: I’m very lucky to have a screenwriting coach who started a writer’s group on Meetup.com. She doesn’t charge us a fee. I attend every Wednesday and receive great advice because our screenwriting coach is an actress, director, and screenwriter. She Italian and spends time in Italy and France; great foreign connections. I’m very grateful for this opportunity because I may write a “fiction” travel novel and write the screenplay for it.