Writing about writing groups
Posted on December 6th, 2007 by Natasha
Writing about writing, Week #11
What is your opinion of writing groups? Are you a member of one? And if so, what stage is you work at when you show it to others?
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I’ve never been at the stage where I’ve felt ready to join a writing group, though I think it’s probably a good idea. But I have unsuccessfully tried to take part in online crit groups formed from people I’ve done courses with. I find that generally people lose interest after a while so maybe the face-to-face aspect of a traditional writing group is helpful.
I know you’re busy but perhaps when you have time you could tell us whether you’ve ever been in one and if so, how you found it, and if not, why not.
From what people tell me it’s really important to find the right writing group - they are not all created equal!
I am part of a writing group. There are four of us. Three in Wellington and one in Perth. I love being part of this group. We support each other heaps and it is great to be with a group of people who are growing as writers. I feel really lucky to have them. We meet up about every couple of months and we email most days — celebrating and commiserating (sorry about my spelling — they help me with that too).
We do exercises sometimes and I share those on first draft. I think with other stuff I wait until I feel like I understand what I am trying to do so that when the feedback comes I can decide if that will help what I am trying to do or not — does that make sense?
Anyway, I wouldn’t be without my writing group. We have been together for maybe three years and it is great.
@Pip: Sounds great! Out of curiosity, how did you find your writing group? How would you suggest that a writer go about finding a writing group and what should they look for?