How to Start a Writing Group
By Mary Kole
Former literary agent, now a freelance editor, writing teacher, and IP/story developer for major publishers and creators.
If you’re curious about how to start a writing group, you’ve come to the right place. Or should we say … the write place! Creative writing can be a solitary pursuit, after all, and it can be lonely to work without any writing feedback or support from your peers. That's why many writers start a writing group for creative writing critique, accountability, and camaraderie. While you’ll enjoy certain benefits when you start a writing group, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before taking on the challenge.
Why Should I Start a Writing Group?
If you start a writing group, you have a great way to get constructive criticism on your writing, ideally in a supportive environment. You can start a writing group online or in person, with friends who write, or complete strangers. There’s not just one right way to do it. Creating your own critique group or writing workshop can also help you build your confidence as a writer by providing you with a platform to share your work with others. You can learn from your peers’ successes and failures, and gain valuable insight from their thoughts on your work. Sounds great, right? But don’t start a writing group just yet, without also considering some of the challenges of running one.
Why Should I Not Start a Writing Group?
However, once you start a writing group, maintaining it requires significant effort. You'll need to find members who are committed to their writing projects, and you may have difficulty finding time for regular meetings, especially if you want to meet in person. The writers who join in when you first start a writing group might peter out or move on to other creative work, leaving your numbers thin. Plus, if you're not careful, the critique sessions can become more about socializing than about providing cogent feedback. Sometimes, a mean-spirited writer can tank the tone of the group, and it can become a pile-on or ego competition, if you let it. When you start a writing group, you will need to provide some serious leadership.
Instead of deciding to start a writing group, consider enrolling in a writing workshop intensive like Story Mastermind. In this program, and others like it, experienced third-party instructors provide support, help you to hone your craft, and provide specific advice that will help you improve your writing. You'll receive individual attention, and you can benefit from the collective wisdom of a group setting. Plus, since a program like Story Mastermind is already organized and structured, you won't have to worry about the logistical details of setting up and running a group or planning a schedule, you can merely sit back and follow the program.
Choosing to start a writing group can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Before you commit to the task, consider whether a writing workshop intensive might be a better fit for your needs. With the guidance of an experienced instructor and the collective energy of a group, you can take your writing to the next level.
Want writing guidance, feedback, and accountability?
Self-guided writing study is great, but can only take you so far. Apply to Story Mastermind—a small group workshop intensive for your novel, memoir, outline, or picture book idea. Achieve a robust outline or draft, or a portfolio of picture books, in a rigorous but supportive environment. Imagine how much closer you can be to your writing goals after participating in Story Mastermind.