When I moved to a new town—almost five years ago–I joined a writer’s group in formation. We discussed what the attendees would like to see in a meeting. The conclusion was critiques, but we didn’t last long since the pandemic hit shortly thereafter.
Here are my categories of groups:
Critique – feedback on your own and other’s writing
Discussion – may be on a specific book, topic, or writing in general
Lecture/Talk – usually craft focused or inspirational
Write In – a time to work on your own writing
Workshop – craft or marketing focused with some hands-on activity
Both face-to-face groups and online groups can provide any of these services. All can be useful, but it depends what you are looking for. For me a variety of these types of groups have worked over the years. I find the writing community invaluable.
I love the chance to learn through lectures and workshops. It’s so great when some piece of craft advice clicks. Or when the “so that how that’s done” aha moment happens. These events often inspire me, whether it is simply to press on, or with a specific piece of inspiration that makes me avid to jump back into my own work. No matter how many I’ve done, I usually discover new tidbits each time I participate.
Before the pandemic, I’d mostly gone to in person sessions. But these days more and more webinars are available from the comfort of our own homes. I do miss the bigger gatherings that are slowly starting back up, however I love the worldwide opportunities of virtual sessions.
I’ve found write ins to be very practical. I’ve participated in them in coffee shops, libraries, retreats, etc. Each writer focuses on their own project. Just the fact that others are working around me helps me keep my butt in the chair and my hands on the keyboard. I’ve done weekly schedules in a public place where headphones eliminate distracting conversations. Mostly I’ve formed these with likeminded writers, but sometimes organizations will schedule them too. Most often now, I do these at private retreats with my critique group.
Discussion can be fun, especially if it is focused. I’ve been in groups where we shared favorite books by genre, or good first lines, or marketing tips, etc. Having a theme makes the discussion more practical. I’ve found an unfocused group can end up being a gripe session, or can wander completely off writing.
SCBWI has Discussions Boards with a variety of topics. Check it out here. Some areas are only for SCBWI members. Others are open to anyone.
Facebook discussion groups on writing that I enjoy:
Kidlit411
Sub It Club
Work-for-Hire Author Support Group
Others I’ve come across:
Childrens Book Hub
The Manuscript Academy’s Ten Minutes with an Expert Chat
But for me probably the most important group is a critique group. I’ve learned so much by what others say about my work (the good and bad) and what see in their writing, too. We encourage each other to press on. We inspire one another. Our meetings provide a deadline to have pages ready. Not only have we helped improve our writing by consistent meetings, but we’ve become close friends because of the time spent together.
How do you find a writer’s group? I found most of mine through SCBWI.org. You may also want to check with your local library or search online for writer’s groups in your area. Join writer listserves which often announce events or groups forming. If you’re on Facebook, you can find groups there, too. Both Kidlit411 and Sub It Club have critique matchup groups. Kidlit411 has one for illustrators as well.
Here are some helpful resources, especially if a critique group doesn’t have established guidelines:
“The 4 Hidden Dangers of Writing Groups” by Jennie Nash
“Ground Rules for Critique Groups” by Pamela Smith Hill
“How to Find a Writing Group, Because Every Aspiring Author Needs a Support Group” by Sadie Trombetta
“Knowing When to Fly: Leaving Your Critique Group” by Lisa Bubert
“The Value of Feedback for Writers” by Jan Fields
The Writing & Critique Group Survival Guide: How to Make Revisions, Self-Edit, and Give and Receive Feedback by Becky Levine
Recently I shared a couple favorite internet resources with a friend. When I mentioned to her that I’d been meaning to get a blog post up with them, she told me to get to it! So thank you, Carmen Nodar, for the prompting and for sharing sites you find, too.