How to Have an Effective Writing Group

The works you've written are numerous, ranging from short stories to even the novel, hidden in a storage bin (under the bed) collecting dust. But there comes a time when you must wipe away that dust, regain your pride, and prepare your babies for publication! But, how do you get such a critical, unbiased eye to analyze your works, offering both praise and criticism?

It's simple-start a writing group!

Creating a writing group is the easy part, but creating a functioning and beneficial writing group can be quite a task.

Writing groups are age-old sessions where writers obtain helpful evaluations for their works. Nowadays, though, writing groups seem to be a fad, and for many a status symbol reassuring them of their writerdom. Don't create a writing group simply for the sake of saying, "I belong to a writing group". Create or join a group because of the numerous benefits that come along with them.

  • Keep Number of Members Limited. You don't want just one other person in this group. So shoot for 3 or more members. On the other hand, you don't want to have 30 people in the group either. Try approximately 8-10 members. If one person leaves the group, replace that person with a new recruit. Keep the same standards for all members. Make it standard that members can only join by an invite. Allowing your group to be very exclusive brings the group more pride.

  • Select Randomly. It's okay to have a friend in this group, but you chose to create this writing group for unbiased opinions. So don't allow ALL the members to be your best friends in which you see on a daily basis. Perhaps one member is 18 yrs old, while the other is 35. Keeping age, sex, ethnicity, and educational levels of your group will allow a diverse critique-which is ultimately what you're seeking. A diverse group will only make you and the group much stronger.

  • Meetings. We're all struggling writers, so most often the other members of the group will have jobs to attend. So finding an appropriate time for a meeting is crucial. I've found that one Sunday per month, after 2 p.m. is great. Make it an odd time. Creating times such as 2:07 p.m. will stand out and allow members to remember. Where are these meetings held? Keep switching locations. Allow the members to rotate the location to each of their homes. If homes are not available, then a select person should discuss where they choose the next meeting should be held. This is the reason membership should be limited to a few members. It's much easier to meet with just a few people.

  • Text. Focus your group on either poetry or prose-try not to mingle the two. If the text is prose, and the writer wants his novel critiqued, suggest that the novel be submitted on a "per chapter" (or two) basis. Don't overwhelm the members with too much to read at one time-or you'll end up with no members. The month before your work is critiqued, each writer should submit photocopies of their manuscript to each member.

  • Know your intentions. Make sure that, for the most part, members have similar goals: to be published or for sheer enjoyment of writing. This will eliminate time wasted if you know this upfront.

  • Critiquing. When critiquing the text, encourage the members to speak as if the writer isn't present. In the meanwhile, the author can sit back, take notes, and write down questions the critics may have posed. Encourage the critics to write on their versions of the text before meeting. Allow approximately 20 minutes to discuss each member's work. Upon completion of the critique, critics should give the author their "corrected" versions. Complete the critique by allowing the author to explain any unanswered questions and to thank the critics.

    If members can't keep up with reading that much work per month, then divide it up. Four writers submit one month, while the remaining four submit the following month. Above all, writing groups should be a relaxed environment-away from your significant other, your children, and your job. Let this be a time where you hone your writing skills with the assistance of others who simply seek the same thing.

    About The Author

    Stephen Jordan has five years experience within the educational publishing industry. Stephen was a freelance editor with such educational foundations as Princeton Review, The College Board, New York University, and Columbia University. Away from the office, Stephen promotes his creative writing with his home-freelance business OutStretch Publications and his artwork. Stephen holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees in writing and literature from Alderson-Broaddus College of Philippi, West Virginia Available for reprint. Please contact author so he can keep track of where his articles are being used.

    editor@outstretch.net

    executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport car
    In The News:

    Getting virus alerts on your iPhone? Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you learn how to handle fake scam alerts and boost security.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says opening emails is safe, but risks arise from interacting with links, attachments or HTML content.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals four signs of compromised Social Security numbers and offers five steps to protect yourself.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how MAB Robotics' Honey Badger 4.0, a versatile robot, now walks underwater with amphibious skills.
    An updated Android trojan called FakeCall hijacks bank calls. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says Android phone manufacturers and Google need to step up their game on security.
    The Massimo Modular E9 is a sleek, smart and comfy tiny home in 409 square feet. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson takes a closer look at what the future of housing might look like.
    Every stock trader should consider a virtual private network to safeguard their trading, according to tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson.
    Apple recently announced its new lineup of Macs and rolled out Apple Intelligence, its latest artificial intelligence-powered feature for its products.
    A Swiss-engineered robot can climb ladders, showing why it's at the cutting edge of autonomous robotic solutions for harsh industrial settings.
    Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson presents the cities targeted most by robocalls, why this is happening and what you can do about it to protect your privacy.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
    Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson shares tips and suggestions for how to get the best use out of the updated Calendar app available with the latest iOS update.
    Your Social Security number, your unique identifier used for many purposes, has likely been leaked on the Dark Web; here are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
    Researchers have developed a new technology that creates strong, sticky fibers capable of lifting objects and capturing things from a distance.
    Smart rings track the same things that smartwatches do, including steps, sleep and a general overview of your overall health, and they tend have more battery life than smartwatches.
    Researchers have developed a robotic finger that can perform routine medical exams like those conducted by doctors, helping to address the growing shortage of trained professionals.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    Insurance administrative services company Landmark Admin reported that a data breach from a May cyberattack affected over 800,000 people.
    Sotheby's will auction the first artwork created by Ai-Da, the world's first robot artist created in 2019 by British gallerist Aidan Meller.
    More than 250 million users of the Verizon Messages app will have to switch to another app. Verizon is shutting down Messages in the next month.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides a list of 10 celebrities who are the most targeted by deepfake scams, including Tom Hanks.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how Vast's Haven-1, launching in 2025, transforms space living with human-centric design.
    UnitedHealth confirms over 100 million Change Healthcare users had their data stolen. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals what happened and what caused the breach.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how iOS 18 brings new text formatting and animated effects to the Messages app.
    Whether you're a social media veteran or novice, Facebook friend request scams are common. Kurt the CyberGuy provides tips to keep your account safe.
  • Alternative View Points and the Lamp of Creativity

    Pictures they say are worth a thousand words, but many... Read More

    Hey Cient, this is Me! Find Your Writing Voice and Sell Yourself

    In a crowded market, clients will be seeking personality as... Read More

    Ghostwriting - Making Money by Being Invisible

    My bookcase take up one whole wall in the family... Read More

    What Does It Take To Make Your Memories Into Publishable Memoirs?

    Why should you consider creating a memoir of your personal... Read More

    The Writers Angst

    What is this annoying, insidious angst that permeates my psyche?... Read More

    What you Dont Know About Book Publishing Can Cost You

    Dream that your book can be a number one best... Read More

    How You Can Take Advantage of the Increasing Demand for Freelance Online Writers

    The freelance writing market is a growing market to be... Read More

    Creating Great Business Correspondence

    Obtaining the skills for writing good business correpondence is important;... Read More

    Turbo Charge Your Career! Write And Produce Your Own Stage Play!

    Have you ever wondered how you can adapt your screenplay... Read More

    Formats for Writing Life Narratives

    Q and A.Best choice when subject is very verbal or... Read More

    Going On A Word Diet

    There are three ways to write a first draft. One... Read More

    Why Every Freelancer Should Have A Web Site

    "Do I send samples, a media kit, or just the... Read More

    5 Ways to Break the Story Spell

    You sink back into your favourite chair with a new... Read More

    Can Your Theme Be Proved In Your Story?

    Creative Writing Tips ?Your theme has to be something you... Read More

    Gut Check: Quitting Your Full-time Job for Your Freelance Career

    It's 6:00 p.m. You're dead tired, but instead of an... Read More

    Business Letter Etiquette

    Business etiquette is fundamentally concerned with building relationships founded upon... Read More

    Get Your Writing Reviewed by Major Publications for Free

    All Writers need the press, especially new writers. As a... Read More

    Do You Plot With Your Character In Mind?

    Creative Writing Tips ?You are plotting the story. You write... Read More

    On Giving and Receiving Feedback

    Writing is a personal and introspective process. To share with... Read More

    Pairs/Groups Of Words Often Confused - Part 6 of 6

    SALE, SAIL Sale is either offering something for purchase... Read More

    Writing and Self-examination

    Good writing requires self-examination. Why is one writing? What part... Read More

    Frequently Asked Questions from Writers

    1. What Is A Premise?A premise is the point you... Read More

    How To Write More Powerful Reports

    There is one key difference between reports and most other... Read More

    Writing About Writing

    What am I going to write about?Which topic is the... Read More

    Time-Saving Skills to Get More from Your Writing

    As you set out to create your first niche non-fiction... Read More

    O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..