Creating a Writer’s Group

{photo source}   I recently added group leader to my list of writing tasks and I have to say I really like it! There’s something about the camaraderie a group provides that you can’t get online. I also enjoy the chance to share what I’ve learned in my writing process as well as get feedback on things I wouldn’t have dreamed up on my own.

There are definite pros to the list. But what else do you need to know to start your own group?

Here’s a few tips:

1. Think about what you want to get from it. Then, share your intention with the group. Being clear about what you need from the beginning can help you find people you mesh well with and a group well worth your time.
2. Be open and honest, yet kind in your feedback. It’s scary to share your words out into the world especially when you know you’re going to get feedback for it. Learning how to receive criticism with an open heart and mind and also giving feedback with compassion will help you and your group be successful.
3. Be committed to it. Carve out a piece of your valuable time to meet with the group and then stick with it. There are real pearls that can be garnered from a group that is committed. Like anything else, healthy habits need time to stick, so be willing to invest the time it takes to be successful.

These are just a few gems I learned from my own writer’s group experience. But what about you?

What have you learned about the process? Or what questions do you have about starting your own group?

For more information on writing groups, check out this Writer’s Digest excerpt here.