Writers Ask: How can I find a writing group?
“I’m finally ready to invest time in my writing and I need good writing partners. But how can I find them, especially during a pandemic?”
Behind every great writer, there is a writing group.
No matter how talented the writer is, how confident their writing sounds, how they seem to have been born with all the good words ready to go—I promise you they have at least one person—if not a whole group of people—they rely on for feedback before their work ever gets to an editor’s inbox. Look at the acknowledgements of their books; all those people they’re thanking that aren’t editors, agents, or family members? Yep. Writing group.
I’ve had several writing groups over the years. My first were the brave souls with Denton Crits, who I still and forever will consider my dearest friends and the ones who know my first drafts best. We met every Tuesday night in the Denton Public Library meeting room. Shenanigans ensured. There was a dragon suit at one point. They are the reason I was able to write my first book. Anyone could join that group but it became clear after just a few weeks who were the die-hards that would go down with your ship. Those were the ones I held close.
When I moved to Nashville, I desperately wanted to recreate that magic. But that’s just it—it was a magical group. None will ever come close.
I tried joining meet-ups through Nashville Writer’s Meet-up and found a few great people there but nothing that was steady. I found The Porch right away but they didn’t have a critique group. Susannah, one of the co-founders, gave me the very wise answer that the best groups found each other over time by connecting at classes and events. I, impetuous and impatient, signed up for Lit Mag League, their literary journal book club, and figured that would do for now. (lol)
After too many hits and misses at the public critique groups, I decided I would just need to start collecting the good people. Over the course of four years, I created the group I now have. Here’s where I found them:
One person found via a coffeeshop critique group who is just as kind as she is talented (very!)
Another person I found at a poetry open mic (neither of us write poetry.) What he had read at the open mic was good and I was desperate for writing friends. I gave him my email and prayed he wouldn’t think I was hitting on him. He’s now one of my dearest writing confidantes.
Three people found via Lit Mag League with The Porch. They never missed a meeting, had excellent insights, and were humble and kind as all get out. Once I took over LML for The Porch, (remember how Susannah very diplomatically told me to get involved?) I *may* have lifted their emails from the roster.
Two people found when I started Draft Chats with The Porch. I loved the hell out of their work and them. Collected.
One of the Draft Chat people mentioned above also mentioned getting her manuscript edited and later snagging an agent. I couldn’t help myself and had my manuscript edited by that same editor, and then, in a turn of truly, cosmically, serendipitous luck, I snagged the same agent. Was I going to add that editor to my writing group shortlist? Uh, hell yeah.
One parent that attended my library’s story time who also turned out to be one of the most beloved instructors for The Porch. Collected.
Another instructor who I met at a Porch Open Mic, who was so got-dang hilarious I couldn’t not want to be around her. Collected.
Did these people know I was collecting them in hopes of starting a writing group with them? No. Did I know that’s what I was doing? Kinda, but not really. I just needed feedback on the stories and essays I had written. When I found someone who I admired both in their talent and personality, I would politely ask if they ever wanted to swap work. They always said yes. When I asked if they wanted to join my writing group, they said yes, of course.
Here’s how to find your circle.
Get out there.
Yes, I know we’re in a pandemic. But there are still loads of virtual author events, classes, and writing meet-ups galore that you can attend without even putting on a mask. If you’re shy, start small. Find one thing you’re really into (maybe it’s a discussion of a book you recently read and loved) and attend it. But don’t just attend, stay on mute and camera off the whole time. Ask questions, write in the chats—be present. If you need to work your way up to it, so be it. But if you’re going with the intention of meeting writers, then meet writers. Resist the urge to remain a virtual wallflower.
Take a look at my list of classes and critique groups in the For Writers resource page. It’s also important to note that online crit groups have been booming since the pandemic. There are plenty out there to get you started.
Start collecting.
Is there someone in the group you’re drawn to? Did someone share a piece of work that blew you away? Does one person almost seem like a long lost twin from another mother? Make a note. When the event winds down, make sure to reach out to that person. Send them a private chat or if you’re in person, catch them before they’re out the door. It’s not creepy! All you have to say is, “Hey, I really loved (what you said about XYZ/that piece you wrote, etc.)!” Then ask if you can read more of their writing, friend them on social media, or get their email address. If you were in a critique group or class together, go ahead and ask if they’d ever be willing to swap work. Most people will say yes.
If you do swap work and you found yourself an A+ reading partner, treat them right and add them to your list.
Combine forces.
Once you’ve collected a handful of great reading partners, consider creating a feedback circle. Or, maybe you’ll get lucky and they’ll already have a group that you can join. All you have to do is ask.
4. Hold the good ones close.
If you do find a great reading partner, hang on to them. The important thing isn’t to find just any writing group—it’s to find your writing group. Quality over quantity wins every time.
Onward,
Lisa
If you have a question you would like featured on Writers Ask, email me at lisa@allthingswords.com.)