Writer’s Groups: Definitions & Types
Issue #29, Writer's Groups, 1 of 4
Last post (Writing Rhythm Issue #28), we discussed attitude from non-writers, and concluded that one way of dealing with the solitary nature of writing is to become part of a writer’s group. The problem, of course, is that too many of us embrace the romanticized concept of the wordsmith-as-a-hermit (referenced in Writing Rhythm Issue #27). There’s truth to the trope, since we writers are often self-contained homebodies with a smidge of social anxiety. Even the word “groups” makes some of us queasy.
Ginger, in his piece on “The Myth of the Hermit Writer” for Hidden Gems Books, explains that he used to go it alone.
However, after interacting with other creatives in a group setting, he changed his tune, saying, “I’m now a very vocal proponent of writers bucking the stereotype of being grumpy old hermits and going out there and being social.”
Let’s clarify so as to avoid any undue stress: you get to choose which writer’s group, if any, you join, and they do run the gamut in type. Some even meet online. This gives you control over exactly how social you will be.
Let’s peek at definitions.
Amy Lin of Hugo House suggests there are seven types of writer’s groups, falling under these headings: Writing Practice, Generative, Accountability, Critique, Social/Support, Genre/Interest, Challenge.
Wikipedia, offering up the rather cutesy title of Writing Circle, gives this much more modest definition: “…a group of like-minded writers needing support for their work, either through writing peer critiques, workshops or classes, or just encouragement.”
Most of my experience has been with Critique Groups, where fiction and commentary on that fiction is shared. Here are my tips.
The Mechanics Behind a Functional Group
A good critique group needs:
· A leader
· A timekeeper
· Limits on manuscripts based on time and member-number
· Limits on member-number
· To consider written critiques
· A reliable, quiet space
Good critique group members should be:
· Punctual
· Able to receive and give gentle critiques
· Writing in similar genres
· All actively writing fiction, not “on hiatus.”
Another type of group is “A No-reading Group,” in which members discuss the nuts and bolts of writing by talking publishing, editing, teaching, etc. but do not share actual fiction (in which case only some of the above rules apply).
Yet another format includes online groups. Some operate via Zoom; some simply organize the exchange of manuscripts in cyberspace. Critters Workshop is a great example, specializing in speculative fiction. It’s free, and it’s been around since—get this—1995!
By now, it should be clear to you that there are multifarious—or many and varied—options in regards to writer’s groups. From here, we’ll do pros and cons, ’cause there are certain strong opinions in either direction on this subject. In Writing Rhythm Issue #30, we’ll do positives, then in Writing Rhythm Issue #31, we’ll touch on negatives, including how to identify a dysfunctional writer’s group and either avoid it or jump ship if you’re currently aboard. Finally, in Writing Rhythm Issue #32 we’ll have a few words on joining or forming one, including tons of links.
And speaking of words, let’s have one more, just mentioned in the last breath…
Our word-of-the-issue is a five-syllable mouthful. There are many varied reasons you might wish to add this and others to your vocabulary—not the least of which is that you’ll get to be a more precise writer.
What is multifarious?
Action Plan
I’d like to recommend outstanding fellow Substack writer Ana Bosch and her excellent Mirth As Medicine posts. Her articles are touching, philosophical, and very funny. Give her a try. Betcha you’ll be as entertained as I always am.
Next issue:
#30) Writer’s Groups: Positives - Why to Hook Up with One. Writer’s Groups 2 of 4. See you in two weeks!
Craig