NaNo Update: After a bout of being unable to produce anything at all on my novel (now turning into a novella) I finally had a breakthrough in the story and have since produced a whopping ten thousand words. So we'll see what happens at the end of the month.
I had planned on doing something a bit thought-provoking this week, but I was prompted to this post by two things: a pleasantly flattering email I received and an article in Writers' Journal. So what's the topic? Writers Groups, of course. Last Post I listed a number of the local writers groups.
In response to said email and magazine article, I'd like to post my own thoughts on how to craft a good writers' group. I believe there are a few different types of groups, and there are merits and flaws to each one. I will give my best attempt at detailing those, and I'll also give a brief run-down of how The Milwaukee Writers Workshop operates.
Critique
This is a group that focuses on bringing in unpolished works by its members with the express intent of having the other members read and critique those works. Once this round-table group has gone through the story, it is the hope that the author will have something to work with to polish it up before sending it out to various publishers. This is the most demanding on your time and efforts, but it is the most rewarding in that you get a good amount of feedback on your writing - much of it you can use. You also learn to trust in your fellow writers through learning their critiquing styles.
Critique groups can operate in two ways: reading the stories aloud at each group or reading the stories ahead of time. The article in Writers' Journal speaks very specifically about this type of group.
Workshop
This is a group that meets to work on the craft of writing through exercises, reading materials on writing, etc. Each group will focus on a different element of writing and work with the group as a whole to improve each individual's writing. Workshops only work well when there is a moderator to really drive the group to do consistent exercises.
Discussion
This is a group that typically gets together for a more social gathering to discuss writing, perhaps discuss market news, and other writing-related topics. It tends to be a lot less formal and may include a variety of things included in a workshop or critique group. They also tend to have much of a goal in mind other than enjoying one another's company. They can be hit or miss, but typically they are a good deal of fun.
Book Club
This isn't really a writing group, but many times a discussion group tends to devolve into a book club. Book clubs are nice as social gatherings, but they rarely benefit a writer trying to improve their writing.
So what is the best combination? Whatever works best for the members of your group. However, don't be afraid of change, suggestions, or the fact that some of your members may want something different and may want to strike out on their own. If and when they do, support them, because it's always good to have more than one option in the writing community.
The Milwaukee Writers Workshop
Our group is a combination of the first two. We meet twice a month (the article suggests meeting at least once a month) at a local coffee shop. It's comfortable, but it's also conducive to writing and discussion, and it's a great environment that everyone's comfortable. We offer one critique session each month and one exercise workshop.
For anyone who is in the area and interested, we will be adding another session on a monthly basis in a different area of town.
We also try to spend a bit of time doing a selection of the following: market news, going over rejections, various writing activities throughout the city, submissions updates, and general writing news. It's a good social gathering, but all of us are serious about getting our work out there, and we spend a great deal of time offering ourselves to our members and giving back when the time comes.
So what does your group do? I'm interested in groups from all over. What do you differently from MWW or other groups in your area?
If you have questions about our group or how to start your own (and you'd like my thoughts), please email me. I look forward to your thoughts.
Also, thanks to M. Ahmad for the email.
