How to Start A Writers' Group
By Jen Miller, N2Arts Correspondent
Working together to create better work
 

our head is filled with words. You write poems, stories, and essays. But what do you do with it all? Many teenagers who keep journals don’t want to share their writing because it’s personal and private. Then again, some students do more than write about what happened that day. They might want their work published.

But is it any good? What will make your story better? Is this phrase a cliche? Who will tell you if your main character is believable or if she seems less real than a mannequin?

The answer could come from a writing group.

A writing group is made of people who share and critique each others’ writing. “Critique” doesn’t mean “I’m going to tell you everything that’s wrong with your writing.” Instead, a critique shows the strengths and weaknesses of something. You might hear it called “constructive criticism” because it helps build, not tear down.

Here are a few steps you can take to form a writing group on your own:

1.  Members.

If you don’t already know people interested, ask teachers. Other places to look are church groups, youth groups and even sports teams.

2.  Permission.

You need to ask permission of the parents or guardians of everyone in the group. They’ll need to know the nature of the group and the group’s goals. Parents can also help the group find a location.

3.  Location.

You could meet in a classroom, a coffee shop or someone’s house. Make sure it’s a place where you can make noise without disrupting others. Of course, your meeting location could depend on your moderator.

4.  Moderator. A trusted teacher, reliable friend, guidance counselor, religious figure or other adult could fill this role. The moderator makes sure that “critique” doesn’t take on that “this is all wrong” definition while keeping the conversation on topic.

Now that you have your members, permission, meeting location and moderator, it’s time to start:

1.  Distribute.

Share your work with all members of the group at least a week before the meeting.

2.  Read aloud.

A person reads his or her work (or an excerpt if it’s long) while the other group members write any additional notes.

3.  Comment.

Everyone gives their critique WITHOUT THE WRITER SPEAKING. This assures that critiques aren’t influenced by the writer’s comments.

4.  Speak, Part II.

After the critiques, the author can address a particular comment if it’s not clear or ask questions about something that the group did not comment on.

5.  Revise.

Just because another member makes a suggestion doesn’t mean you need to make the change. Mark down all the comments and choose which you think will work.

Do this for each member in the group. You might not get to everyone in one night, but that’s okay as long as everyone’s work is given equal time and attention over subsequent meetings.

It’s important for you to remember that these meetings are about the writing. Comments about the work aren’t comments about the author, and if they start to take on that taste, then the moderator should step in and make sure the critiques keep to what’s on the page, not the person behind the pen.

Jen Miller part of the editorial staff for "The Painted Bride Quarterly" literary magazine. She is also a member of the "Penn & Pencil" creative writing workshop at the University of Pennsylvania.