What Should a Writers Group Do?

Get the most out of your writers group after every meeting.

A writers group (or writer’s group, or writers’ group or however you want to spell it), also known as a critique group (or crit group) has certain functions. First among these is to serve the needs of every member, no matter what their level of expertise or ability. These needs will vary, but there are certain common goals.

Functions of a Writers Group:

1. Make you a better writer. The goal isn’t to make you a better writer today, but for every day to come. If you apply the tips and suggestions you received to the next chapter, short story or novel, you’ll be a better writer. 
2. Improve the piece you’re working on. Of course, a group must also improve the story you’re writing today. If members suggestions aren’t making your story better – or you see no reason to implement them – you may need to find another group.
3. Make you professional. Well-written work makes you look professional, but a writers group should also make sure your manuscript is properly formatted. When you’re ready to submit your work for publication, it must be properly submitted. You should know publishing terms and trends. You should know about upcoming writers conferences and what agents and editors want. In short, you should understand the publishing industry. A good writers group can help you do that. If it isn’t, research the business yourself and help them.
4.  Help you network. You don’t have to be a New York-based writer to network. Even writers in the most remote parts of the country will know a few local writers. At the very least, bookstores and other events will have them in-store for author signings. Meet them. See if they’ll talk to your writers group, or better yet, join it if they don’t have a group of their own. Use your group to network. It will help you achieve goal three.
5. Meet regularly. A writers group must meet regularly, whether that’s once a month or once a week. If it doesn’t, you’ll never achieve goal one (and it will take a long time to reach goal two). If you’re in an online group, you still need to submit regularly. 
6. Encourage you. Every writer, from unsure newbie to seasoned professional, wants to be published (or published again!). A writers group should let you know where you and your manuscript are in the process. Is it close? Is it far away? Is it never going to happen with this story? Critiques may sometimes seem harsh, but they’re the best way to meet goals one and two very, very quickly.

A writers group is only as good as its members, but a thriving, active group with lots of participation, submissions and feedback, is a great group – because whenever people are writing and rewriting, editing and critiquing, you’ll want to do it, too. The biggest advantage to being in a group is that it makes you want to write. And that’s the best way to reach the biggest goals: becoming a better writer and getting published.

So, if you’re in a group, make sure they’re doing the above. And if you’re not in a group, form one with these goals in mind.  They’ll make sure your writers group benefits all its members.

Writing Prompts for Thurs., Dec. 6

Prompts for Thurs., Dec. 6

To be read out loud--informal critique only so no pressure; have fun!

--A man aspiring to be a pro bowler loses to his young daughter.

--A gambler at a private high stakes poker game is caught cheating.

--“Thanks for seeing me. I need to discuss something important, and I didn’t want to do it over the phone.”

(above taken from The Writer's Book of Matches, Writer's Digest Books)

--Two people are emptying out a deceased relative's house. (suggested by member Zackary Richards)

Prompts for the Poetry-Minded (poewar.com/poetry-prompts/)

--Write a poem that take place at a specific time of the day

--Write a poem that includes at least three different flavors and two odors

--Write a poem that begins and ends with the same word

Photo Prompt (photo credit: berkleyside.com)

(not sure exactly how to credit the prompt; found it on a pinterest "board" but not really clear where it originated)