Forming a Writing Group

You’ll take an individual journey through the lessons. But working in tandem with a partner or a small group of writers is a great option.

Peer support really makes a difference, even for self-paced online lessons. As a teacher, I know writing students often initially resist peer feedback and group work, only to find it’s the best part of being in class.

Writing partners help you stick to deadlines, especially when you provide regular reports to others about progress on your goals.^[1] They also provide inspiration and support. Sharing an experience with fellow writers can build community connections – one of the main goals of Finding Your First-Person Voice.

Suggested approach for writing groups:

Size: four to six members (or one partner)

Schedule: meet once a week, in person or live online

Discussion Topics: completed lessons, responses to notebook prompts, optional readings

Feedback: on selected drafts, if members agree to exchange work

Q. But Martha, how do I form a writing group?

With self-directed lessons like these, it’s up to you to create a group and keep it running. I won’t pretend that’s easy. However, you do have more flexibility regarding who you work with than you would if auto-assigned to a class group.

One partner is all you need.

Ask friends who like personal stories to join you, particularly those who have expressed an interest in writing about their own lives. Just one lesson partner is all you need.

You might contact community writing organizations through your local library. Or putting out a call in social media might do the trick, especially if you opt for live online meetings. One thing I’d recommend against is a group that only exchanges email or online comments. Meeting with others in real-time is the point.

Q. How do I make sure a group supports my writing?

Again, no guarantees, but the key is to form groups that share your values and in which members are sensitive to differences in cultural perspective.

Empathy for your fellow travelers is essential.

Too much criticism is never the right approach in offering feedback, unless you subscribe to the tough-love school of red ink. (I don’t.) But with personal storytelling, groups need to be especially careful to avoid judgment and harsh criticism. Empathy for your fellow travelers is essential.

It can help to assign a facilitator, rotating this role among group members each time you meet. The facilitator runs the meeting, keeps track of time, and makes sure everyone has a chance to speak.

You might also want to consult other online sources about writing groups.^[2]

Q. Do I have to work with other people? I’d rather do the lessons on my own.

You don’t have to – really. Going solo is fine.