Anyone in a writing circle? - Writers Forum

MikeM · 04-27-2004, 11:21 AM

title says it all really. After many years of trying to write in my own little bubble I have finally decided to join a local one.

It was surprisingly difficult to find any near me, which is odd considering how many aspiring writers there are out there.

Zassiliss · 07-08-2004, 10:50 PM

I usually just go email my friends for a writing circle. It's easier and faster, and all we have to do is change fonts whenever someone else is writing something.

jetmanjake · 02-09-2005, 12:11 PM

I'd be up for setting up an email writing circle.

~j

Spudley · 02-09-2005, 12:43 PM

I have been unsuccessful in finding one in my local area. I would have joined one if I'd found it.

jetmanjake · 02-09-2005, 01:43 PM

or do one by email (?)

Philo · 02-09-2005, 09:59 PM

I've thought about finding one and gave a look around but quickly found that I had no idea what I was looking for or how to find it. For those of you who have managed to find a group to participate in, how did you find out about it?

I've nosed around at the book store, checked the local bulleton boards, libraries etc... but then I got to thinking, folks like this aren't advertising for members, right?

So am I (and others like me) stuck hanging out at writers classes like groupies with signs expressing my interest in starting or joining a group?

JulieJordanScott · 02-20-2005, 06:12 PM

I actually host a Writing Group which meets via teleclass. The results have been very positive, lots of great feedback on writing, support for each writer reaching goals and great exercises to practice the craft itself.

jetmanjake · 02-21-2005, 10:41 AM

What's a teleclass?

Kelvin07 · 02-21-2005, 06:48 PM

I would like to be in a writing group. Even though I don't write, well, at least not yet, but I do like writing and reading.

Drzava · 02-21-2005, 11:30 PM

There was a flyer posted somewhere around here, my dad picked it up for me. I went and regret it. It was in the local art gallery (should have been a clue to run), but I showed up right on time regardless. When I walked in the door there looked to be a girl that was about 16 or 17 on the computer and she seemed bored already. Being a year older I knew I was in for it. The group was all women! All 50's+ women! What do I have in common with them! They wrote poetry! They were artists, they loved life and humanity! They opposed dictatorships and owned imported European horses! What could I do but smile and nod to their opinions?

To be fair they were nice and I don't have any complaints about the people, it's just that it wasn't the place for me. The worst part was that someone recognized me because I was on her son's baseball team a while back, so the next day in school, "Hey Drzava you went to my mom's writer's meeting?" "Yes." No one made fun of me but I felt embarrassed.

Pawn · 02-22-2005, 10:01 AM

Haha.

Coincidentally, I'm currently looking into joining one. Anything to get me out of the house. Here's hoping I don't have Drzava's experience...

Cipher2 · 02-22-2005, 02:39 PM

I know of some in my area, one that sounds similar to Dr zava's experience that my grand-mother attends, run by the local Adult Education College. Another, larger one has a structured membership & there are criteria for joining stating that you need to be published or qualified (excluding me). There are still other ones: I saw a leaflet in a bookshop for one that looks less formal. The truth is I could make the time to find a good one if I bothered, and I probably should do.

Stacy · 02-26-2005, 11:34 PM

I started a writer's group a little over a year ago, and I absolutely love it. Mine is an online group (it's on Yahoo Groups which is free and easy to use) and it was formed with a few individuals from some messageboards (not this one). We're varied in age (from 15 to 28 years old), mostly females, and we write in completely different genres, but we work together really well.

Those of you who are commenting on how you'd like to join a group, you could easily form a group with people on this site. If you just think about the people you've noticed consistently making quality posts, giving good advice, and producing quality work, you could easily come up with a list of potential members.

As for creating a group that meets in your hometown, you could always make fliers and post them in places where writers are likely to be: public libraries, secondhand bookstores, community colleges, etc.

But don't just wait to find one to join. You'll be waiting forever. Trust me on this one. Just out and create your own group.

Eve · 06-01-2005, 05:14 AM

Just wanted to share that Barnes and Noble has a free online university with some writing-related courses. Just go to barnesandnoble.com and look up for the button that says "B&N University. Check it out.

Mike C · 06-05-2005, 02:17 PM

If you can't find a local writers' group - and if they don't know about it in your local library, there probably isn't one - start one! You'll probably be suprised at how many people there are around you looking for something similar.

make up some flyers, outlining what you're looking to do, and post them in bookshops, libraries, etc, set up a website, do whatever it takes. It sure beats complaining about not having something you could create for yourself.