How to Find a Writing Group

A few years ago, I wrote a post about the importance of writing groups with insights from members of my own group. The post highlights some of the benefits of being in a group and what it adds to a writer’s life.

Since finding my group, I’ve felt a desire to help other writers find critique groups of their own. It can be a struggle to connect with other writers and form these groups. So I’m going to reveal some of the places where you can find them.

Online: There are many online critique groups. If you run a Google search for writing communities, you’ll find many options. Facebook also has several groups for writers to share their work. The upside of these communities is that you can put your work out for other writers to critique from the comfort of your home. The downside is that you have no connection with those critiquing your work and no way to evaluate if they know what they are talking about, and you open yourself up to trolls. There’s also the risk of your work being stolen by another writer. You can also connect with other writers through their blogs and build a friendship and ask if they would offer you some feedback on a piece you’re working on.

The biggest thing to pay attention to when participating in an online group is how publically available the piece is when you’re posting it. In some instances, posting your work will be considered publishing it, and it can limit where you can submit the piece once you’ve finished it. Here’s a post that offers some guidance in this area, Understanding the term Published.

Writing Conferences/Workshops: These events are not only great to learn about your craft, but it’s a great way to meet other writers. Look into local writing workshops, so you can connect with writers from your town or state. Even conferences in bordering states will attract writers that may come from your area, so they are worth attending as well. Conferences may even have critique group tables that you can join. NewPages has a list of conferences and retreats for every state. If you scroll down to the “Complete Conference List” you can select your state. They also have listings for Canada, International, and Online.

Libraries: Local libraries will sometimes host writing or author events, and these are another great place to connect with local writers. Plus, these events are usually free.

Newspapers: In the community section, you can sometimes find listings for meeting times of writing groups who are open to new members. Also, check free publications that list garage sales and such. They usually have a community section as well.

Bulletin Boards: You can sometimes find flyers for writing groups on boards at libraries, colleges, coffee shops, etc.

Writing Organizations: Many writing organizations host contests, conferences, anthologies, etc. They usually require a membership fee, and along with providing different learning and writing opportunities, they usually have a membership directory that will allow you to locate members near you, and some may even have a directory for writing groups in your area. I’m part of two such organizations, Wyoming Writers, Inc. and WyoPoets, and both have lists of writing groups throughout the state. While they are not exhaustive lists, they provide a place to start.

Start your Own: If you’ve exhausted all of the above paths and still cannot find a writing group to join, or the groups you found were not quite the right fit, create your own. And then you can use the list above as places to post information about your writing group, along with details about where and when you’ll meet.

It takes time to spread the word about writing groups, especially since most people are trying to spread the word without spending money to advertise their group, so be patient and know that not all writing groups are created equal. Sometimes you have to try several out before you find the group that works best for you.