Traditionally writers groups have been held in someone’s front room, the library, or even a pub garden. They are organised meetings where writers meet face to face to discuss their writing lives and writing problems. However, for a number of reasons, it may be difficult for some writers to meet on a regular basis, maybe they live as an expat abroad, or work or family commitments make it difficult. Developing an online group can be a little more difficult and take a bit of getting used to but creates a different format to gain valuable support.
Writing Community
Finding writers who want to join an online writing group might take a little longer than one that operates within a geographical area. Apart from the traditional formats of posting a card in the library or the post office, other sources will need to be accessed. Using existing contacts is the easiest way and asking them to spread the word. A short piece or an advert published in a writing magazine or writing newsletters with contact details will attract the attention of writers in a similar position. If the writing group is targeted at people living in different countries, it will be important to target the specific writing markets in that region to advertise the group.
Writers Group Focus
It is important to determine the purpose of the writing group, which might be very specific, for example to share and critique mainline poetry. However, keeping it a little varied will not only attract a diverse range of writers but also provide the opportunity to develop writings skill not previously considered.
One common purpose of a writing group is to provide constructive feedback on members writing. Guidelines for commenting on work should be shared and agreed by all members and should clarify expectations for both the writer and the reviewer. Another purpose is to take part in exercises, which stimulate creative writing and provide motivation and inspiration. These could be word prompts, picture prompts, first lines, last lines or even the theme of an upcoming competition. Groups could also consider sharing book reviews, writing markets, tools and tips.
Writers Group Communication
For an online writers group, communication is a little more difficult. Whilst nothing can replace the immediacy of face-to-face contact, with a little thought and planning, an online group can be just as fruitful. Email contact is essential, so members would need access to a PC, broadband connection and be willing to share their address with other members.
Stories, completed exercises and feedback can be emailed to all members by given deadlines. A chat group using one of the messaging services such as Window Messenger is free and will provide the online presence for the group. All members need to do is create an ID, sign in and ‘chat’ away. Opportunities to build a group website and access information and photos’ are also part of the service. Alternatively, depending on members’ access, a telephone meeting could be held, using Skype for example. These methods need some time to get used to especially if members are not familiar with them but with a little time, organisation and practice are sufficient.
An online writing group may take a little more time to become a dynamic and organic place for writers to share, chat and provide feedback for fellow scribes. However, with a little determination and patience, can be just the place to drop in to for a bit of moral support.
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