If you've always dreamed of writing the Great American Novel, but need a little moral support to do so, a writers' critique group can be just what you need. And it can be fun and simple to start your own. Proceed only when you have answered these four critical questions.
How often do you want to meet?
This will depend on your other commitments. When I first started my writers' group, I wanted to make sure that we didn't meet so often that members would consider the meetings a chore. I chose the first and third Wednesdays of each month. This schedule offered the members time to write between sessions, and it also established a set schedule to make it easy to remember and merge into existing calendars.
How big do you want the group to be?
A large group versus a small group. Both sizes have pros and cons. I started off small, limiting my group to 10 members because I wanted to be able to provide a comfortable circle where writers grew to appreciate the different styles and voices of other members. I wanted my members to feel safe with each other. This was important to me, and I knew it would be important to my members. Enough experimental writing time and "face time" to be able to read our work and receive critique from others was necessary as well.
On the other hand, having a larger group provides a larger writing network. The group is never at a loss of readers or oral feedback . If 50% of the group decides to go on vacation the same month, the group will stilll have enough members to carry on. Guest speakers, such as editors or publishers, tend to be more interested in coming to visit a larger group where they may connect with a few fresh clients, and guest authors prefer larger groups to sell more books.
What level of writers are you seeking?
Do you want to limit the group to members who have been published, or do you wish to include emerging writers who are anxious to get their feet wet? It's my experience that inviting a heterogeneous group makes for more fun. Already published members provide a model for those not yet published and can mentor aspiring and emerging authors. New writers offer a fresh perspective and a treasure trove of unexplored topics. They often will be willing to take more risks because they have nothing to lose and all to gain.
Will there be a cost to join your group?
Sometimes it's necessary to charge a small fee to cover the meeting place. If you are lucky enough to find a meeting place that is willing to host your group for free, money may not be an issue; however you may wish to be compensated for your time as facilitator of the group, especially if you are planning an agenda or writing activities. Refreshments add to the friendly atmosphere of great minds coming together, but they can be expensive. A good way to get around this expense is to rotate responsibility among members.
No matter how you want to shape your group, be sure to establish in advance the answers to these important questions.
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