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The Internet is full of horror stories about writer’s groups. Mismatched expectations. Personal criticism. Bad wine. So it was with some trepidation that I went ahead and joined one.
But here’s the reasons why.
My new writing group consists only of my former HardCopy colleagues, or at least a subset of eight who live in and around Melbourne. I already know and like these women. HardCopy chaps were welcome to join us but I’m glad, now, to find the group is all chapettes. I enjoy the company of women – particularly smart, funny and entertaining ones like these.
We all write non-fiction. Apparently that’s important. HardCopiers who belong to other writing groups, or who have more workshopping experience than me, have explained that it’s much harder to provide feedback across genres. Sometimes those writing in a genre different to your own just don’t get it.
And crucially, because of that HardCopy background and selection process, I went in knowing that everyone in the group can write. Really write. Which has so far ensured that the feedback they provide is meaningful, considered and useful.
At our first meeting we agreed a set of rules, which eventually and happily numbered ten. Yes, of course we refer to them as The Commandments. Der. Our first rule of Write Club is “No talking about Write Club.” What we discuss and who we are and what we are writing must remain within the group – even the rules. That’s why I’m only speaking in generalities here. But the rules help to provide us with purpose and form, and keep us on track when tempted to stray.
In overview, we meet monthly in the foyer of a city hotel. Brilliant central venue, comfy seats and wine and nibbles to hand. Those who want to can submit a piece of 1500 words or so; I tend to simply find a 1500 word section of my manuscript and submit that. Then we all read those pieces beforehand and at the meeting provide feedback. A certain amount of time is allocated for the provision of feedback for each piece, to ensure everyone gets a fair go. It’s such a simple concept but the resultant conversations are fascinating. Of course we sometimes disagree. Of course we take on board some of the feedback and let other things go. And of course I’m learning to be a better writer and – probably more so – a better editor. In being exposed to the various writing styles of the other members, and in being forced to read closely and carefully in order to be able to contribute something useful I’m finding that I’m learning an awful lot about structure, pace and narrative voice.
New writers are often encouraged to workshop their pieces but I wonder if that is wise. From personal experience, I know that feedback from very new writers isn’t always very helpful or insightful. They often try too hard to be kind. And in being so kind they may also be inclined to take on board ALL the feedback instead of having the confidence to sift the wheat from the chaff. To mix my metaphors, there’s a danger of ending up with a camel. That is, a horse designed by a committee.* But I’ve found that if I take the feedback home and think on it, it informs my writing in lots of interesting ways even if I don’t necessarily adopt every suggestion.
So despite my initial fear and trepidation, the feedback, support and friendship I’ve received from this group have been marvelous. Long may it prosper!
* Look, I love camels too. It’s a metaphor. Let it go.
In my brief foray into a writing course, I found myself incredibly frustrated by feedback from young writers who had read so very little (and seemed not to realise the lack). As you say, clearly it’s the membership of the group that makes it valuable…
I’ve been there too! It’s clearly crucial to workshop with writers who are all roughly at the same level but without some sort of audition process that could be very hard to ascertain.
Ooh yes!
Glad it’s working for you – and hope you don’t get into trouble for revealing first commandment. Glad also you acknowledge you “really can write”. Re Lisa’s comments, I finally got going at uni at age 30, and found the ignorance of 18 year olds astounding.
The whole post was written with the gracious consent of my writing group colleagues. Ignorant 18 year olds? Don’t get me started…but then I’m often a curmudgeon and proudly so!
! don’t know much about writing groups, but those I’ve heard of have tended to be successful ones such as the famous Canberra Seven. I’m glad you’ve found one that seems to be good. I guess the fact that you went through Hard Copy together means that you already know a bit about each other, as you say, so you had a sense whether you would be able to work together well. Good luck with it.
Thanks WG. Over the next year or so I hope to be able to report on some publishing successes for the group members. I know at least one member so far has a publishing contract for her memoir.
Would love to hear news about the group, Michelle.
I’m sorry the 10 commandments are verboten – I’d be interested to know what the others are. Our group of 6 – all non fiction, all women, met at a writing workshop – meet about every 6 weeks. We book a study room at the State Library, so it’s very central – with wifi but no wine!
How long has your group existed? Do you find it helpful? My group meets this week. I’ll ask if I might send you the rules privately. They’re mostly administrative anyway.
We’ve been meeting since the end of 2014. I find it helpful, though I can’t speak for the others.
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