As writers, sharing our work with other people can be one of the most terrifying experiences possible. It’s kind of like opening up your chest and presenting your beating heart on a platter, while praying that the other person doesn’t tear it to shreds. So how can you find a trustworthy group of people to share your work-in-progress with? Luckily, Ready Chapter 1 has got your back. Here are 5 ways to find a writing group (we saved the best for last):
- Look into clubs or organizations at your university
If you’re a college student like me, it’s helpful to know that your university has so many resources at your fingertips that you most likely already pay for with your tuition. So take advantage of them! Take a look at the website for your university’s clubs and organizations to see if they have one for creative writing. When I started undergrad, my school didn’t have anything like that, but I connected with other students in my classes who loved to write just as much as me. Together, we created an informal club where we traded work, did writing exercises, and gave each other advice. It’s an extremely positive environment that has brought me closer with other creative writing students that I now call my friends!
- Search online for writing groups
With the prevalence of the Internet these days, it’s easy to do a quick Google search to find exactly what you’re looking for. The same applies for writing groups. These can be ones that meet in person, or those that are exclusively online. Either way, groups like these provide an invaluable opportunity for others to critique your work and give you a chance to refine your critiquing skills.
- Go to writing conferences
Another topic to search for online is writers conferences or conventions. If you’re serious about your writing, these conferences can be a great way to hone your craft. Here, you can attend lectures with a myriad of editors and agents, workshops, and connect with others in your area who might be interested in starting a writing group with you. These conferences do take time and money, but offer a fantastic opportunity for your work to get seen and critiqued. If you can’t travel far, the good news is that many writer’s conferences are completely online!
- Visit your local library
Many libraries host writing groups that meet regularly. Take advantage of this resource by checking out your library’s website or asking a librarian in person.
- Use the Ready Chapter 1 Peer Critique Forum
If you aren’t having any success using the above methods to find a writing group, you’re in luck! Ready Chapter 1 has launched our Peer Critique Forum, a space where writers can share sections of their current WIP to receive feedback on an easy-to-use numerical scale identifying your strengths and weaknesses in specific storytelling elements. As you keep writing and improving your draft, these numbers will increase, preparing you to query, and then eventually publish! Join us at this link to sign up and connect with fellow writers.
