An Ideal Writing Group

My ideal writing group is small, maybe 6 people or so. It is a mix of published and unpublished authors who are serious about writing and who review each others work in depth. I am not picky about grammar until I nail the feeling of the scene. I prefer reviews that address character complexity, appropriateness of dialogue and generally make me think about how the story wants to be told.

I have found writing groups at the gym, on line through Craigslist and google and through word of mouth. I am trying out a group now in Victoria, but so far it has been mostly about writing exercises and not peer review. The organizer is trying to change that. I like the idea of a writing group on line, but find I get more energized when meetings are in person.

I have had difficulty with poetry writing groups. I don't want to be a poet, but most times, that is how stuff comes out of me. I don't like the pretentiousness of poetry groups filled with aspiring poets but I know that my work is still developing and needs critiquing.

When you find the right group, you know it. I have such fond memories of my group in Vancouver.

Good luck to all in finding a group that fits them and urges their work to break on through to the other side.