How to Run a Writing (and Reading)Group
Writing/reading groups are a wonderful way of meeting with likeminded people and in the process, sparking your creative juices. Setting up a writer's group is not as hard as you may think. The hard work is in maintaining momentum and making sure that you keep your focus on why you're meeting up. Hard to do when you would rather moan about the weather than talk about your writing - or lack thereof!
The key to setting up a writer's group is organisation. Decide on the kind of group you have in mind then go and hunt for your prey (group members). Having said this, the most likely places to advertise your newly-created group would be your local library (ask them for help in setting up a writer's group), newspaper and church. It's a good idea to know the kind of writing you would focus on as writing is such a wide field you couldn't possibly tackle everything. Perhaps you would like to concentrate on writing Christian fiction, biographies, or even secular books. Whatever your preference, decide and stick to it. However, don't be so focused on your chosen genre that you refuse to consider others. Creativity comes from unexpected sources so don't limit yourself!
Once you've decided on your genre, decide where and how often you'll meet . Once a month is the norm and if you're meeting in members' homes, rotate it so the same people are not doing all the time. This will save a lot of resentment within the group, trust me. Besides, it's only fair.
When you do meet up, make sure you have a set agenda and stick to it. If you're meant to meet for an hour, don't use up 30 minutes of your precious time talking about the horrendous commute to work earlier in the day. Time is precious. Use it wisely.
Nominate a Coordinator and a Secretary, to organise the meetings and take care of the finances. Above all, have fun. That's what writing's (partly) about!
The same principles apply to a setting up a reading group. For more information on how to do this, go to the websites on the left.
Christian Writer asked Emma Akuffo, the Coordinator of a writer's group in Hertfordshire about her experiences and this is what she had to say:
How long has your group been in existence?
About a year
Who is the founder?
Emma Akuffo who’s affiliated with the Association of Christian Writers (ACW).
Who is the Coordinator?
Emma Akuffo, the ACW coordinator is Gill Thorley
What is the role of the coordinator?
To keep everyone informed. Give ACW notices, arrange meeting dates, venue and programme, and to arrange a guest speaker - occasionally
How often do you meet?
Every other month
Describe a typical meeting
Welcome (tea, coffee, nibbles, chit chat), news (notices from ACW, members’ publications or other achievements), take turns to read something we've written, followed by feedback from group, prayer time, arrange next meeting, close.
How do you move away from talking about writing to actually writing?
We follow timings on preset agenda. We don't write at meetings but we bring along something we’ve written previously to read out and get feedback.
As Coordinator, what are your primary challenges?
Commitment, keeping track of time, and allowing everyone to have their say
Tell us about the role of Association of Christian Writers (ACW) in helping your group and you as Coordinator?
ACW provides training days, the Candle and Keyboard magazine, and answer any questions that crop up or put me in touch with someone who can help.
Any words of wisdom for those thinking about going down this route?
Have a support group e.g. ACW behind you to encourage, support, give advice (e.g. concerning finances), and keep you motivated. Plan meetings ahead of time; if possible, schedule for a whole year so people can commit to dates. Be flexible with venues if the group covers a wide location. That way, some folks are not doing all the travelling, all the time. it also helps to have at least one person who is as committed as you are thus can assist as and when needed. Lean on God for strength and wisdom.
Plans for the future
Keep writing! Perhaps try and publish something as a group. To keep supporting and encouraging each other and keep praying
Emma Akuffo's group meets once a month at the Charis Centre, Herts. | 