By Chrissy Brown | C.A.A.B. Publishing
Can I start my own writing group? Will it help?
Of course it will help. You can get advice, you can see where you are going wrong or even better, what the others enjoy about your writing. You can get ideas, share frustrations, make friends and it gives you a chance to focus on your writing for a while.
So, you want to start your own group? Yay! That is a fantastic idea.
But firstly, check all the local papers, check with your local library and the council. Ask in bookstores and put out feelers on social media – all so you can check if there is already a writing group in your area. If there is then you may have a bit of competition or you could reach out, go to the group for a while see what you could do differently, what you like and do not like about the group. You may even find the group needs a leader or someone to take it over, this could mean you have a fully formed group awaiting your talents.
Of course, it may be a thriving group that you want to be a part of and maybe that is where you stop and just enjoy the fruits without the labour. On the other hand, it may not be a good fit for you, if that is the case then your next step is to create the writing group that you want to be a part of. Be sure to schedule it at a different time to the other group. Do not clash with them, you could let them know you are starting the group and offer to tell any members that you gather about the original group, in case they wish to join both. That way you keep your fellow writers happy, and you may find that other members follow you to the new group, if you are offering something a little different.
Your first step to creating a group from scratch should be to find out if there is a need or a want for such a group near you. You do not want to be sitting in a room all alone.
Send out social media posts on groups focused on local issues. let people know you are thinking about starting a writing group and find out who your fellow writers are. Can you run a group during the day or in the evening? Do you need a room for five people or fifty?
Once you send out feelers you can start to get an idea of who might come and what your next steps are.
Once you have a time and day set, then start looking for a room. The library can be helpful or a community centre, some bookstores have a back room they will let authors use or even local restaurants can be helpful if you promise to buy a few drinks and snacks.
Start searching. once you have it, then it is time to start planning the first session.
Will you guide the writers or let them mould the group to their own needs? Will you use prompts? Will you set a writing time? Will you let authors work on novels or other work? Do you include bloggers and those that have never written before? What do you hope to accomplish?
Once you have this all decided. You can begin.
The first session should be relaxed, let people talk and get to know each other. sharing work can be a daunting thing for some writers, they will need to feel that they know the people in the room, that it is a safe space. Let people offer critique if it is asked for but never let it be too harsh or become a bullying session.
This group may help you to be inspired but it also might help with making like-minded friends and giving you a network of people who will support you and promote you. This can be a wonderful experience, so get out there and start writing.
Good Luck!
C.A.A.B Publishing
CAAB Publishing Ltd is a traditional, small, indie company helping unknown authors have a voice and inspiring new writers to take that first step into the world of publishing.
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Article originally Published in the Fall 2025 Issue.