Writer’s Groups Over the Age of 60

As I started the ‘Writer’s Groups Over the Age of 60 Blog,’ I was trying to grasp why a writer’s group is so important especially in this age group. I was also working to start my own group. Several weeks have now passed and several lessons have been learned. Let me explain.

I’d been ‘looking’ for a writer’s group ever since moving to Chicago two years ago. I joined and hoped that some of the many wonderful literary groups around the city would have one that would suit my personality and needs. Unfortunately, I found the writer’s groups offered within these literary groups were far too big and honestly, too heavily formatted.

So I began to look further and moved on to asking new friends. I found most who are part of writer’s groups did not want or need a newcomer. I respect this. Writer’s groups of long standing are very familiar with the work of participants and have a rhythm to their discussions. This is easily broken by newcomers. So, unless the numbers in these groups drop, don’t expect to be asked to join.

This left me with the only option – start a writer’s group myself.

Having been part of writer’s groups in the past and having taught and facilitated classes for writing memoir and creative nonfiction, I wasn’t afraid to at least try. So, I made myself a list of what really worked for me in past groups.

Firstly, the group that I most appreciated lived in Boston, had four members and met every two weeks. Each member had a very different work in progress. I was writing my first novel. Beth was writing creative nonfiction, while Anne was working on political speeches and Sarah was updating the second edition of her very successful work of nonfiction. All were experienced writers, and all were ferocious readers.

Initially I was worried that we would not understand the needs of each other’s work. However, I soon learned that nonfiction has challenges of flow and voice as does fiction. Memoir should tell a story, and all writing needs to be clear for the reader/audience. I also learned that becoming familiar with other’s choice of genre can not only be enormously helpful when looking at my own, but erased any feeling of competition and provided the kind of interest that comes with learning.

There are, of course, other methods for establishing a good writer’s group. My next blog addresses the question of how many participants is ideal for me and why.

Remember to send me your thoughts and ideas

Thanks
Mary