The Do’s and Don’ts of Creating a Writers Group
Social distancing restrictions are starting to ease and the world is beginning to open up. But it definitely feels like we are entering a ‘new normal’: more people than ever are working from home, and a lot of us are taking our ‘coffee dates’ and ‘agent meetings’ online instead of in person. So how do writers adapt? How can you find creativity and connection in these still physically disconnected times?
Online writers groups can be a great way to regain a sense of community and work on your craft: you can brainstorm new ideas, find solutions for your screenplay, have a whole team of people to hold you accountable, and enjoy some much needed camaraderie in the process.
But be warned: not all writers groups are created equal. If not well put together, and well organized, a writers group can become destructive to your writing, and your self-worth very quickly.
Whether you’re on the lookout for a group to join, or are considering spearheading one yourself, here are some tips to keep in mind when creating a writer-tribe:
1. FIND WRITERS ON YOUR LEVEL
Ideally a writers group learns from and teaches each other. You all have something valuable to contribute and you all benefit. The best way to make this happen is to find writers who are around the same level as you (or slightly above). This might sound snobby, but it’s to make sure everyone involved gets the most out of each meeting. No one benefits from feedback that’s just repeating basic tools they already know (or, if you’re a newbie writer, you wouldn’t benefit from feedback that’s too advanced too soon). Look for people who can challenge you, but who you can also grow with.
2. DIVERSITY IS KEY
One of the best things about a writers group is gaining perspectives outside of your own. Try to find (or create) a group with different backgrounds and cultures. Most if not all writers in Hollywood are trying to represent more diversity in their work, you might be surprised to find that a plot point or scene that feels authentic to you might be a sticking point for someone of that actual culture or ethnicity. Diversity will help keep your writing authentic, and help you cultivate a wider lens on the world around you.
3. SIZE DOES MATTER
It might sound like a simple thing, but the size of your group can seriously impact its success. Too big and you risk members going weeks without having their work read, and having certain members who never get to properly share their feedback. Too small and you can miss out on the wide range of opinions that make a writers group helpful. Decide for yourself what size feels right for you, but in my opinion 6-8 people or less is the sweet spot. If you’re meeting monthly that should give you the chance to cover about two scripts per meeting (including time for catching up, receiving feedback from the group, and questions from the writer).
4. EVERY TEAM NEEDS A CAPTAIN
Nine times out of ten when I’ve seen people try to run writers groups ‘collectively’ it just doesn’t work. Choose a ringleader (if you’re creating the group yourself it will most likely be you). This person should feel comfortable (and hopefully enthusiastic) about reminding people to read and/or turn in scripts, as well as any calendar changes. There should also be a “moderator” each meeting - which can be the same each time, but can also be on a rotating basis. Sometimes when each meeting is led by a different member it can help make everyone feel included and invested. The person leading the meeting should keep everyone on task (without being a tyrant, keep it light!) and keep everyone awake, organized, and engaged.
5. COMMIT TO CONSISTENCY
Make a schedule and commit to it. Everyone should commit to the same day, time, and place.The good news is that in our current situation your meetings will most likely be on Zoom or Skype - it can be a lot easier to convince others (as well as yourself) to commit to a schedule when you can just log in from the comfort of your own space. Whether you’re the one creating the schedule or deciding if you want to join an existing group be honest with yourself about the commitment: Can you really commit to weekly meetings, or would a monthly schedule work better for you? Do you really want to meet up on Saturday nights or would a Wednesday evening be more realistic? Making a commitment you can stick to will help keep you as well as your whole group on track.
6. R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Don’t be condescending, rude, talk over others, or tear another writer down to try and build yourself up (if you don’t know what I’m talking about check out my post on ‘Notes’). But on the flip side watch being overly sensitive, defensive, or assume your writing is God’s gift (if you’re not sure how to handle that, check out my post on ‘Receiving Feedback’). If you’re receiving notes stay open to all feedback (but also try not to take anything too personally that doesn’t ring true for you). If you’re giving notes try to stay positive, constructive, and inquisitive rather than judgmental. A great way to kick off a feedback session on a positive note is to get everyone in the group to say one or two things they liked about the script before diving into what needs work.
Do you have a writers group? If yes, what works for you? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!