By Kathy Lohr
Writing is hard and typically done in isolation. If you are a writer who easily pushes through, around, or over writer’s block, a writing group may not be for you. However, if a nap or additional research rises to the top of your priority list when you sit down at your keyboard, writing with a group might be the solution. Writing groups differ by purpose, context, and format. These differences are crucial to your satisfaction.
Types of Writing Groups
Here are some versions of writing groups that differ in context, purpose, and format:
Fiction writers gather at a coffee shop or restaurant for the purpose of sharing and critiquing work. Feedback is key.
Higher education faculty and/or students meet in an office or writing center to collaborate, mentor, or peer review work. Accountability, productivity, and encouragement are typically requisite.
Memoir writers congregate at a bookstore, library, or home to read their life-stories and share memories. Community and trust are fundamental.
In the above examples, writers gather in a common space. However, with the advent of Zoom and other video collaboration platforms, virtual writing groups have exploded. The advantages of writing from one’s office or home have obvious advantages. This is particularly true for silent writing. The focus of silent writing is the writing itself. It carves out a quiet, distraction-free space allowing writers to concentrate on their work. While working alongside other writers reduces the isolation of writing alone and adds an accountability element, it also produces results. It is particularly conducive for introverts who often thrive in protected spaces.
What are the Characteristics of Silent Writing Groups?
Silent writing groups have several characteristics in common:
There is a facilitator. This can be one person or rotated through the group. The video platform may dictate that one individual holds the license or subscription.
A set meeting time is established. Typically, once a week or more. Time of day may depend on the time zones of the participating writers.
Microphones are muted for the designated time to write in silence.
Group rules are presented prior to or at the first meeting.
What is Different About Silent Writing Groups?
Silent writing groups differ:
Some are free, some have a cost.
Minimum attendance is required, or attendance is voluntary.
Camera usage is required or left up to the participant.
Participants can come late and leave early, or attendance at the entire session is required.
Beginning sessions can be as brief as a simple greeting or the sharing of goals for the session. Concluding the session may involve brief closing remarks or individual reflections.
Be sure to inquire about the specific rules a silent writing group follows. You may have to try several to find a good fit. Since writing is the goal, be sure your choice fits your needs whether it is feedback, encouragement, critique, or just common space.
Want to Join a Silent Writing Group?
The Adult Learning Exchange Virtual Community is facilitating a silent writing group during the month of August 2023. This Virtual Writing Group focuses on your writing, in whatever form that takes. Academic, creative non-fiction, fiction, memoir, whatever you need, this is your space to create. Our rules are few. Register for the eight Tuesday and Thursday meetings. Sign into the Zoom meetings at the appointed times. Come late or leave early. We’ll start each hour and a half session with a brief welcome then get right to writing, microphones off. Turn your camera off or leave it on. Kathy Lohr is facilitating this August Virtual Writing Group and will be on camera and monitoring the chat room if you have questions or comments during the silent period. After an hour, Kathy will call time. You can stay to reflect with Kathy and your fellow writers for the remaining time, or not. This is a great opportunity to try silent writing. Check out this link for more details.
Reserve Your Space Now for the August Virtual Writing Group
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