On Writing: What about writers’ groups?

It’s quite possible that “The Lord of the Rings” would never have been published were it not for the feedback J.R.R. Tolkien received in his writers’ group, the Inklings. In the 1930s and ’40s, Tolkien, along with C.S. Lewis and some 17 other writers, all men, met on Thursday evenings to discuss and dissect their work. They “were quick to praise one another; they were also highly critical,” according to Diana Pavlac Glyer, who wrote about the Inklings in her book “Bandersnatch.” Inklings member Robert Havard described their critiques as “frank but friendly,” and said, “Coming from a highly literate audience, it was often profuse and detailed.” 

These days, with more books being published than ever before, writers’ groups like the Inklings have become so prevalent that it almost seems like finding and joining one is as much a part of the writing process as, say, procrastinating or doing some actual writing. There are writers’ groups to satisfy just about every literary itch, and niche — groups run by a facilitator and those that are freeform; genre-specific groups, and groups that throw every genre in the blender. There are highly structured writers’ groups, where each member gets a predetermined time for reading and feedback, and the loosey-goosey who’s-got-something-to-read-tonight approach; groups that give only positive feedback, or positive feedback first, and groups that emphasize critical feedback. Some writers’ groups are made up of just a few people; others will fill an auditorium. There are even nationally organized groups that have spawned regional chapters.

But are writers’ groups necessary? And do they work? I suppose the answer to those questions depends on who you are, how you like to write, and how well you receive feedback. For me, the answers are a definitive yes and yes. 

To read the full article on mvtimes.com, click here