Solitary work
Write with the door closed, edit
with the door open
As solitary as writing can be, we also long for folks who think somewhat like us. We long for community. Man is a social animal. Whether it is for inspiration, second opinion, or just plain camaraderie, we do need others in our lives. I suspect there may be a few true mountain men or hermits out there, but the rest of us like (even need) social interaction.
There are so many different levels of writing groups. Who would think that talking about writing can come in different styles? Hint: take a look at the number of different genres there are in the writing world and you will find nearly as many writing groups.
We are going to address critique groups, teaching groups, open mics, and neighborhood groups.
First ask yourself what you would like out of your group. If you are looking for camaraderie and empathy from fellow writers, you might look at that local scene and find something close to home. Do you want a general response to your work? A rough draft first go-over can also be accomplished without breaking the bank or traveling far.
A group like the Kenosha Writers Guild can provide encouragement. Meeting on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, the first is an open writing prompt and the second is a place to read and seek input on your work (critique). There is extra benefit to hearing or reading the work of others. More information on their webpage: www.kenoshawritersguild.com
As you increase the level of care and educated critique you want, you will move up. For example, there is a wonderful teaching/critique group up in Milwaukee that starts with $50 membership and increases with your expectations. More info can be found here: www.redoakwriting.com One can also research editors who will gladly read your work and give you specific feedback for a fee.
One of my favorite first steps for my poetry is to read it at an open mic in the area. An open mic has a microphone and stage (or presentation area) where all are welcome to read their work. Usually a sign-up sheet helps set the order of presentation. The Open Mic Wednesdays at the Spectrum School of the Arts occurs on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Hearing your own work read in your own voice is powerful and helps you find the rough spots in your piece. More information about the above mentioned open mic can be found here: www.familypowermusic.com You can find others by asking fellow writers and poets.
Need inspiration? Procrastinators Anonymous meets at Vintage & Modern Books (Racine) on Fridays from 1 to 3 pm. Kenosha Fiction Writers (fka NaNoWriMo) meets bi-weekly at the Kenosha Public Library Northside September to May. This is their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/procrastinatorsanonymouswriting
There is also a Novel Book Camp that is a six day paid immersion program (teaching) held right here in Racine. They convene annually at the Siena Center in June and focus on fiction writers. More information and registrations dates can be found here: www.novelbookcamp.org
Did you know we had so much opportunity right here? Racine and Kenosha should be proud of their connections and roots in creativity. I know I am!
Drop in and chat with me at Racine Trek on September 30 between 12:30 and 2:30 pm. I’d love to help you start your own neighborhood group!
—Christy Hoff
ArtRoot Writer-in-Residence
ArtRoot Writer-In-Residence 