In my previous blog post I shared how I came to understand the importance of participating in a writers/critique group. Once I discovered the need, I set out to join a group. This is how my process unfolded:

HOW to join/start?

Conferences often provide signup sheets/stations for writers seeking a group. Check out libraries, bookshops, and coffee shop bulletin boards (brick & mortar & online) for ads from existing groups inviting new membership. Networking at events.

Explore these helpful online resources:

• Washington Center for the Book (Library of Congress–one in every state)
• Oregon Writers Colony – A Community of Writers
• Writing Magazines, i.e., Writers Digest

At the time I began looking for a group, I did not find one with an opening for a new member. I also needed to be confident that the group would be a nurturing constructive gathering. Creating my own group seemed the best path forward for me. Yet, how should I find members?

Placing an ad would not work for me. I dreaded the possibility of an awkward situation should I meet with someone and then have to say, “No, I don’t think we are a good match.”

HOW I sought out kindred spirits to form a new group:

•  Attended conferences, workshops, salons, readings at bookshops/libraries.
•  Listened to questions and conversations posed by the attendees.
•  Met for coffee.
•  Attended another event together.
•  Intentionally, I started small and slowly added members.

How my process unfolded is described in my introduction to our writing group’s anthology, Writing In Place: Prose & Poetry from the Pacific Northwest:

Being a newcomer in the area many years ago and with a renewed drive to write, I began my discernment process for a writing group. I had lived much of my life as a military dependent and knew that most people settled in a town are already deeply entrenched in friendships and groups that may go back as far as kindergarten. The new kid usually sought out friendships with the other new kids. It was with this childhood skill that I set out to form a new writing group.

As I attended Writers on the Sound (WOTS) and other writing workshops, I listened carefully to questions and responses from the attendees. I was not looking for clones of my writing style or genre, but rather for people, who were considerate and seemed motivated, insightful, and dedicated in their desire to hone their craft.

The encounter with my first potential group member gave a new magnitude to the word serendipitous. Remember the Rogers and Hammerstein song, “Some Enchanted Evening”? If there is ever a movie made of the moment I met Monda Van Hollebeke, the background soundtrack would play, “Some enchanted WOTS conference, you may see someone your height of five foot ten inches wearing your exact brown pantsuit, so run to her side and invite her to join your group!” We crossed the room amused to find our twin after all these years. Monda shared comments and questions in a gracious manner with humor and thoughtful perception. I knew I’d met my first writing group member.

Over time, Monda and I invited Andra Lawrence, Mimi Stuart Armstrong, Joanne Peterson, JuliaNiebuhr Eulenberg, Edythe Stromme, and Reni Roxas to join us in becoming the Edmonds Writing Sisters.

As is the way of life, throughout the years there have been changes. Mimi moved from the area yet stayed connected in spirit and via emails. Sadly, two local members, Julia and Edythe, have passed away.

At the time of this writing The Edmonds Writing Sisters are entering our 23rd year together. Although we meet less often now and our writing goals have shifted, our commitment to one another remains firm.

In my next blog post—Part 3 of “Create and Maintain a Writing/Critique Group”—I’ll share my learnings (stumbles and successes) and suggestions on how to maintain and nurture your group.

As always, I welcome your reflections and questions in the comment box.