Meeting Group for Young Writers

Snibbles11

Hi all,

I've been looking for a writing group to join for a while now. The ones I've found so far are mostly frequented by people who are either much older than me (I'm 23) or much more experienced. Basically I don't feel like I'd fit in to any of them and they don't seem like much fun. I'm sure I'm not alone here.

SO, I was thinking of starting a group for young writers (20s or so) just starting off. It doesn't have to be for creative writing only, it can be bloggers, journalists, and all the rest too. We could read each others' work but not in a round table kind of way, in an informal and friendly way. Or we could just meet up to have a chat, whatever works. More of a meet-up for like-minded folk than a traditional writers group, although of course we could offer advice and support to each other too.

So would there be any interest in this or should I return to my hermit writer lifestyle?

[PS apologies if this is the wrong place to post this etc. I'm new here ]

Memory Of 98

Snibbles11 wrote: »

Hi all,

I've been looking for a writing group to join for a while now. The ones I've found so far are mostly frequented by people who are either much older than me (I'm 23) or much more experienced. Basically I don't feel like I'd fit in to any of them and they don't seem like much fun. I'm sure I'm not alone here.

SO, I was thinking of starting a group for young writers (20s or so) just starting off. It doesn't have to be for creative writing only, it can be bloggers, journalists, and all the rest too. We could read each others' work but not in a round table kind of way, in an informal and friendly way. Or we could just meet up to have a chat, whatever works. More of a meet-up for like-minded folk than a traditional writers group, although of course we could offer advice and support to each other too.

So would there be any interest in this or should I return to my hermit writer lifestyle?

[PS apologies if this is the wrong place to post this etc. I'm new here ]

The idea certainly is interesting. And I must concur, being 21, and going to my local writers group in my area in Carlow, I felt like I was going for a day out to the old folks home. Not to mention the old blood looking down on the new pup attitude. Do you mean a physical group, or correspondence group?

MirLou

Hi, I'm in my 40s but would love to be able to get in touch with some group interested in writings, so would appreciate any assistance as can't seem to get any links at all.

Snibbles11

I was thinking a bit of both really. Send each other work etc. online then meet up once every few weeks in person. Thought it could be as much about socialising with other young writers as about writing itself. We seem to be difficult to find...

Also if anyone has any tips on where to go or how to go about organising this, I'd be very grateful.

Memory Of 98

Snibbles11 wrote: »

I was thinking a bit of both really. Send each other work etc. online then meet up once every few weeks in person. Thought it could be as much about socialising with other young writers as about writing itself. We seem to be difficult to find...

Also if anyone has any tips on where to go or how to go about organising this, I'd be very grateful.

Ah I see. Well, depending on where the members are located a mutual central meeting point could be decided upon for meetings. Like lets say Dublin, which is central and easily accessible by rail and bus.

I personally enjoy dark and historical writing themes and at the moment I am in the process of raising the funding to publish a local history book about my area. What is your theme of choice? And if you wish you can private mail me your email address.

_Leary_

I'm looking for exactly this type of thing, being 25, I'd love to meet some similar aged like-minded people. I'm based in Dublin however, so it would have to be relatively close. If it is then count me in

echo beach

Snibbles11 wrote: »

I've been looking for a writing group to join for a while now. The ones I've found so far are mostly frequented by people who are either much older than me (I'm 23) or much more experienced. Basically I don't feel like I'd fit in to any of them and they don't seem like much fun

That could be because it takes most people twenty or thirty years and a lot of writing before they have the nerve to go to a writer's group.

echo beach

Snibbles11 wrote: »

I've been looking for a writing group to join for a while now. The ones I've found so far are mostly frequented by people who are either much older than me (I'm 23) or much more experienced. Basically I don't feel like I'd fit in to any of them and they don't seem like much fun

That could be because it takes most people twenty or thirty years and a lot of writing before they have the nerve to go to a writer's group.

Snibbles11

echo beach wrote: »

That could be because it takes most people twenty or thirty years and a lot of writing before they have the nerve to go to a writer's group.

True, I know I definitely haven't had the nerve yet. But if there were a group like the one I'm suggesting that would change rapidly, for me at least.

I'm going to PM anyone that shows an interest on here and try a few other places too. We'll see how it goes. Thanks for all the replies so far everyone

Lady von Purple

Hi! I'd like to join too.

I have to admit, there is a massive wavelength difference between some older and younger writers. For me, it stems from insecurity. I've been to a writers' group that was mainly people in their early 30's and I felt like curling up in the corner rather than reading out my paltry poetry to writers that I felt were more experienced and talented.

damselnat

I'd be very up for this! I;ve been thinking of joining a writing group for ages and one with lots of people round about my age would be pretty cool. I live in Dublin so I'd be very biased about where it should be located but it would be really cool to get something like this going. So I'm in!

Snibbles11

If you guys could PM me your email addresses that would be great.
I've asked a few writing sites to help out and they're all happy to do so.
Will keep you all informed!

Memory Of 98

Lady von Purple wrote: »

Hi! I'd like to join too.

I have to admit, there is a massive wavelength difference between some older and younger writers. For me, it stems from insecurity. I've been to a writers' group that was mainly people in their early 30's and I felt like curling up in the corner rather than reading out my paltry poetry to writers that I felt were more experienced and talented.

I know what you mean quite well. Not to mention the unnecessary correcting and scrutinizing of your work due to the fact that you are just a pup that needs to be put in place and kept in check one way or another.

I noticed a few of the people commenting were from the Leinster area. I would like to throw forward the idea of Kildare as a meeting place, it is pretty Leinster central for anyone that can get the Waterford to Dublin, or Dublin to Waterford. From the train station it is quite easy to make your way into the town where there are some nice and most importantly large pubs and restaurants.

SpaceRocket

I'm in my twenties, and would be very interested in meeting up with other young writers! Great idea OP.
I'm based in Wicklow / Dublin.
Haven't joined any writer's groups before. My younger brother did once, and all the older ladies were swooning!
I'm not a fan of reading aloud, a smaller more informal group would suit me down to a tee, if that is what you all have in mind

_Leary_

Looks like we're at six right now? Not too big, not too small, could be a nice starting point

Achillles

Hi,
I'm new to this forum too and think it's a great idea. I'm 20 and live in Kildare so it would suit me perfectly, but Dublin would also be fine.

Snibbles11

Okay so just to keep everyone updated I sent a mail around the other day, still waiting on some replies. A few extra people from outside boards want to get involved as well. Not sure exactly how many we'll have to start with, most likely not over 10. A good number, I think.

Killdozer

Hey there! I'm new here, but I'd like to join, if possible. I'm in my mid-20's, and never participated in any such groups (we didn't actually have that back home).

Hollzy

Hey I'm 18 and I've been trying to get myself back into writing mode. In the last week or so something clicked so I feel I could commit to something like this again! I'm from Cork but I go to college in Dublin so that'd suit me best.

I know exactly how you feel. I was doing a writing course when I was fifteen and I was the youngest by thirty odd years. Everyone was lovely and I still benefited from it but a group like this would be lovely to take part in

SpaceRocket

Have just replied to the PM!

Hope this works out for us. Judging from the replies to this thread, it is just what what many of us have been looking for. Fair play to OP!

Roisy7

I'd also be interested! I'm 23 and based in Galway. And terrified of reading my creative writing in public...

nervous_twitch

23 here; would love to join a group like this! PMd Snibbles my email there

InkNut

Fantastic idea. I'm also 23 and would be really interested in heading along:)

PurpleBee

You guys don't know what you're talking about, I wrote all my best poetry when I was 8, it was all downhill from there

Snibbles11

PurpleBee wrote: »

You guys don't know what you're talking about, I wrote all my best poetry when I was 8, it was all downhill from there

Ha, same here, I was very prolific at the age of 8, even wrote a novel!

Magnolia27

Hi, I would also like to join the group! However, I will be in Dublin from September onwards, so I hope I can still join!

imasmeasmecanbe

Looks like the idea has kind of snowballed. I'd be up for giving it a go as well, used to go to one in the local library but was never the friendliest of places. I'm in Dublin too.

DaneScott

25 and interested.

Snibbles11

Okay everyone, first meeting on Monday the 7th at 3pm in the Twisted Pepper. You're all more than welcome to pop in for a bit, even just for ten minutes to say hi or what have you.

Hope to see some of you there!

Memory Of 98

Everything still going ahead?

Snibbles11

Yep. Sit as near to the door as possible everyone so we can all find each other. (If any of you are actually coming that is!!)

damselnat

Well, what happened here? Myself and another girl, Steph, were there but the place wasn't open, we waited round till about twenty to, what was the story??

Snibbles11

damselnat wrote: »

Well, what happened here? Myself and another girl, Steph, were there but the place wasn't open, we waited round till about twenty to, what was the story??

Agh, so sorry about that!! I sent emails/tweets to redirect people to Easons but not many people got it in time. Next time it will organised with military precision. Please forgive my horrific idiocy!

Snibbles11

damselnat wrote: »

Well, what happened here? Myself and another girl, Steph, were there but the place wasn't open, we waited round till about twenty to, what was the story??

Agh, so sorry about that!! I sent emails/tweets to redirect people to Easons but not many people got it in time. Next time it will organised with military precision. Please forgive my horrific idiocy!

Memory Of 98

Snibbles11 wrote: »

I sent emails/tweets to redirect people to Easons but not many people got it in time.!

Well, you can say that again, especially for people who were travelling and had no access to a computer.

Snibbles11

SORRY.

Won't happen again.

Memory Of 98

Can we have the next meeting in somewhere like Kildare, so if anything goes wrong I don`t have to sit in the train station for three hours to go home.

stephby

I was waiting outside twisted pepper with another girl, Natalie. Wasn't too disappointed as got a lovely pair of boots ha. I wouldn't be able to meet up outside Dublin if there was to be another meeting.

echo beach

Memory Of 98 wrote: »

Can we have the next meeting in somewhere like Kildare, so if anything goes wrong I don`t have to sit in the train station for three hours to go home.

Three hours and nothing to do but write...while others went shopping...

We know who will have the novel finished first.:D

damselnat

I suggest organising it via facebook group, that way we can all post and see what the best thing is, and also if people need directions to the venue or whatever we can also put them up there

Achillles

Wasn't able to make it as I was working. Yeah I think the facebook group is the way forward. Most people check it fairly often out of habit and a private group is handiest for keeping tabs on.

Snibbles11

I just saw this stuff about the Facebook group now. Good idea! We've got a Google group set up, I sent the link around yesterday.

DermoLogical

If any of ye are around the Cork area, you're welcome to join us:

• Like us on www.facebook.com/virginslate; or
• check some of our past work on www.tensepretence.com; or
• Email virginslate@gmail.com for details

We're a group of amateur writers. We meet about twice a month. No fees, no fuss, just a group of people writing and chatting about writing.


Cheers

Suff

Hello,

I'm very interested in joining such group, I am 35 but don't look it, yes.. I am very fortunate! I am currently based in Letterkenny (new job) but have no problem traveling to Dublin on weekends for the meetings.

Are there any thoughts for genre?

purewanderer

What's the craic here? I don't know if this thing got off the ground but I'd like to come along if it did. If not is anyone up for giving it another go?

Noodles81

Hi Purewanderer, I'd be interested too, I'm looking to join a writer's group, I'm 31 but have only recently gotten back into writing, so a laid back approach sounds good to me.