Online writing groups [Write Club]

pickarooney

When Write Club was originally set up, one of its proposed functions was to provide a virtual space for writing clubs to meet up. For one reason or another, this has never really taken off.

While nothing can replace the actual atmosphere of a live writing group, there are some advantages (no travel, no need to buy drinks, flexibility, no need to get wet).

If anyone wants to set up or join an online group with any criteria (age, genre, writing level...), let me know here and once I have about five people interested in any specific group I'll make a thread and grant access to anyone who needs it.

hcass

I'm interested. I don't really know how to judge my writing level definitely not beginner, I guess I think anything past that is up for others to decide. I don't really have a particular genre, I just write fiction. I'm 30 but I'm happy to work with all age groups.

Blush_01

I'd really like to join a writing group for some structure. I'd probably throw myself into a beginners mix.

I haven't been writing for the last few years. This makes me sad, because it's something I really enjoyed, and I feel like I'm rubbish at it now. I'm a flash fiction kinda gal.

Sign me up, Picka!

Stepha

Hi

I am currently writing my first book, it is based on a part of my life so its memoir although i dont know if I want it published as memoir, anyways I would love to join a discussion group for idea's and to ask questions

echo beach

My real world writing group breaks for the summer and I could do with some motivation so I'm willing to try a virtual one.

HalloweenJack

I don't live in an English-speaking country or a place with a big English-speaking community so I'd be interested.

A bit rusty with the writing, though.

One idea for how it could work: You can't post something for review until you've reviewed other submissions.

Bazinga_N

I'm interested. Currently working on a short story

pickarooney

Can you each post up a short description of what you're looking for so we can form like-minded groups?

RossPaws

I'd love this! I've been part of a few online writing groups in the past, and by far my favourite was the editing one. On that, we used to post bits and pieces of whatever story we were working on and receive constructive criticism, but it was a very friendly environment and nobody ever set out to hurt anyone else's feelings.

I mainly write sci-fi and urban fantasy, myself.

echo beach

What I'm looking for is a way to overcome my natural inertia and tendency to procrastinate. I need a deadline by which I have to produce something and then the others can decide if it is rubbish or if there is any way it can be improved on.
I write short stories with the hope of some day producing something longer. I don't really have a genre, just write about what I observe and am inspired by the many interesting characters I interact with.

Jack's idea of having to provide feedback if you want to get some is a good one. In writing, like in life, there tend to be more takers than givers, so some structure is needed.

Bazinga_N

I have to agree with echo_beach. If I plan on writing something it's usually just a plan, I kind of want a push or deadline to get it done by. I also have the tendency to decide it's not good enough and just leave it. I'd like to post my pieces somewhere people could decide that for me or offer me tips on how to improve it.

OwlYouNeed

I'd love to join a writers group. I tend to write more in the fantasy/sci-fi genre and I guess I'm looking for constructive criticism on how to improve my writing. I've been writing for a few years now, but up until a year or so ago, it was only really childish stuff, so I suppose I'm really just a beginner. :P

I like the idea about giving feedback before you receive some, it'd help make things more fair.

PurpleBee

I'd do it but I have absolutely nothing to contribute at the moment. I haven't written anything of any use in a while but I can be a worthwhile critic.

Suff

I have never been in a writing group before, so I'm interested as how it would work.
I have been writing fiction and fantasy for 5 years now, going to self publish my first short book next month. I'm currently working on a fictional dark comedy, and have been working for few years on a fantasy novel.

I'm very interested and would like to join this group.

niall mc cann

hey folks, I'd be really interested in this if there's room.

I've been writing for years, mostly short stories, and have won a few short story competitions for slice-of-life stories, so, I don't know, probably not a beginner, after that I don't know where you'd best put me. I'm currently trying to write a longer adaptation of Deirdre of the Sorrows, which is obviously very different to what I've done before. I'd like the chance to write in a group with others just to help me keep the juices flowing.

lauretteg

I would also be really interested in getting some constructive criticism. I struggle with personal writing and would love to improve.

38Flowers

Did this writing group ever get started, would love to join...??:)

Suff

Who's organising the group?? so far the replies have shown a healthy level of interest... the people have spoken; we want our group!

pickarooney

Healthy level of interest but no concrete feedback = doomed to failure.

Do I need to make yis a template to get an idea of what kind of group you want?
Does anyone want to lead it (I won't be contributing myself so probably won't do much organising)?

Suff

pickarooney wrote: »

Do I need to make yis a template to get an idea of what kind of group you want?

Please do..

Does anyone want to lead it (I won't be contributing myself so probably won't do much organising)?

I think it's a lot for one person to undertake, so I would suggest forming a group of organisers; possibly 3. Ideally they should have some experience or an idea on how to run the group.

Anyone interested, put yourself forward

pickarooney

Ok, use this please:

Age (optional):
Writing level (beginner/experienced/published/no idea):
Genre(s):
How often you can contribute (weekly/monthly/whenever I get time):
Do you want to lead:

And thank the first post if you want, and don't have, access to Write Club.

Suff

Age: 35
Writing level: experienced
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, short parables and stories.
How often you can contribute: weekly
Do you want to lead: Don't mind if I do!

echo beach

Age: Old enough to know better!
Writing level: Past beginner but not yet experienced.
Genre: Short stories, mostly based on real life.
How often you can contribute: Fortnightly. (Let's be honest with ourselves. If you only contribute when you have time you won't contribute very much. Anybody with a family and/or job doesn't have time to write. You have to make time.)
Do you want to lead: I can prod people along.

PurpleBee

Hey Pickarooney,

how intense is the Write club? I'm not that serious about writing at the moment but if you need more critics who know exactly what to do from a privileged position on the sidelines, like Ray Houghton, then I'm all for it.

Fuzzytrooper

Age: 29
Writing level: Beginner with delusions of adequacy
Genre: Military, sci-fi (ish), thriller
How often you can contribute: Weekly to Fortnightly.
Do you want to lead: Not right now.

Achillles

Age: 21
Writing level: beginner
Genres: Fantasy, Crime, Short Stories
How often you can contribute: Fortnightly
Do you want to lead: No thanks!

pickarooney

It looks like Suff will be leading a fortnightly group for beginner to medium level writers.

Suff

pickarooney wrote: »

It looks like Suff will be leading a fortnightly group for beginner to medium level writers.

Great, looking forward to it already! Now, can we get some sort of a hidden/ limited access thread, I think most of us wouldn't like to have their work/ideas on general display.

Antilles

Write Club isn't visible to the general public.

hcass

Age (optional): 30 nearly 31
Writing level (beginner/experienced/published/no idea): experienced
Genre(s): Literary I suppose, don't know if my writing fits in to any certain genre.
How often you can contribute (weekly/monthly/whenever I get time): weekly I hope!
Do you want to lead:[/B] I would in the future when I have an idea of how things work.

pickarooney

Antilles wrote: »

Write Club isn't visible to the general public.

Yup, that's the whole point of it really. Does everyone who needs it have access at this stage?

Suff

I've started a new thread for the group at the WriteClub. Please join...

El Guapo!

Any chance I could have access to this?
I've never really written anything before except one entry in "The Arena" in this forum, but I'd love to give it a go.

Age: 25
Writing level: Total beginner
Genre: Not sure yet!
How often can you contribute?: probably weekly or every fortnight.
Do you want to lead?: No thanks.

Achillles

I don't think I have access? Where should I find it?

pickarooney

Achillles wrote: »

I don't think I have access? Where should I find it?

You should have it now. Click the link under my name to check.

pickarooney

Actually, try now... after I finally stopped confusing you with Antilles I confused you with Achilles!

Antilles

pickarooney wrote: »

Actually, try now... after I finally stopped confusing you with Antilles I confused you with Achilles!

Haha I keep doing that too. I read Achilles' posts and get confused because I don't remember writing them!

Achillles

Haha thanks!
Thought I was after getting the boards equivalent of frape when I went into WriteClub and saw those posts.:D
All sorted now- really should have picked a different screen name.

hcass

I don't have access either. Can you help me out Pickarooney?

Needen

Hi pickarooney. I've just joined Boards as I was searching for some fellow budding writers to chat with. I have zero experience of creative writing or blogging but have had a growing urge to do some. Plenty of ideas (whether they're good or not is another question) just need to start writing. Any chance I can joint your write club thread?

Merkin

Hi Pickarooney,
Can you please grant me access to Write Club? I'm raring to go, am hoping for some constructive feedback and am keen to help others too by reading their stuff.
Cheers!

Roisy7

Hi Pickarooney

I'd be interested too, could I sign up?



Age: 23
Writing level: Journalistic experience but nothing really in fiction
Genre: Anything and everything
How often can you contribute?: probably fortnightly.
Do you want to lead?: Not really!

Livvie

I can't find it! I'm sure it will be a 'duh' moment, but could someone direct me, please. I can't see it mentioned as a sub-forum under this one.

odds_on

May I be added to the group, please

Age: 66
Writing level: Beginner (at writing a book)!!!
Genre: Historical/genealogical with fiction
How often can you contribute?: probably fortnightly.
Do you want to lead?: Out of my depth

redandwhite

Hi,

Could I get access please.

Some journalism experience. Couple of short stories.

Cheers

pickarooney

Should be OK now, assuming odds_on has an underscore in his/her name.
To find it, just follow the link under my name and Follow the forum (or use the new Beta skin which lists hidden forums you're subscribed to).

odds_on

Thanks pickarooney - yep, the underscore is there!

tbahh

Age: 20
Writing level: More than beginner but not too experienced
Genres: Fiction - areas such as Fantasy, science fiction, would like to attempt at other genres too
How often you can contribute : weekly at the moment but perhaps bi-monthly when college begins again
Do you want to lead:Not at present

Goat the dote

Age (optional): 25
Writing level: beginner but loads of started (but not finished ideas)
Genre(s): romance, fiction, previously started "Buffy" fAn fiction
How often you can contribute: whenever I get time
Do you want to lead:no

HalloweenJack

Hey, can I be added, please?

Age: 24
Writing: Beyond beginner but somewhat out of practice, plenty of journalism.
Genre(s): Drama, historical drama.
How often can you contribute: Once a week.
Do you want to lead: I could, just need to know more about what it entails.