On Forming a Writer’s Circle
During the pandemic, I felt a renaissance spark to begin and continue working on creative endeavors. I tried my hand at acrylic painting and exploring that medium— even making a few bucks to put towards paying for top surgery. I loved it, but I jumped back into poetry. I used to be the kind of person that would come up with every excuse as to why I wasn’t writing, “I am experiencing writer’s block. I don’t know what to write about. I’m not inspired. I don’t have the money to take a trip…etc.” I picked up two different writing courses and then that all started to change. My mindset was shifting, I was writing, and I did not want to stop. I wanted to find a way to form a writer’s circle and build community.
I’ve discussed building community within Poems that Don’t Suck and Write Your Heart In, but I haven’t told you about what has been available because of those communities. In general, a writer’s circle is a group of individuals that go through the creative writing process together. Forming a writer’s circle has been a major accountability factor and a huge reason why I finished my manuscript and submitted it for Button’s last contest. These communities are active on Facebook, and Discord, really if there’s a social platform you’ll find them on it!
I ended up creating a branch off PTDS called study tables. We would meet following our class and write for hours on end— engaging in writing, discussion, reading our poetry, critique, and editing. It was wonderful. Although I do not have much availability for study tables at present, I am still in contact with several participants in my group. We still write and edit together fairly regularly.
Forming a writer’s circle is a way to hold yourself and your writer friends accountable. If you have a deadline or you’re trying to work on producing pieces to edit, a writer’s circle is for you. It’s so easy to put down the pen or stop writing on your own. Find a few individuals who will sit with you for designated amounts of time and write! Do the thing! Don’t forget what we have stated before, one line is more than most will ever do! If you have no idea what I’m talking about please take the time to read my other articles. I try to connect them in some way and continue to build on what I’ve shared before.
In addition to accountability, some of the individuals I work with have become wonderful friends. We write about some pretty tough stuff and have developed close bonds. You gain so much perspective and insight into the ways others see the world. Forming a writer’s circle is also about reading. From the entire process, we learn and grow together. It’s made a huge difference in how I write.
There’s not a single way to form a writer’s circle. I suggest you continue to create your own way; however, I do recommend taking a writing workshop. When you do, put in the effort to read and share what works with others’ writing. It will mean so much to them to know what is working for a reader and will help them improve. Who knows, those people just might be the ones you ask to form a writer’s circle with in the future.
Quick tips for your circle
Get to know one another name, pronouns, basic info, and something fun or interesting.
Set a timer for your designated write. (You can always extend if more time is needed)
After designated writing time, share your work! Give everyone an opportunity.
Focus on lines that work for the reader, encourage, and be constructive (this builds trust too).
Take time to edit.
Rinse and repeat.
How do you stay accountable on your own? Do you have a friend or a circle of friends you write with? Tell me about your experience!
