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Some Writing Group Exercises
Though you may have ideas about topics, ask others for their suggestions, then go with what the majority wants to try:
Some examples:
Everyone listening to the same song, or quote, magazine piece or short story, then writing about what that song/quote/story evokes in them.
What poverty means to you.
Leaving home.
My happiest time.
Stigma.
An epiphany I had.
Violence.
The first days of Spring, or memories of Fall.
Not everyone works at the same rate, so give a general deadline, say 30 minutes, but wait till all pens are down.
People then share their work, and everyone gives feedback. It is important that the writer use that feedback to improve their work, perhaps bringing it back to show he or she has incorporated the suggestions that seemed valid to him or her.
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Forming a Writing Group
If you are a member of an agency or drop-in or self-help group, putting up a flyer asking if others are interested is a good way to start. Otherwise, ask around, put the word out to your friends, acquaintances and relations, it's likely you'll get some nibbles.
You'll need a place to meet; sometimes you can negotiate space at a community centre or agency, it's also nice if you can arrange for coffee or soft drinks. Try to meet at the same time, in the same place, weekly or every two weeks, no matter how many or how few attend.
Once you have a group of people, and here size doesn't matter, get to know each other before you begin. Have some social time so that you get a sense of each other. Some people may drop out, others may want to join.
Some people may have writing ready to share, others may need exercises to help them start. It's good to have room for both: for instance, you may want to begin by having people read what they've brought to the group, get feedback, then move on to exercises.
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Some Basic Writing Group Guidelines
Don't have too grandiose a goal. Don't begin by saying “we are writing a book", that is too intimidating. Start at the beginning, and see where it goes.
Two or three hours is the absolute maximum meeting time before people get draggy and tired.
Don't worry about grammar or spelling or punctuation. There will be time for that. It is likely that you will have a mix of individuals, some who have the benefit of more formal education, some with less. Be more concerned with content, and with how a story or poem is told, and whether it affects the listener.
It's always nice to see one's writing in print, so if you have access to a newsletter or local paper, you may want to contribute some of your best pieces.
And, of course, submit them to Raking the Moon.
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