Fiction Writing Group

Once Written is an online writer’s group for actively workshopping your current fiction novel or stories. Members will take turns reading pages of their WIP at a meeting and share real-time feedback to the group. Workshopping provides authors with immediate reader impressions while having the benefit of shared experiences, expertise, and camaraderie with other writers in a supportive environment. This format will also provide time for sharing resources, discussing trends, brainstorming issues, or writing prompt activities. Priorities (such as genre focus) and roster rotations will be decided by the group.  Meetings will take place 2x a month.

GUIDELINES*

Be open to constructive feedback – Remember that critique is about the written words of a specific piece that is being analyzed, period. Feedback shouldn’t be meant personally or taken personally. Good commentary is not about the author or their writing ability in general; it is intended to help the piece being shared.

Tell the truth – Be polite, be supportive, but sugar-coating issues doesn’t help us improve our writing. We lift each other up when we can help each other.  

Give good specific notes – For example…

            What works: i.e. characters, tone, pacing, story elements you enjoyed.

            What doesn’t work.

            What is missing.

            What isn’t clear.

            What doesn’t make sense.

Ask for clarification – If terms, genres, or writing tips are unfamiliar, please ask the group! There are many confusing aspects about the writing industry and we can pool resources and knowledge. (However, debates will be tabled if they cut into reading time.)  

Ask for help – i.e. “I’m having trouble with this section. Could you listen and tell me what’s missing?”

Talk about challenges – Art is messy; emotionally, physically, and energetically. Pain and mistakes are part of the process. Supporting that aspect of writing is just as important as supporting our successes.

Don’t give up! – Creating art is an incredibly brave act. We’re in this together.

*Attendees who do not adhere to the guidelines or who engage in discriminatory or hostile language or acts will be asked to leave the group.  

The guidelines are adapted from Ed Catmull via Jane Friedman’s excellent article on writing groups. Recommended reading! 

BACKORDERS – If you’re interested in a future group, click Add To Cart and include a note
about your genre focus.