Pulling in the Welcome Mat: Public vs. Private Groups
I was initiated into writing groups in a public library, and noted that the attending local writers fell into two main camps: some offered intelligent, thoughtful critique. Others explained away critique and reciprocated minimally, with mainly negative comments. I wasn’t sure the level of critique was directly proportionate to the quality of the writing, but that became a moot point when the group disbanded after only a few meetings, the more capable writers having fled.
At college, in the setting of writing classes and juried workshops, the forum was limited to serious members who subjected themselves to the discipline and guidance of a higher authority. These groups worked especially well when led by a caring professor or visiting author.
From one of those classes a private writers’ group formed, based on the gentle formula of a respected writing professor who advises students to engage in observation, analysis, and finally evaluation, in that order. The members of that group came to know each others’ stories and styles, and we improved each other’s’ writing.
When that group disbanded after several years, I founded a county-wide group at the public library. I understood the risks of open meetings, but those of us who work to give thoughtful, detailed critique began to feel used by authors who claim inexperience as a shield from behind which they not only refute critique, but also claim immunity from offering critique. I was seen as the leader and they probably would not have met without my input, so I continued. But the group was more a public service than a valuable source of mutual support for writers.
The evolution of this group from public to private solidified my appreciation of private groups.
When we moved out of the library and into my home, everything changed. I wouldn’t have guessed how much. It’s been over a year, and I now enjoy the writers, look forward to their work, and value their comments. Those of us working on long-term projects recently formed an online group to supplement our monthly face-to-face meetings with submissions and critique.
What made this difference? It’s not the pot of tea. Surely not my domineering messy computer table that sort of squats in the dining room.
Initially I set the tone and a few rules, the main one being: everyone critiques. I place pens and scrap paper in the center of the table (inside the circle of mismatched mugs) with the advice to take notes, because there is no excuse for silence. I sometimes share an article on character or plot, or invite everyone to consider a specific aspect of the readings. I’ve suggested that we especially notice setting, character development, or the use of sensory detail, for example. I employ my experience as a substitute teacher and insist on considerate, thoughtful comments—no pot shots. I remind us all on a regular basis that our purpose is to encourage each other.
But the major change is the fact that the flow of newcomers has slowed. Writers now discover this group in a much less public way —certainly not through an announcement that Everyone Is Welcome. Each of us thinks seriously before inviting a guest. The key factor may be our shared sense of protective ownership.
Pulling in the Welcome Mat has made us selfish in a very positive way.
This is an excellent post and I totally agree. I instruct several different writing groups, some that are paid entry from school board or community centre programs and a couple that are private. I’ve also belonged to more public open groups and have to say your comments are right on target.
I find the smaller more ‘closed’ groups have the serious writers. One is a critique group I’ve belonged to for a number of years. We take turns being the facilitator of this group and it’s strictly critiquing with a small social break. Another that I have at my home I am the ‘instructor’ and give some instruction, whatever is requested and on various subjects. And we also do timed writings. These are the most successful groups of all and, to me, the most inspiring.
By: Ruth Kozak on 03/09/2010
at 9:02 am
Thank you, Ruth!
I would love to be a part of one of your groups. I still struggle a bit with the responsibility and limits of leadership.
It would be great to once again be part of a really dedicated group. Our members opt out of meetings because of kids, work schedules, volunteer work, icy roads (all totally legitimate–we’re just coming out of our winter hybernation here in the midwest) and long-summer-evenings-after-a-day-of-gardening, which contributes to a loss of continuity. Sometimes I feel like I’m all dressed up with nowhere to go.
By: Peg McCarthy on 03/11/2010
at 3:39 am
You get another hearty Amen from me! I am currently one of the facilitators of a private poetry workshop that just started this past fall. Even though it is by invitation only, of course there are still weaker & stronger poets in the mix. The less experienced ones are welcome IF they offer critique AND (I have been gently reminding them) work to polish their own poems as best they can BEFORE workshopping them. That is, the group should not have to do work that the poet can do herself. Members’ time is precious.
For a group to be truly rewarding & helpful, it needs to have a critical mass of serious writers. When that exists, there’s also room for newbies who are also serious about honing their craft. I’m on the verge of dropping out of another occasional peer workshop that doesn’t have that balance.
By: RuthG on 03/09/2010
at 9:49 am
Your ‘critical mass’ comment is so on target!
Both of you mention multiple facilitators. I wonder if that may be part of the successful mix–finding a group of which each member is willing to host or lead. I suggested this once, but no one agreed to take that on. I didn’t understand at the time the implication or significance–maybe they’re committed only enough to drop in when it’s convenient. Or am I reading too much into this?
By: Peg McCarthy on 03/11/2010
at 3:47 am
What a fascinating and thought provoking article — I’d never considered the subject of public vs. private writing groups before. I’ve been invited to join one of each; and while the private one sounds like the better bet (my fiancee and I are looking forward to joining in the spring), maybe I’ll give a crack at both just to see the differences.
By: Mark Hunter on 03/11/2010
at 2:20 am
Mark, I think I’d better step out of the shadows. I think–I HOPE–the private group you’re considering joining is mine!
When you first mentioned joining a group a couple of months ago I was tempted to ask you where this group is located, since we’re only 18 miles from each other. I was interested in joining it, too–then realized, oh–maybe it’s US.
If you do join us, you know in advance a lot about the dynamics and my hopes and qualms about the group.
I admire your writing–especially your easy sense of humor–and hope you do come to a meeting soon–3rd Wednesday of each month, my house–and hope we live up to your expectations.
If we click, you and your fiance` may help form that Critical Mass of strong and dedicated writers that we need.
The Welcome Mat is out for you!!
By: Peg McCarthy on 03/11/2010
at 4:00 am
Yep, yours is the one I was referring to! I’m just waiting for Emily to move up here in June, as we want to come in on it together — that, plus this winter has been the time-stealer from hell. The other incipient group is in Kendallville, but I don’t know if they’re going to be able to even get it together enough to start it up; there seems to be a shortage of people with the time, talent and energy to lead off the effort.
In any case, you can count on Emily and me being dedicated to the craft!
By: Mark Hunter on 03/11/2010
at 1:46 pm
Yay!!
By: Peg McCarthy on 03/12/2010
at 6:15 pm