Writing & Writing Groups
When I was an undergraduate, my college teachers told me that the goal of any English major was teaching literature. But when I got my first job, I discovered to my delight that teaching writing was interesting, challenging, and, well, fun. That’s why I pursued a Ph.D. in Composition Studies, and I still love working with writers.
Writing isn’t magic, but then, magic isn’t magic, either.
Donald M. Murray
My favorite books about writers and writing?
- Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott.
- Creativity by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.
- The Craft of Revision by Donald M. Murray.
- On Writing Well by William Zinsser
- A Writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker
Writing Groups
Why do writing groups flounder and fold?
Is it because the criticism is too sharp and feelings get hurt? In part. Perhaps. But the MAIN reason that writers groups fail is the lack of a full range of support.
As I elaborate in the epilogue to Bandersnatch, “Giving feedback doesn’t mean telling someone what is wrong and showing them how to fix it. Giving feedback includes a whole menu of thoughtful responses. Choosing the right response at the right time is key” (166).
Thinking of starting a writing group of your own?
Do what Tolkien did: begin with a book club. Read Bandersnatch together and begin the conversation about what kind of group you need, what the ethos will be, what schedule works best, and the rest. You might find the Bandersnatch Discussion Guide useful as you talk together and create your own collaborative circle. Several hundred groups have already gotten their start this way!’’
The Portfolio Life Podcast
Listen HERE to an interview with Diana Glyer on “The Portfolio Life,” a podcast about taking care of your creative life hosted by Jeff Goins, author of You are a Writer.
