writer « Robin Writes

What are good ways to increase interest and membership in a writers’ group?

This week’s question is going to require audience participation—and that means YOU! Keep reading . . .

A writers’ group needs to have several things:

At least four writers who are serious about their writing.
A regular meeting day/time that is convenient for most members, most of the time.
An agenda for each meeting.
Rules.

Let’s start with Number 1—size of the group. Two is not “a group;” with three members, if one is absent, two is still not a group.

Number 2—a regular day and time makes it easier for members to schedule and remember.

Number 3—an agenda of some sort promotes continuity and is a time-saver. If you always start with chit-chat, followed by any announcements or business, then move on to reading and discussion, a late-comer will know exactly how and where to jump in. You won’t have to start all over with the greetings, etc.

And Number 4: Rules. You have to have some sort of timetable or you’ll be sitting there all night. You could have folks email their WIP to everyone a week ahead of time; you could limit the reading time; and whoever is in charge needs to be able to gracefully cut off the critique time or, again, you could be there all night.

Speaking for myself, I don’t like to be read to—never have. You know, when you go to a meeting and someone hands out information, then proceeds to read it to you? I stopped enjoying being read to when I was about six, maybe. I like to read for myself, and absorb it, and then I can better critique the piece.

I also prefer limits to reading time, if reading aloud is included. Two pages, tops. After that, I tend to drift.

Now, that said, back to the question: What are good ways to increase interest and membership in a writers’ group?

When we had our AOTSP writers’ group at the bookstore, we usually had food. And often, wine. Those are both good things to have at a writers’ group, plus coffee. Duh. Of course, it depends on when and where you meet—currently the AOTSP writers’ group meets at a local Starbucks. Food and coffee, right there! Several groups I know of meet on Saturday mornings; wine might not be a good idea. Might not.

Advertising works. Get the word out on social media. Create a Facebook page or group—people can join, get to know others, and writers, being a generally introverted bunch, will be more likely to come to a meeting if they’ve already “met” a few people.

Just like doing an elevator pitch for your book, create one for your writers’ group. “This is what we do, when we meet, would love to have you!” Heck, you could even make up postcards for current members to hand out when they’re in line at the grocery store. Or leave some at the grocery store. Or the library, the bookstore, the coffee shop . . .

Fliers, too, can be helpful, just like the postcards. Same info.

And now, it’s YOUR turn—go ahead, don’t be shy. Brainstorm in the comments and let’s see how many ideas we can generate!

Last Saturday, I spoke at a writers’ conference in Columbia, Missouri, on a publishing panel. There were about 20 writers in the audience, at all career stages, and they asked some good questions. The question I pose here is “should you attend writers’ conferences?”

Absolutely!

There are many great things about writers’ conferences: you get meet other writers, you get to pick up bits of wisdom and best practices and great ideas, and you get to socialize with others just like you. Plus, you make contacts that might be of help to your career, if not now, later.

You might even sell some books!

This can be a sticky point.

You could sell one or two. Or twenty—but that doesn’t happen often. However, if you have other material, like bookmarks or business cards, people can pick those up and might go online to buy your books. Just remember, people often buy your books because you’ve made a personal connection—so get out of your shell and TALK TO PEOPLE.

I know, that can be scary, but folks won’t flock around your table if you’re sitting there in silence . . .

On the subject of book buying, a real danger at conferences is coming home with a ton of books—I know, I know, you love books, the more the merrier, right? But if your intention is to sell books, and you buy as many as you sell, you’re not really making progress.

By all means, buy a book if you’re interested in that book. But not because someone bought YOUR book.

Money can be an issue when it comes to conferences, as well as travel expenses. This is something only you can decide, for yourself. Some conferences will cost around $40, some edging close to $200. Think about value for your money, such as how long the conference lasts, who is speaking, who’s attending, and distance.

And then decide how it affects your career.

Conferences aren’t going to hurt your writing career, and they can be very, very beneficial—just don’t become a conference junkie. You need to spend your time on the things that move your career forward, and that’s a business decision that only you can make for yourself.