How to Form a Writing Group
By Mary Rakow, Ph.D.
From the first moment in workshop with Jack Grapes then Kate Braverman, I knew I’d
found my tribe. We learned how to write and to critique. Mostly, we learned how to listen.
And a bond of unshakable trust was born.
We published, received literary awards, a Pulitzer nomination, an Oprah Pick, a Lannan, our
novels made into films. Now living in Paris, Tel Aviv, L.A., New Zealand, Florida, San
Francisco we continue to listen. Because we are still committed to each other.
The simple rules we had then still work for us because they create a safe place. And safety
is crucial to art making because we need courage. Courage to write the story that will not
exist on this planet unless we write it. So give them a try!
Rules that Work
-Meet every two weeks.
-No need to read others’ work ahead of time.
-Bring copies of 7 pages.
-Have coffee available but no food. It’s not a food event.
-Wear two hats. You arrive, chat, bitch. That’s the friendship hat. Workshop starts. And you
take that off and put on your editing hat.
-Have the coffee in another room or off-screen so the writer can disappear right before
reading. In earshot and listening, but also gathering courage. This absence is excusable.
-Don’t say “This isn’t great” etc. when it’s your turn to read. Just distribute.
-Don’t critique the critique. Ever. After reading, stay silent.
-Don’t require each person to comment.
-Use standard editing symbols.
-Don’t say, “This doesn’t move me.” Say why. Offer a solution or remain silent.
-In saying why, don’t lecture. It’s vain and useless. The task isn’t to show off. It’s to serve
the other.
-Don’t connect to the writer’s personal life. Ever. Two hats. Don’t try to be a therapist. -Do make connections to pages submitted earlier, if helpful. -Sign the pages.
-End on time.
-At home notice your reaction to comments written on your pages. If you feel, “I should do
that,” ignore it. In rejecting a suggestion we often discover what our text is really about.
-If it moves you closer to the story only you can write you will feel joy! And so implement
the suggestion.
LATER ON…
-When even something small is published have a tradition to celebrate. We brought pizza
for the group. A sign of thanks. And teamwork.
-When books get published, do more! Host readings for each other in bookstores, libraries,
your home. Do blurbs. Podcasts. Your social media platforms. My group did so much for me!
Spend 5 minutes at https://thisiswhybook.com/videos/to get a glimpse. This is love. You
can have this, too!
Let’s start where we are! Let’s move forward with courage…together!
And if you’re further along, with a draft, rough or polished, let’s discuss next steps!
Kindly,
Mary Rakow, Ph.D.
www.maryrakow.com
maryrakow1@gmail.com
https://thisiswhybook.com
