Writing Groups & Open Mics
A few tips...
Writing is a solitary business, though there are increasing opportunities to engage in group-writing sessions: a quiet hour where people share writing time, usually virtually via Zoom or some such (though you are still writing alone, of course); or more dynamic and experimental collaborative endeavours which aim to produce work from an alchemy of different voices.
But in the main we sit alone and work.
Occasionally we find we need an outlet, and this usually takes the form of either a writing group or an Open Mic. Both have value — but only if you understand what you are looking for and what you may face.
Tips when considering Writing Groups
Decide what kind of writing group you are looking for. Do you want a group whose members provide truly constructive feedback or are you merely looking for somewhere to air your work? Do you need additional structure and a regular focus? Are you looking for stimulation via prompts and exercises?
In many writing groups the level of feedback is often shallow and of little value. If that’s what you are happy with, then fine — but it won’t make you a better writer. And in groups that are critique-based, is the criticism appropriate — i.e. friendly, constructive, intelligent — or something else entirely?
Be wary of writing groups that seem to be centred around a single individual i.e. where not everyone gets a ‘fair crack of the whip’ or the ‘leader’ is on an ego-trip. It happens!
Some writing groups are cabals of people who just write together: you turn up and write on the spot, usually to a specific theme and challenge decided on the day. There is often little analysis. Is that what you need?
In most cases you will have to attend a writing group in order to find out whether or not it will work for you. But if the fit is not a good one, do not hesitate to jump ship; your time is valuable and being in a group that is misaligned with what you want or need may steal both your time and some of your creative impulse.
Finally, if you can’t find a group that fits, consider starting one. With the advent of Zoom and the like, writing groups can now be virtual. Shape the group to your needs (most likely it will align with some others’ desires too) but do not make it ‘your group’; democratisation and fairness are key to the long-term health of a writing group.
Tips for Open Mics
Open Mics are tricky. In the main they are opportunities for writers to show-off, for ‘five minutes of fame’: stand up, read your piece, sit down again. They can be more social gathering than literary event.
The quality of what is shared at an Open Mic is likely to be extremely variable — and some people have no conception of just how short five minutes is! Be prepared to sit through some fairly turgid work from time-to-time. It’s one of the prices you pay for having your own slot. If you are only interested in high quality writing, consider avoiding Open Mics.
Also beware Open Mics that are over-subscribed and go on for too long. I have been to events which lasted nearly three hours; people were so desperate to read that they were prepared to wait an age for their moment to shine. Such events are almost worthless unless you’ve an early slot. Most people lose the will to live after about forty minutes of listening to others’ work, so how much attention will they really be paying when you stand up two hours later? And what will you gain from the experience?
Again, your time is precious. Try out your local Open Mic — but be prepared not to go a second time if it isn’t for you. This isn’t disloyalty, it’s self-preservation.
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