The Best Writing Group Method

from a WAY2WRITING Perspective by T.J. Hopkins

I am about to share with you something that has made an absolute positive impact on me as a writer. I felt so passionate about its design and its impact that I could not resist the opportunity to become an affiliate when formal training was available.

Well, what is it already? Tell us, you say! It is the Amherst Writers and Artists workshop method. It was many years ago so I will reference a book titled, Writing Alone and with others (2003), by Pat Schneider, in my explanation. Pat Schneider was the Founder and Director of Amherst Writers & Artists. I did not personally know her, but I know people who did, and I can truly feel how the approach she had created, practiced and shared with others has helped writers initiate and ignite their own voices. 

In a writing group setting designed in the AWA method creates a safe learning community. “Supportive community is the setting in which significant writing is most easily and effectively accomplished,” (p.186).  Within this method, there are fundamental aspects that must be honored to safeguard the writer, and these are essential affirmations and essential practices. Because of these affirmations and practices, I was able to grow as a writer without any external criticism. Growth truly happens within the AWA environment. I know because I was able to experience it. Here is an overview.  

The Five Essential Affirmations (p.186) are to be internalized as truths by every writer:

1. Everyone has a strong, unique voice.
2. Everyone is born with creative genius.
3. Writing as an art form belongs to all people, regardless of economic class or educational level. 
4. The teaching of craft can be done without damage to a writer’s voice or artistic self-esteem.
5. A writer is someone who writes. 

The Five Essential Practices (p.186) summarized: 

1. Treat writing and other writers as though not ranked maintaining the 5 essential affirmations. 
2. All writing is treated as fiction. 
3. Absolutely no criticism, suggestion, or questions directed toward the writer in response to his/her written work. 
4. Take everything seriously. 
5. The writing group leader writes along with the participants. 

In the past, I administered writing groups online for children. I used the essential practices as norms.

My favorite part in a AWA writing group session is that after a first draft of work is read out loud, each participant is prompted to only say what he or she finds strong, what he or she likes, or what stays with him or her. Believe me, that is all you need in a writing community to grow as a writer! Each participant gets to hear other writers’ work and then listen to or provide positive comments about certain elements of the written work. Organically, new experimentation in the craft results! Confidence strengthens! More writing is produced and practiced! 

If you would like to learn more about Amherst Writers & Artists or join anything it has to offer, check out the amherstwriters website.

And thank you always for being part of my personal writer’s journey. May we always find our way2writing. Look out for things to come on the way2writing website.

Schneider, Pat. (2003). Writing Alone and with others. Oxford University Press.