How to Have a Successful Writer's Group

Imagine a group of literary giants such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien gathering every Thursday. Who read the unfinished manuscript, Lord of the Rings? What was discussed? Who would dare critique and edit Mr. Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet? What was it like to edit these works? Could anyone of them have predicted the success of these writers?

This cluster of friends, known as the Inklings, also included Charles Williams (All Hallows' Eve) and Owen Barfield who was considered the first of the Inklings. Faithfully the twenty or so friends attended their meetings at a pub called The Eagle and Child. I wonder if all members were present at all gatherings.

The one thing I'm sure of is the fact they thought it important to meet. The classroom, no doubt, was necessary but gathering with others who thought and worked like you was invaluable. Did their story telling improve? One would think so.

Like the Inklings, writers around the world know the value of gathering together. For over 15 years now one such group, the one I belong to, has met faithfully on the first Friday of each month. Its success can best be summed up by one of its members, the poet of the group who said: "We have mutual respect and care for each person and their work. All get full-on encouragement and helpful suggestions."

Our most popular place to assemble was in South Pasadena. Judging from old photographs, the Eagle and Child pub, where the Inklings gathered, was just as cozy as the beautiful four-story Victorian home where our unfinished manuscripts were read and discussed. Hopefully, we come close to the standards of the Inklings in our writing endeavors. Our roster boasts 19 members¯one short of the famous Inklings.

And though we are organized, like Tolkien's group we have not officially selected officers nor do we have a particular agenda. However, most of us have gravitated to a very special lady, Marilyn Woody, children's author of books such as High Chair Devotions, for wisdom and guidance. It is probably wise to have one such as her in your own writers group.