Sherrie coordinates The Wordwrights writing group. At this time, the group is closed to new members, but you can still check out their blog. Here, Sherrie tells us a little bit about herself and what it’s like running a writing group.
For starters, why don’t you tell the readers a little bit about yourself.
I have facilitated the Wordwrights Writing Group for the past eight years. I’m a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and worked as a bookseller. I write mostly fiction, leaning towards fantasy and science fiction but I dabble with essays and very bad poetry. I’m always learning more about the craft.
Why did you join the SCBWI?
The SCBWI is an excellent resource for children and teen writers and illustrators. They have both local and national conferences which provide contacts you wouldn’t have otherwise. Their online resources are great too. I’ve discovered they are some of the most helpful and friendly people I’ve met.
When did you start writing?
I’ve always made up stories in my head. I know I was writing fiction and poetry in middle school.
What’s the earliest story you remember?
A story about being able to fly.
How did The Wordwrights start?
When I started working in a book store, I discovered that a lot of us who worked there were closet writers. We decided to start a writing group and support each other.
What’s a normal meeting of the Wordwrights like?
First, anyone who has a piece of writing they would like to have critiqued puts copies of it on the table for everyone to take home. We will go over that piece at the next meeting. Next we move on to any news that a member would like to share. Publishing news is always very exciting. Then we move on to discussing anything writing related. It could be an article someone read or a problem one of us is stuck with. We’ll try to help each other figure out a solution. If there are any events coming up, like a book signing, we’ll share that information as well. Finally we move onto the critiques. We give honest comments without being mean and usually can find something we liked about the piece.
How did you end up as the group’s coordinator?
Another girl was the first facilitator but moved away. Since we met in a book store and I worked there, I was the next choice to be the next facilitator.
What has been your most memorable moment from the group?
There have been many! Any time someone has news that they have been published or won a contest is great. Or even if someone has begun writing again after a dry spell.
What has been the worst thing about being the coordinator?
A few years ago we had a member who became extremely disruptive. Having to deal with that was not pleasant. Also, at one point the group grew much too big and it was very hard to give everyone the time they deserved. I hated to close the group to new members but in the long run it was for the best. Now, having to turn down people who really want to join is not fun.
What has been the best thing about running the group?
It’s been really fun watching the members of our group get better at writing and sharing in exciting news. That can be anything from someone finishing a story or memoir to being published. Seeing how close this group has grown and how we support each other is great.
How has this group helped your writing?
I’m always learning something! Having a monthly meeting keeps me motivated.
Do you have any advice for writers looking to join a group?
Try to find a group that matches your personality and know what you want to get out of the group. Some groups are for a single genre like Romance or Science Fiction/Fantasy. Our group has a wonderful mix of fiction, nonfiction, poetry etc. Some groups have writing quotas to fill for each meeting, so if that works for you go for it! Make sure that any critiquing of each others’ writing is done in a positive way. You can be honest without being mean.
Do you have any advice for writers in general?
If you are truly a writer you will find that you have to write whether you ever get published or not. Keep learning the craft. Have fun with it. It can be lonely so if you can’t find a group, start one!
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