Senior Writing Groups: Growing Trend is Great for Sharing Memories

Writing groups are a fantastic way for any writer to share their work, gain constructive feedback in a supportive atmosphere and participate in valuable writing exercises. Most writers have joined a writing group at some point in their life. English majors are famous for forming them on college campuses and in coffeehouses across the country. But it's not just the young, struggling writer who can gain from these informal classrooms. More and more, senior citizens are forming their own writing groups.

I co-facilitate a Memoir Writing Workshop at my local Senior Center in Amherst, MA. My business partner and I lead a 4-session class, focusing on the various stages of assembling and writing one's memoirs. A formidable task at best, these seniors were willing to take on the job of sorting though memories, old photographs, and stories. The class was small but all had shown passion for what they were attempting to do, and their writing ability was impressive. But many of these writers were new writers, and no matter what kind of life experiences they brought to the table, they were still learning a new craft. Like any willing student, they needed support and encouragement and just a little guidance. Once our workshops drew to a close, it didn't take long for someone to suggest a writing group. "We all have similar memories since we're all about the same age." said one student. A writing group was a natural next step for these students to continue their pursuit of completing their memoirs.

The workshop itself had portions of it that were conducted much like a writing group; a writing assignment was read aloud by its author for everyone to listen. As soon as the writer finished speaking, constructive feedback was provided. Many students found that the stories they heard in class sparked their own memories of similar times and circumstance.

All that is needed to form a writing group is willing writers, and some kind of theme. Poetry writers tend to stick together, but many times a writing group includes works of fiction and creative non-fiction. A memoir group is a nice focus for the senior community as many are interested in writing their life stories for their family. Whatever the platform of the group, there should be someone in charge. One or two people typically lead the group and act as facilitator(s). The best groups have ground rules for providing constructive criticism. This should never be a forum for chastising someone who shares his or her work. Everyone attending a writing group is there to develop their craft and deserves respect and encouragement. It can be difficult to share one's writing with others. Doing so can make one feel vulnerable, so positive support should be a rule of thumb.

Writers bring a pad of paper and a pen, and usually bring something they wrote at home to read aloud. Other than that, writing groups are free of charge, unless you are working with an instructor. Most writing groups are a group of peers, and finding one where you feel comfortable is important. Visit two or three to make an assessment of how each group operates, and pick which one you feel is best suited for you. Feeling comfortable is important when you are sharing your work.

Check your local Senior Center's calendar for a writing group. Chances are they already have one. If not, it's a great place to start one!