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How to Start a Creative Writing Club

Last Updated: June 1, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA . Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine. This article has been viewed 35,981 times.

Do you have a passion for creative writing that you want to take to the next level? A great way to grow your writing skills is to start a creative writing club, where you can share your work with others who are invested in cultivating the same craft. Working with people who share similar interests to you is both fun and incredibly rewarding!

Things You Should Know

• If you’re a student, talk to your favorite English teacher and ask them to sponsor the club; the odds are extremely high that they’ll be thrilled by the idea!
• If you’re running the club, remember that different members are likely there for unique reasons—include a variety of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and screenwriting activities.
• For a younger crowd, include a writing activity with every meeting and encourage members to share their work—be super supportive!
• Make sure that if you’re doing any workshop-style discussions that the members understand that critiquing someone’s work does not mean criticizing them as people.
• Clubs with older members will likely attract a good number of experienced writers, so you may want to start meetings by asking members if they’ve been working on anything they’d like feedback on before going into activities, lectures, or discussions.

Forming Your Club

• Possible locations include your house, public park, an open classroom, or anywhere else you can meet and converse without disturbing others.

• Word of mouth: Invite friends and acquaintances, and ask them to spread the word and bring their friends! Talk openly and excitedly about your club: your enthusiasm will help draw the interest of others. It’s a good idea to invite very broadly to begin with: the people who are truly invested in your club will show up and stick around.
• Posters and fliers: Design a cool flier and post it around school or your workplace! This is a nice way to draw attention to your club.
• Social media: For example, you can create a Facebook Event for the first meeting and share it widely with your friends!

• If you do decide to ask someone to be your advisor, be considerate of their time and respectful when making your request. Sending them an introductory email explaining your plans (in as much detail as you can) will allow them to make an informed decision. It is also courteous to offer to meet in person or talk over the phone/Skype so that they can ask any questions they might have before they make their decision.
• Advisors can be involved in a variety of ways, and this should be a conversation that you have directly with your potential advisor. Will they attend meetings? Will they offer guidance from afar? These are questions that are best to ask early on.

• This is related to possibly need an advisor: some schools require an advisor's signature on club registration forms. Once again, just be sure to research your school, university, or organization's requirements.

Holding for Your First Meeting

• You can choose an icebreaker that is relevant to the theme (if applicable) of your club, or you choose something entirely random. The point of this activity is to lighten the mood and help your members get to know each other and feel more comfortable opening up and sharing their work. Classic icebreakers like "Two Truths and Lie" (where everyone shares two true facts and a lie about themselves, and others guess the fabrication) and the "Name Game" (where each person has to find an adjective to describe themselves that starts with the same letter as their name) can be great simple options. [2] X Research source

• Write about an animal of your choice.
• Open up a dictionary, pick a word, and write what it means to you.
• Create a poem or story that starts with "Hello."
• Write a piece that's inspired by a conversation you've recently overheard.
• Write about something you dread or fear.

• If voting proves too messy (this might be the case, especially if you have many members), an easy and neutral online tool that may help you decide when to hold meetings is doodle.com (or other similar scheduling applications).

• Is your main goal as a group to spark new writing ideas together and actually practice writing during the meetings, or to critique and improve one another's written works? Alternatively, you may want to operate as more of a social/support group for writers, where you talk about your craft and hold one another accountable for your personal writing goals. Decide your focus together, and build that into your mission. [4] X Research source

• Bringing a large sheet of paper and pens (or whiteboard markers if your location has a whiteboard) can be a nice way of involving members in this process. Members can take turns suggesting and writing ideas. You can keep this piece of paper as a reminder for future meetings, or you can take it, type it up, and print it and share copies (or a combination).

Keeping Your Club Going

• It is helpful to bring a notebook to meetings so that new members can share their e-mails and/or phone numbers, and so that you can then add them to any groups or lists.

• It's a good idea to start an e-mail list, a Facebook group, and maybe a group chat so that you can add members and keep them informed and up to date on club meetings and activities. It's all up to you, but clear communication will help your club flourish.

• If you do choose to have writing partnerships be a part of your club structure, you may want to consider assigning writing partners randomly as well as have people change partners periodically. It's a good idea to try to prevent cliques from forming for many reasons: so that no one feels left out, so that members are receiving feedback on their work from multiple perspectives, and so that people are establishing many connections with many different members of different style, backgrounds, and personalities.
• Give members ideas of how to connect with their writing partner. Suggest accessible practices such as, "After you've written your piece, share it with your partner via Google Docs so that you can read each other's work. Then, coordinate a time to meet and discuss one your work in person." Encourage members to do whatever feels most comfortable to them.

• One way to do this is creating and sharing the link to a standing Google Form that is specifically designed for feedback. Creating an anonymous Google Form (or whatever type of digital survey works best for you) will encourage members to voice their opinions. It's good to establish protocol for how this feedback will be dealt with, early on: will you (as the leader) check the responses regularly, and will suggestions be discussed at meetings?
• Another way to gather feedback is to designate an allotted amount of time during meetings to open up the discussion for feedback and suggestions.
• If you and your members do decide that you want to discuss feedback weekly (however you choose to gather it, whether electronically or during meetings), you may also want to discuss the format of this discussion. Will it be an informal discussion? Will people vote? Will it depend on the feedback? These are good points to consider early on when determining club guidelines.

• Let members know what they should bring to the next meeting (i.e. laptop, notebooks, pens, etc.).
• Ideally, set at least a loose agenda for your next meeting, before you wrap up your first one. Your goal should be to get right down to writing and club discussions in your subsequent meetings, now that you've set some ground rules and expectations. [6] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source

Community Q&A

• Bringing snacks can be a fun addition to any meeting. But be sure to communicate any allergens (nuts, dairy, etc.)! This will help incentivize people to come to the meetings, and—particularly if your club is hosted during lunch or after school—makes sure that no one is hungry entirely. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Bringing some extra notebooks and pens to the first meeting (or first few meetings) is always a good idea, just in case someone forgets their own. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Try this fun activity: Pass sheets of paper around so everyone has one. Have everyone write the beginning of a story, pass the sheet to the person on their right, and have them continue the story (then folding the sheet over so the next person can only see the most recently added sentence, not any of the previous sentences). It's sort of like the game "telephone," and you can theme it around a particular topic! Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/publishing-insights/7-questions-to-ask-yourself-before-starting-a-writers-group
• ↑ https://icebreakerideas.com/quick-icebreakers/
• ↑ https://thinkwritten.com/365-creative-writing-prompts
• ↑ https://www.inkedvoices.com/writing/types/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/writing-groups/writing-group-starter-kit/

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Writing Group Starter Kit

You’ve decided to form a writing group. Congratulations! The Writing Center has established this kit to help writers like you get a group going and help it succeed, right from the start.

Starting a writing group, especially your first one, can be a little overwhelming. To help your group get off on the right foot, we’ve put together this collection of handouts for your group members to fill out before the first meeting. These will help you break the ice, learn about each other’s writing needs and group interactions, and start to plan a structure and schedule for your group that will work for everyone.

• Deciding How the Group Will Function
• Personal Goals Worksheet
• Writing Inventory Worksheet
• About My Writing Sample Worksheet
• Group Work Inventory
• Schedule Inventory

Before the first meeting, everyone should read the handouts above and prepare to discuss their answers. They should also share a short writing sample (an excerpt from a paper would be fine). Of course, your group can modify this starter kit by adding other questions you would like each person to answer beforehand or subtracting worksheets that you don’t think will help you.

In your first meeting, your group might start by talking about why each of you wanted to join a writing group (using the Personal Goals sheet), then move on to discussing yourselves as writers (using your Writing Inventory and sharing your writing samples and the “About this Writing Sample” sheets). Finally, you might discuss your preferences for working together (using the Group Work inventory) and figure out a good time and place to meet (using the Schedule Inventory). All of these conversations can help you set some ground rules for your group, which you may want to write down, and will help you get to know one another as writers and group members. You might develop your own writing group “creed” at your first meeting to set the tone for future sessions.

It may be a good idea to close your first meeting by scheduling the next meeting and setting an agenda for it. Groups usually get off to a good start when the first meeting sets most of the ground rules, at least tentatively, and then subsequent meetings get right down to talking about and working on writing. By setting an agenda for the next meeting (who will bring writing, what you will work on, etc.), you can be sure that your group will start helping one another with writing issues almost immediately, and you can all leave the first meeting knowing what you should do between then and the next session.

How to Launch a Writers’ Group: 6 Pieces of Advice

A well-known African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” The same is true for writing.

Six months ago, I had an idea to start a writers' group, a cohort of people banded together by their passion for writing. Three months later, I launched the web presence of the group, The Write Practice.

Since then, I've learned a little more every day about what it takes to start a successful writers' group . It's not easy, but it's worth the effort.

The only good reason you should start a writing group is if you don't already have access to a one. It's far easier to join a group than it is to start one.

However, for the brave and stubborn, here are six pieces of advice about how to launch your very own writers' group.

1. Help people

People join writing groups to get help, so if don't want to help other writers, don't start a group.

How can you help your fellow writers?

My group helps people develop their writing voice , but others might help you build your online platform, network with other writers, or help you deal with rejection.

The possibilities are endless, but the non-negotiable is that you must help people.

2. Have a physical and online presence

From the beginning, I wanted my writing group to be both online and off-line.

The Internet is an amazing way to connect people to each other.  Blogging especially is a great way to meet people. However, it's difficult to build deep and meaningful relationships in a writing group if you only meet online.

As the leader, it's your job to find ways to connect those people in real life. You may find yourself throwing parties, starting book clubs, or even going to writing workshops and conferences.

3. Throw parties

Chuck Palahniuk said, “Use writing as your excuse to throw a party each week — even if you call that party a ‘workshop.'”

I love the idea of a group of people coming together to celebrate their passion.

Once a month, my wife and I host a “writing feast.” We make a bunch of food, invite a bunch of our writer friends over to the house, and have a big party.

We might talk a little about our writing or the books that inspire us, but mostly, we celebrate the gift of writing.

4. Be consistent

Writers, like all creatives, can be terribly inconsistent.

We like to write when we want to write, to get together when we want to. However, to build a group you have to show up consistently.

If you're going to meet in person, meet at the same time every week. If you're going to create an online community, contribute every day or at regular intervals.

Writing groups take a long time to build, and if you don't show up consistently, no one else will.

5. When critiquing, focus on the bright spots

One of the main reasons people join writing groups is to get feedback about their work. However, there is a helpful way and an unhelpful way to do this.

The human mind naturally focuses on flaws. It's in our wiring.

When you critique someone's writing, try to intentionally look for way to praise the person's work (even if you didn't really like all of it). For example, say, “I loved what you did here . You should do that more often.”

It's more helpful when someone tells you to do something more than when they tell you what you're doing is wrong .

6. Beware “Entrepreneur's Depression”

As you are preparing to start your writers' group, you might dream of dozens of writers showing up to your first meeting. You may fantasize droves of hungry writers saying, “We've been waiting for someone to start this for years. Thank you so much! Lead us, oh fearless sage.”

But it doesn't happen like that.

The first time I threw a writing feast, two people showed up. After three months of preparation, my website had received less than 100 visits in the first week.

When you don't get the response you expect, the you may feel betrayed. This is normal . But whatever you do, don't give up. Fight through the disappointment.

If your dream for a writing group is going to become a reality, you will have to keep showing up. You'll have to persevere.

No one is going to start it if you don't.

Would you want to be a part of a writers' group? What would you look for as part of your perfect cohort? Share in the comments .

*Photo credit: Horia Varlan (Creative Commons)

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A Practical Guide to Starting a Group of Your Own

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5 Steps to Starting a Writing Club & Why You Should

by Nicole Bianchi | Sep 16, 2014

If you want to become a successful novelist or painter or musician, it doesn’t happen overnight. Many different factors are necessary including hard work, practice, and dedication. When reading about the lives of several famous writers, I discovered another important ingredient that contributed to their success: a writing club. Having a group of fellow writers who critiqued their work and encouraged them along the way was an essential part of their writing process.

Of course, it isn’t only writers who can form these kinds of clubs. Gathering together several likeminded friends working on similar endeavors to yours could be just the missing ingredient you all need to successfully launch your next big idea or finish a current project. In today’s post, I’ll share why these groups can be so beneficial and five steps you can take to get started forming your own.

Why Start a Writing Club?

The Inklings is undoubtedly one of the most famous writing groups because of two of its founding members: C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. Originally, the two writers and their friends gathered on Thursday evenings at Lewis’s rooms in Magdalen College. Later on, they would also meet for lunch at a local Oxford pub called  The Eagle and Child . The evening sessions tended to be more serious, a time when the writers could discuss the manuscripts that they were working on. The afternoon meetings were more lighthearted and fun.

C. S. Lewis’s brother, Warren, noted, “Properly speaking, the Inklings was neither a club nor a literary society, though it partook of the nature of both. There were no rules, officers, agendas, or formal elections.” It was simply a friendly environment where these serious writers could come together to share ideas, talk about books and any other topics that interested them, and receive feedback on the latest drafts of their novels. In fact, members of The Inklings were the first to hear Tolkien read aloud from a manuscript that would eventually become  The Lord of the Rings .

Warren observed, “We were no mutual admiration society: praise for good work was unstinted, but censure for bad work – or even not-so-good work – was often brutally frank.” By receiving an outside opinion on their work, the writers were able to rewrite passages and develop their story ideas even further. If a story had stalled and they weren’t sure how to continue, the other members could encourage them to keep pressing forward or suggest new plot twists.

Ultimately, the Inklings encouraged each of their members to delve deeper with their writing. Everyone was expected to contribute during the meetings. Everyone was expected to develop as a writer. C. S. Lewis said of his fellow Inklings members, “What I owe to them is incalculable.”

Indeed, having your own club like The Inklings will give you a community and a sense of belonging. You are surrounded by fellow writers who have faced the same struggles as you and can share invaluable advice. Such a club will keep you accountable to write something every week and will provide you with an immediate audience. Your friends will make sure you complete your projects, continue honing your skills, and don’t give up on your dreams.

How to Start Your Own Writing Club

1. Find Friends Who Are Serious About Their Craft

The members are the most important element of a successful club. Everyone should share the same passion for writing. Everyone should be at about the same level. That way, you can all challenge each other.  You do not need to have a large group. Actually, small groups are usually better as it allows more time to critique each other’s writing and give quality feedback. You could even start your writing club with only one other person.

The important thing is to find people who will keep you accountable to your writing goals and who will inspire you with their own determination to follow through on theirs. If you don’t know any friends who share your love of writing, maybe it is because you’ve been keeping your own writing a secret. Start a blog and share your posts with your friends. It is amazing the doors that will open when you start sharing your writing.

2. Decide How You Will Meet: Online or at the Coffee Shop

In today’s internet age, members of your club do not even need to live in the same country. I am a member of a writing club that is set up through a Facebook group and several members of our group live in different states. Your club could choose to have monthly meetings over Google+ or Skype or you could just email each other your stories. Ultimately, when starting your club, you need to decide whether you want to have an exclusive online presence or whether you would prefer meeting in each other’s homes or at the local coffee shop. Sometimes you could even do both. For example, even though my writing club is online, I still like to meet in person with a friend to write and talk about writing.

3. Determine What Your Club Will Be Like

There are countless different ways to organize your club meetings. When I was twelve, I started a club with two other friends, and we would meet to share the writing we had worked on during the week and give each other feedback. In the Facebook group I am a part of now, we do not share our in-progress writing. Rather, the leaders set up writing challenges: for example, a short story challenge with prompts and deadlines. This helps us practice different types of writing and exercise our writing muscle each week.

When I meet with my friend in person, we like to talk about the stories we are working on (sometimes we’ll share our rough drafts), and then we’ll work on some fun writing prompts too. With another friend, we like to just meet, talk about our stories, and then spend time actually working on them. Somehow we are inspired to write when we are in the same room with someone else who is writing. Ultimately, find out what your friends are looking for in a club. Maybe they want to do weekly writing prompts (I’ve compiled a free book with 31 writing prompts that you can download once you join the email list). Maybe your friends are just looking for writing partners who can help critique their work.

4. Keep the Club Lighthearted and Fun

It is also important not to make your writing club too bureaucratic. Though you should be sure to meet consistently and encourage members to keep writing every week, you don’t always need to follow a strict schedule. Your meetings don’t always have to be about critiquing each other’s writing. You can also talk about writing techniques or books you have read or even movie plots (a lot of writers are inspired by movies and TV shows). You could decide to throw a party at the end of the year to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments. Really, the only rule of your club should be to write and to encourage each other.

5. Help Each Other

This is the true mission of the writing club. When critiquing someone’s work, make sure to point out what you do like in the story before pointing out what you think should be changed. Compliments should always come before criticism. Always explain  how the writing can be improved rather than just   saying why it is wrong.

At its heart, the writing club is meant to provide you with a support group. As I wrote in this post , writers often find their best ideas when brainstorming with others. And, as Lewis and Tolkien found, a writing club gives you a tight-knit group of fellow adventurers who are dedicated to ensuring you do your best work and who can share their wisdom along the way.

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How to Start a Creative Writing Group

Last updated on July 14th, 2022 at 08:56 am

This is the first entry in a series I’ll be writing on how to start your own creative writing group/club. Though I focus on creative writing, many of these ideas can be used to start any kind of writing group. Topics will include giving constructive criticism , running a workshop , and writing games / prompts .

There are many advantages to belonging to a writing group. You can get feedback from several people at once and give yourself writing deadlines. It’s a way to steadily improve your writing through criticism and practice. It’s also just a great way to get together with friends and have fun writing.

The first thing you need, obviously, is a group of people who want to improve their writing or hope that a group will force them to write regularly. It doesn’t matter how much experience your members have. If you can find an advisor who has experience teaching or has been published, that’s great. If you’re all newbies, that’s great too. If your group is too large, it might be difficult for everyone to have a chance to talk or contribute work. Your group should be a maximum of 15 people. If you end up with 15 people, you’ll need a knowledgeable leader to keep everyone on track. I would suggest keeping your group between 4 and 8 people.

Here are your next steps:

• When do you meet? Where do you meet? How often do you meet?
• Will your meeting include food? (This is crucial.)
• Will you be critiquing one writer per meeting? Two?
• What is the maximum page number or word count that writers are allowed to submit?
• How much feedback are participants required to give? Should they write a paragraph or only provide margin comments?
• How will you keep in touch and submit work?
• You also want to decide on your group’s exact focus. If only one person if writing poetry, is the group’s feedback going to be useful to them? Are your members writing only for fun, or is everyone hoping to get published? You also might want to choose a genre. Every genre has its own rules and tropes so it might be helpful to only focus on fantasy, romance, etc.
• Decide how your meetings will be organized. I would suggest a minimum of an hour. The first half hour can be something fun like writing prompts or a game. The second half hour can be dedicated to workshopping someone’s work. You could also treat it a bit like a book club. Spend the first half hour on a book you’re reading together. Focus specifically on the writing. For instance, the protagonist is surly and rude. How does the writer make their reader sympathize with them?
• Establish a schedule so everyone has a chance to be workshopped. Make it clear that these are firm deadlines that everyone must meet. Make sure there is space between when writers submit their work and the group meets. Generally, readers need 24 hours, but your group may need more time if everyone is busy.
• Optional: start a small library together. Compile a list of the writing books everyone owns and are willing to let others borrow. Great suggestions include Noah Lukeman’s The First Five Pages and Stephen King’s On Writing.

Every group is different so try out new things, and let me know how it goes! If you already have a writing group, tell me some tips that worked for you. Have I missed anything?

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Hi Erin, if possible would you mind expanding on why it’s crucial to determine if food is involved?

Thanks Kate

Hey Kate! Sure! So, I personally worked with a library teen group, so providing food was a way of keeping their energy up and keeping them engaged. We all know teenagers love food. This also meant I had a fund that I could use to feed them. However, I think this applies to an adult group as well. If you have food, then the group has more staying power, and it can also just be more fun. You can rotate through the members with someone else bringing food each meeting or everyone contributes to a fund that buys food. This won’t work for every group, but it’s definitely worth considering and talking about. I hope that helps!

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Understanding Learning Disabilities: Everything You Need to Know

Teaching poetry to young learners: everything you need to know, reading intervention programs’ effectiveness: everything you need to know, what’s the difference between gtk+ and qt, exclusive air purifier for cat households: wisesky unboxing review, is buying a kindle worth it 4 reasons to buy one, formative assessment: everything you need to know, how to replace a macbook pro battery, writing and differentiated instruction: everything you need to know, improving language proficiency and scientific literacy in learners, how to start a creative writing club.

Are you passionate about writing and looking for a way to connect with like-minded individuals? Starting a creative writing club can be an excellent way to foster creativity, build community, and help writers develop their skills. Follow these simple steps to start your own successful creative writing club.

1. Define your club’s purpose and goals

Before you dive into planning your club, ask yourself what you hope to achieve. Do you want to focus on workshopping pieces, exploring new writing techniques, or simply providing a supportive space for sharing ideas? Setting clear goals and defining your club’s purpose will help keep your meetings consistent and engaging.

2. Determine the club’s size and structure

Consider whether you prefer a small intimate group or a larger gathering with diverse perspectives. Your preferred club size will influence how you promote your club and choose members. Additionally, decide if you want a formal hierarchy with specific roles, or if you’d prefer a more casual setup.

3. Decide on meeting logistics

Select an appropriate meeting location that is accessible and comfortable for all members, such as a local library, community center, or even online via video conferencing platforms. Plan how often the club will meet—weekly, biweekly, or monthly—and how long each meeting will last. Establishing these details early on will make it easier to plan future gatherings.

4. Develop a plan for each meeting

Create an agenda ahead of time that incorporates the club’s purpose and goals. Outline the writing activities, discussions, or critiques that will take place during each meeting. Having clear expectations about what each session will entail helps keep members engaged and on track.

5. Advertise your club

Spread the word about your creative writing club through social media platforms, websites like meetup.com, local community bulletin boards, or in-person networking events. You may also want to contact local libraries or bookstores to advertise your club. Tailor your promotional material to attract the kind of writers you hope to join your group.

6. Screen and select members

While it may be tempting to accept anyone who expresses interest in your club, carefully consider what type and level of writing skills your club is targeting. You may want everyone to have a similar skill level or a diverse range of abilities. Be transparent about what you’re looking for in potential members and communicate with them before inviting them to join.

7. Establish ground rules

Create a set of guidelines that outline the club’s expectations for behavior, critique etiquette, and member participation. Ensure everyone adheres to these rules so that the environment remains supportive, respectful, and productive.

8. Keep members engaged

As your club progresses, seek feedback from members on what they’re enjoying or any areas that need improvement. Incorporate member suggestions into future meetings to keep the club fresh and dynamic. Genuinely listen to the needs of your members and be willing to adapt the structure or goals if needed.

In conclusion, starting a creative writing club takes some planning and effort, but the rewards can be incredibly fulfilling. By following these steps and tailoring them to your specific needs, you’ll create an engaging space where writers can flourish together in their creative endeavors.

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Join the Club: Creative Writing Club Explained

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

What is Creative Writing Club?

Benefits of joining a creative writing club, activities and workshops offered by creative writing clubs, how to find and join a creative writing club, tips for maximizing your experience in a creative writing club, advantages of joining creative writing clubs:, opportunities for publication:, networking and building connections within a creative writing club, frequently asked questions, future outlook.

Our Creative Writing Club is a community of passionate writers who come together to share their love for storytelling and hone their craft. Whether you’re new to writing or a seasoned wordsmith, our club offers a supportive and inspiring environment where you can explore your creativity, develop your writing skills, and connect with fellow writers.

In our club, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Participate in writing exercises and workshops: Join us as we engage in various writing activities designed to stimulate your imagination and develop your writing techniques.
• Receive feedback on your work: Share your writing with other club members and receive constructive feedback to help you improve your storytelling abilities.
• Explore different genres and styles: Be exposed to a wide range of writing styles and genres through our discussions and workshops, allowing you to expand your writing horizons.
• Connect with like-minded individuals: Forge meaningful connections with fellow writers who share your passion for the written word. Exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and support each other on your writing journeys.

Join our Creative Writing Club and unleash your creativity while growing as a writer. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, feedback, or simply the camaraderie of other writers, we welcome you to become a part of our vibrant community.

Introduction to the World of Imagination:

Joining a creative writing club opens up a world of imagination and possibility. It offers a platform for aspiring writers to explore their creativity and develop their writing skills among a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Through engaging workshops, group discussions, and constructive feedback sessions, members can broaden their horizons by stepping into the shoes of various characters, exploring different genres, and experimenting with diverse writing styles. The club serves as a safe space for writers to express themselves freely, fostering a sense of self-discovery and personal growth.

• Creative Inspiration: The creative writing club provides an environment that inspires and motivates its members to pursue their writing ambitions. By regularly interacting with fellow writers and sharing ideas, participants can tap into a wealth of creativity and inspiration. The club’s members often engage in stimulating writing exercises and prompts, sparking new ideas and breaking through writer’s block. This constant flow of creative energy nurtures a fertile ground for imagination to flourish.
• Constructive Feedback: One of the greatest advantages of joining a creative writing club is the opportunity for constructive feedback. By participating in workshops and critique sessions, members can receive valuable insights and suggestions to improve their writing. This feedback is invaluable in identifying strengths and weaknesses, polishing writing skills, and refining one’s literary voice. With the constructive guidance of fellow writers, club members can gain a deeper understanding of the art of storytelling and hone their abilities to captivate readers.

Joining a creative writing club offers an exciting array of activities and workshops that nourish your writing skills and ignite your imagination. Here are some of the captivating opportunities that await you:

• Writing Prompts: Get those creative juices flowing with a myriad of thought-provoking prompts designed to push your boundaries and inspire unique story ideas. From surreal scenarios to character-driven dilemmas, these prompts will challenge you to explore new genres and writing styles.
• Feedback Sessions: Engage in constructive discussions with fellow writers who are enthusiastic about fine-tuning their craft. Share your work-in-progress and receive valuable feedback, allowing you to identify strengths, improve weak points, and develop your unique voice in a supportive environment.
• Guest Speaker Events: Attend exclusive talks by established authors, editors, and literary agents. Gain insight into their writing processes, listen to captivating anecdotes from their career journeys, and learn valuable tips and tricks to enhance your own craft. These events offer a unique opportunity to interact with industry professionals and expand your network within the literary world.

But that’s not all! Creative writing clubs provide a platform for various enriching workshops that cover a range of topics, such as:

• Character Development: Learn techniques to create compelling and well-rounded characters that resonate with your readers.
• Plot Structure: Explore different plot structures and discover how to add suspense, build tension, and craft captivating story arcs.
• Worldbuilding: Dive into the intricacies of building fictional worlds, from designing unique settings to establishing believable rules and cultures.
• Editing and Revision: Acquire essential skills for revising and polishing your work, ensuring your writing shines before it reaches an audience.

By immersing yourself in these activities and workshops, creative writing clubs provide an inspiring community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for storytelling. Joining a club today will not only improve your writing skills but also offer a supportive space to nurture your creativity and connect with fellow writers on your journey toward literary success.

Joining a creative writing club can be a fantastic way to connect with like-minded individuals, improve your writing skills, and get valuable feedback on your work. If you’re wondering how to find and join the perfect club for you, here are a few tips:

1. Research Online: Start by doing a quick search on the internet to find creative writing clubs in your area. Look for clubs that align with your interests and goals. Check out their websites or social media pages to get an idea of their activities and the type of writing they focus on.

2. Local Libraries and Bookstores: Visit your local library or bookstore and ask if they have any creative writing clubs or if they can recommend any in the area. These establishments often have community bulletin boards where clubs advertise their meetings or workshops, so keep an eye out for any notices.

3. Online Writing Communities: Don’t limit yourself to physical clubs! There is a wealth of online writing communities where you can connect with writers from all around the world. Platforms like Meetup, Goodreads, and Reddit have dedicated spaces for writers to share their work, give feedback, and even arrange virtual meetups or workshops.

4. Attend Open Mic Nights: Open mic nights are not only a great way to showcase your own writing talent, but they can also be an opportunity to meet other writers and learn about local creative writing clubs. Strike up conversations with fellow writers during these events, and you might find yourself on the path to discovering the perfect club to join.

Ready to dive into the world of creative writing? Joining a creative writing club is one of the best ways to sharpen your skills and connect with fellow writers who share your passion. To ensure you make the most out of your experience, here are some invaluable tips to keep in mind:

• Embrace diversity: One of the most exciting aspects of a creative writing club is the diversity of writing styles, genres, and perspectives. Embrace this diversity! Engage in discussions and workshops with an open mind, appreciating the unique approaches of your fellow writers. This exposure will not only broaden your own writing horizons but also foster a supportive and inclusive community within the club.
• Consistency is key: To truly maximize your experience in a creative writing club, consistency is crucial. Attend meetings regularly and actively participate in writing exercises, critiques, and group discussions. Consistency not only helps you stay accountable in your writing journey but also allows you to build strong connections with other club members. Remember, the more you invest in the club, the more you’ll benefit from the invaluable insights, feedback, and inspiration that your fellow writers can offer.

Exploring Opportunities for Publication through Creative Writing Clubs

Joining a creative writing club can be a fantastic way to unlock opportunities for publication and share your written work with a wider audience. In these clubs, you’ll find a supportive community of fellow writers who understand the struggles and joys of the creative process. Together, you can cultivate your skills, gain valuable feedback, and discover a variety of avenues for showcasing your talent.

One invaluable benefit of creative writing clubs is the opportunity to participate in writing competitions and literary magazines. Many clubs organize regular contests, providing you with a chance to submit your work and potentially win recognition for your creativity. Additionally, these clubs often collaborate with schools, local organizations, and literary publications, increasing your exposure and facilitating potential publication. By participating in these activities, you not only enhance your writing abilities but also establish connections within the writing community.

• Gain inspiration and motivation from like-minded writers
• Receive constructive feedback to improve your writing skills
• Expand your network by connecting with professionals in the literary field
• Participate in writing workshops and learn new techniques
• Access valuable resources and recommendations for editors and agents
• Submit your writing to contests organized by the club
• Showcase your work in club-sponsored literary magazines
• Collaborate with local organizations and schools for publishing opportunities
• Connect with established literary publications through club affiliations
• Explore self-publishing options with the support and guidance of fellow club members

Being a part of a creative writing club not only allows you to explore your writing skills, but it also provides an exciting opportunity to network and build connections with like-minded individuals. Building connections within the club can open up doors to new perspectives, collaborations, and even potential publishing opportunities. Here are some ways you can network and build connections within the creative writing club:

• Participate in club events and activities: Attending club events like writing workshops, open mic nights, or book discussions is a fantastic way to interact with fellow writers and exchange ideas. Engage in conversations, actively participate, and be open to receiving feedback on your work. These events provide the perfect platform to connect with writers who share your passion.
• Form writing critique groups: Establishing a writing critique group within the club can be highly beneficial. This allows you to regularly share your work with a smaller, dedicated group of writers who can provide valuable feedback and help you improve your writing skills. By actively engaging in critique sessions, you not only strengthen your bonds with other writers but also enhance your own writing abilities.
• Utilize online platforms: Many creative writing clubs have online platforms or social media groups where members can connect and interact outside of physical meetings. Take advantage of these platforms to share your work, provide feedback to others, initiate discussions, and seek advice. The online space provides a conducive environment for networking and building connections with writers beyond the boundaries of the physical club.

In conclusion, can significantly enrich your writing journey. By actively participating in club events, forming writing critique groups, and utilizing online platforms, you can foster meaningful relationships with fellow writers, gain valuable insights, and open doors to exciting writing opportunities.

Q: What is a creative writing club? A: A creative writing club is a group of individuals who share a passion for writing and come together to foster creativity, hone their writing skills, and receive feedback on their work.

Q: Why should I join a creative writing club? A: Joining a creative writing club can be a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow writers, gain inspiration, and receive constructive criticism on your writing. It provides a supportive community that can help you grow and improve as a writer.

Q: How does a creative writing club work? A: The structure of creative writing clubs can vary, but most typically include regular meetings where members share their writing and receive feedback. Some clubs may also host workshops, writing exercises, guest speakers, or even organize writing competitions or publishing opportunities.

Q: Do I need to have previous writing experience to join a creative writing club? A: Absolutely not! Creative writing clubs welcome writers of all levels, from beginners to experienced authors. The focus is on nurturing creativity and providing a space where writers can develop their skills, regardless of their experience level.

Q: Can joining a creative writing club improve my writing skills? A: Yes, joining a creative writing club can significantly enhance your writing skills. Through regular feedback and critique sessions, you’ll receive valuable input from fellow writers, helping you to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. The exposure to different writing styles and techniques shared by club members can also inspire and enhance your own writing.

Q: How can I find a creative writing club to join? A: There are several ways to find a creative writing club. You can check with your local community centers, libraries, or universities, as they often host such clubs. Alternatively, online platforms and forums dedicated to writing can provide information about virtual writing clubs where you can participate from anywhere.

Q: What are the benefits of joining a creative writing club? A: Joining a creative writing club offers numerous benefits. Apart from receiving valuable feedback on your work, you’ll find a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for writing. This sense of camaraderie can boost your motivation and provide a platform for networking and collaboration with fellow writers.

Q: Is it necessary to share my writing with others in a creative writing club? A: Sharing your writing with others is typically encouraged in a creative writing club but is not mandatory. Many clubs provide a safe and nurturing environment where you can share your work and receive valuable feedback. However, if you prefer to simply absorb the discussions and critique of others without sharing your own writing, that is usually respected as well.

Q: Can I join multiple creative writing clubs? A: Yes, you can join multiple creative writing clubs if you wish. This can provide you with a wider range of perspectives and feedback to help improve your writing. However, do keep in mind that joining too many clubs might divide your time and attention, so find the balance that works best for you.

Q: What is the most important thing to remember when joining a creative writing club? A: The most important thing to remember when joining a creative writing club is to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow. Be respectful towards your fellow club members, embrace constructive criticism, and actively participate in discussions and activities. This will help you make the most of your experience and nurture your growth as a writer.

In conclusion, joining a creative writing club offers a supportive community, valuable feedback, and endless opportunities for growth as a writer. Explore your creativity and meet like-minded individuals today!

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How to Start a Creative Writing Club for Kids

I pitched the idea to a friend of mine, a professor of creative writing, who very graciously shared with me exercises she does with her grad students. It took some work but I brought them down to a level I thought would work with 4 th -6 th graders.

Next I had to get buy in from the school principal to run an after school club and use the library. She loved the idea but reminded me I needed a ‘baby sitter’ because I’m not a credentialed teacher. The librarian agreed to keep me on the straight and narrow and I promised to keep his library in good working order.

From there, I got myself invited to a PTA meeting to see if they would throw me some funds to run the club. Really all I wanted were notebooks, pencils and a few other little things here and there to help with the writing exercises. They said yes and I was off.

We meet once a month for an hour. We have two rules for Writing Club. The first is we are respectful of everyone’s ideas; if a fellow student is reading his/her work aloud, we are quiet and listen closely. The second is no one has to read if they don’t want to. No pressure. I also give away middle grade books I’m done reading. Winners beam like they’ve just won the lottery.

September’s giveaway books

At our first meeting this year fifty students showed up! I ran out of everything – notebooks, pencils, seats, table space – but seeing these kids, scribbling away, giving voice to the stories in their heads, gave me hope for the future.

(for specifics on the writing exercises, please visit my website )

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This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing.

50!!! Wow! That gives me hope for the future, too. I am so crazy busy this year but would love to do host a NaNoWriMo group for our middle school students. Maybe I should do it a different time of year and follow your lead. Thanks for the inspiration!

Absolutely love your idea and your website describing how you present the writing program. If I were a kid again, I would run to get to the head of line for your program. Thank you for teaching.

• Interview & Giveaway with Amie Darnell Specht & Shannon Hitchcock! February 7, 2024 by Mindy Alyse Weiss Welcome to the Mixed-Up Files, Amie and Shannon. We’re thrilled to have you here. Congrats on the launch of Dancing in the Storm. It’s so inspiring and powerful. I had... Read more →

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From the Mixed-Up Files is the group blog of middle-grade authors celebrating books for middle-grade readers. For anyone with a passion for children’s literature—teachers, librarians, parents, kids, writers, industry professionals— we offer regularly updated book lists organized by unique categories, author interviews, market news, and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a children's book from writing to publishing to promoting.

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How to start a writing group

Need some writer friends in your corner? Looking for feedback on your creative output? Setting up your own writing group could be the answer.

Last updated: 21 May 2021

If you’re a writer who’s looking for a little companionship, encouragement, feedback and advice, then a writing group might be just what you need. But what do you do if you can’t find a crit or writers' group in your area? Or when you’ve pitched up to a few local groups and found that none of them match your style? Well, start one of your own, of course. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you dive in.

Decide the kind of group you want to be

Writing groups come in a lot of different guises. Some put the focus on encouragement and meet regularly to discuss their writing in a general sense. Others are concerned with providing detailed feedback, so they ask for one or two writing submissions ahead of meetings so that members can read and compile notes. Some ask every single member of the group to submit writing every time and dedicate a short window of time to each at every meeting.

All can be very useful, but before starting your group, ask yourself honestly what stage you’re at in your career and what type of environment will best suit your personality.

Advertise widely (but specifically)

To spread the word about your fledgling group, you might want to write a nice post to share in a variety of local Facebook groups (be sure to mark it public). You might also create posters and fliers to leave in local cafes, libraries and community spaces. Or you can put together an email with all of the important details and send it to any University or Colleges with creative writing departments as well as local arts organisations like Creative Scotland (this link will open in a new window) .

It’s totally fine to have a writing group that welcomes all sorts of writing but if you have a real passion (or aversion) for any particular genre or form, be sure to make that clear in any adverts or call outs you do. Be specific about your skill level and look for members who’re likely to be on the same page. Likewise, be open about the kind of atmosphere you’re hoping to create – people will want to know what’s expected from them commitment-wise as well as the sort of reception that might be waiting for them when they turn up for their first meeting.

Find a good venue

This step might take a little experimentation to get right. You might want to host in your own home or create a hosting schedule. Be aware that this can become quite time intensive and might not be something all members are comfortable with.

Cafes can be a great pick if you’re meeting during the day, especially if they have nice cake and you choose a quiet time. Pubs are also an excellent call but you will need to think about things like distracting music or busy periods. Ask around for places with unused, small back or function rooms. Some pubs might be willing to let you use these without charge as long as you agree to buy a drink or two each.

Be prepared to take the lead

If you’re the person who came up the idea of a writing group and you’re the one organising things over email, then there’s a good chance people will be looking to you to take the lead in person too. For example, getting the meeting started or finished on time or saying when it’s time to move on to the next piece of writing.

If that’s something you might find difficult, see if you can recruit a confident member of the group to be the spokesperson, even if you still do lots of behind-the-scenes work.

Lay out the rules/your expectations clearly

Once you have an idea of the kind of group you want – whether it’s one very focused on feedback or one more about sharing experiences – you need to find a way to make your expectations clear. Your format may change and adapt over time, but it’s good to have a clear idea of what you want out of sessions.

When new members join your group, send them a little introductory email with a few details about the kind of feedback people are looking for and the rough format your meetings will follow.

Lastly, enjoy yourself and look forward to making lots of new writing friends.

Author Lynsey May

As well as spending two days a week as part of the Writing Communities team, Lynsey May is a freelance writer and online content creator. She's written copy for major brands and arts charities, won prizes for her fiction and spent too much time reading. Her first novel, Weak Teeth, was published by Polygon in 2023.

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Creative writing – How to nurture your young authors

Get pupils into the scribbling spirit with these ideas for the classroom and after-school clubs…

Get children excited about creative writing and use it to get to know your students better with this advice from teachers and education experts…

Use creative writing to get to know your pupils

How to run your own creative writing club, creative writing year 6 project.

Want to learn more about your class? Just let them write, says teacher Simon Hunt…

It’s remarkable what you can discover as a teacher when children have the freedom to express themselves in their writing.

At the beginning of term, I use creative writing to understand where a child is academically and to help me get to know all the children in my class.  

Why not just give them a test, you ask? Well, you can learn a surprising amount about a child from a piece of their creative writing. 

Interests and passions 

The choice of topics and themes in their writing can unveil children’s interests and passions, which is an incredibly valuable thing to know. Whether it’s street dance, football or dogs, you can use this knowledge to help spark their interest in maths, science, or any other subject by tailoring examples to suit them. 

Emotional expression 

Creative writing also provides an avenue for children to express their emotions and thoughts, which will allow you to understand more about their feelings and concerns. It can unveil a child’s depth of insight and emotional intelligence that they may be hesitant to express verbally. This will really help you choose the right support for them through the school year. 

Confidence and oracy 

Reading aloud is an important part of writing stories, as it gives children the opportunity to practise their oracy skills: pitch, tone, and intonation. And, vitally, hearing them read out loud will allow you to baseline their reading fluency. Presenting their writing to an audience can be very intimidating though, so should be handled sensitively. 

Some children naturally have quieter voices and may avoid volunteering to read aloud, as they are aware that not everyone can hear them. In class, we have a pass-around microphone that children use when reading.

The microphone is connected to a speaker, meaning that everyone can hear them. The simple act of holding the microphone can significantly impact a child’s focus when reading aloud – often serving as a sort of comfort blanket, boosting their confidence.

Ultimately, the important thing to note is that stories are meant to be read and heard, and anything we can do to encourage that nurtures children’s literary and communication skills. 

Imagination and creativity 

Creative writing reveals a child’s imaginative abilities, giving insights into their capacity for original thinking and storytelling. It can be surprising to see the children that excel at this and can help to highlight an aspect of a child’s personality that might otherwise not have come to light until later in the term. 

How to make it work 

If we want children to be excited about creative writing, we have to be too, so think about how you introduce the lesson. 

I often begin by telling my new class about how I felt about writing as a child. I loved reading books, but I struggled at school with spelling and grammar (in fact I still do).

Sharing how creative writing helped me overcome my fear of writing allows me to explain how I realised that what was important was the imagination and creativity I could bring to my story. 

As a published children’s author, I show them the books I’ve written and connect them back to what I learnt at school. I hope this helps them to overcome their worries about spelling and grammar – I’ve found post pandemic that more children feel anxious about ‘getting things wrong’.

Of course SPAG is still incredibly important but in creative writing I really want them to tell me a good story. 

There are so many ways to understand the children in your class and what makes them tick and, as teachers, we’re attuned to gathering this information from day one. However, I think creative writing is one of the best because it gives us the basics but also tells us so much more about the child. 

Simon Hunt is a Year 3 & 4 teacher at an inclusive school in Greater Manchester and education consultant for 500 Words 2023, the UK’s most successful children’s story writing competition hosted on BBC Teach. He also advises on 500 Words Live Lesson, which you can  watch online .

Would you rather fly, or be invisible? Explore endless impossibilities and get pupils into the scribbling spirit with these ideas…

If you could wish for one thing, knowing that it would definitely come true, what would it be? A million pounds? To fly? Talk to animals? Live in a tree house? Travel the world at the click of a finger?

I’ve asked this question hundreds of times to thousands of pupils, and their answers are always imaginative, normally well thought-out, and quite often, impossible . 

I then follow it up with the question, “What if you could experience that thing right here, right now?” Cue eyes widening, ears pricking and backs straightening. “All you need is… a pencil.” 

Creative writing club

Before becoming an author, I ran creative writing clubs in 30 schools a week for almost a decade. I hired over 100 tutors, won some awards, teamed up with publishers to arrange author events, and even had requests from teachers in Europe, Dubai and Australia asking to launch a club in their schools.

There were long waiting lists in almost every setting, and teachers, parents and librarians would ask on a weekly basis, “How have you turned that reluctant reader/writer into someone that actually wants to do more writing after school?”   

Just another writer

The secret? First and foremost, I planned workshops that were FUN. I knew if I enjoyed running them, pupils would enjoy taking part.

I was just another writer in the room who talked about the books I was reading, collaborated on ideas, and asked for feedback on stories in the same way they asked me.

At this point I wasn’t a published author – just someone that loved to invent characters and write about fantastical, magical worlds.

I wrote alongside the students, making mistakes, scribbling over anything I didn’t like, and asking for help whenever I got stuck.

Everyone knew this was just ‘rough’ work. There was no pressure. No marking. No tests. And we didn’t have to share our ideas if we didn’t want to.

Jumping-off points

I genuinely looked forward to every single workshop I ran, and I know the students felt the same when they came racing into the classroom and didn’t want to leave at the end (yes, even the ones who ‘hated’ writing to begin with!).  

Of course, I couldn’t rely on pupils simply coming up with new ideas each week for enjoyment. I had to provide them with inspiration, jumping-off points, and exciting writing hooks, too.

For this, I turned to the experts – children’s authors. I chose five ‘Authors of the Term’ that I knew would enthuse and inspire the students, and designed workshops around their books.

This was always a fun part of the process – I looked for books that had wide appeal, simple concepts, and an excitable element that made my inner child say ‘ oooh!’.  Here are a few examples . . . 

Writing for pleasure

I used Abi Elphinstone’s Rumblestar to write fast-paced adventure stories. We plotted our adventures on maps, devised the main action in ‘cloud planners’, and focused on exciting ‘world-crossing moments’ to start our stories.

At Halloween, I chose books like Guy Bass’ Stitch Head and Joseph Coelho’s Zombierella , and ended each workshop with a spooky storytelling session where we turned off the lights, closed the blinds, and sat on the floor as if we were gathered around a campfire!  

The most successful workshops were the simplest. I used L.D. Lapinski’s Strangeworlds series and copied what happened to the protagonist when she jumped inside a suitcase and travelled to another world.

Pupils planned their new setting, focused on the five senses, and described the first thing they noticed when they arrived.

Their stories were thrilling, fast-paced, hugely descriptive, and completely individual, because they had the freedom to take their ideas in any direction they chose. 

I normally scheduled two sessions around each book – the first session involved planning and starting stories (or poems / diary entries / letters, etc), and the second session involved extending, improving, or continuing them.

I also added one ‘paint a picture’ session (using images for inspiration) and ‘free writing’ at the end of each term to give pupils a chance to finish their favourite piece of work.   

Remember, if you want to boost writing for pleasure, pupils should know that they can write about anything. Nothing is off limits, impossible or ‘wrong’.

And if you’re not sure how to start your first session, why not ask your pupils that if there was one thing they could wish for, knowing that it would definitely come true… what would it be?

Creative writing activities

1) distraction.

Beware: pupils love this game so much, they might ask to play it every week! The idea is simple. Children write for 10 minutes, in silence, and if they speak / laugh / stop writing for an extended period of time, they get a ‘strike’.

If a table gets three strikes, they risk not being allowed to read their work out. The twist? It’s your job to distract them!

Shake tables and shout ‘EARTHQUAAAAKE!’, steal their pens, use rulers as drumsticks, play songs they’ll want to sing along to, bust out the YMCA and get caught by a bemused headteacher.

Between the giggling and dancing in their seats, pupils will write so much in these 10 minutes, and it’s a great way to get them writing without overthinking.

2) Where am I?

Give students a setting (e.g. a library / the moon / horse stables / a rocket ship) and challenge them to describe it without saying where it is.

They should focus on the five senses. They must give at least three clues before the class can guess where it is, and the person who guesses correctly gets the next go.

The winner is the person who gets the most correct answers or the person that comes up with your favourite description.

3) Five-minute challenge

Tell pupils that most adults can write two lines in one minute, and then challenge them to write 10 lines in five!

Give constant time reminders, walk around the room shouting out ideas or words of encouragement, and watch their competitiveness soar.

This is a great game to play if, like me, you spend most of the lesson talking about books and story ideas, and realise there’s not much writing time left!

4) One-word game

This game is a great way to warm up imaginations at the start of a workshop. Ask pupils to stand behind their chairs and give them an opening line such as, ‘I was walking through the haunted castle when . . .’.

Walk (actually, it’s more of a run) around the room, pointing at each pupil in turn, and asking them to add one word to the story.

It must make sense and they have three seconds to answer. If they can’t think of a word, if it doesn’t make sense, or if they take too long, they are out and must sit down.

The winner is the last person standing. Note: when they get really good, try introducing a one-second hesitation rule – it’s hilarious!

5) What’s your problem?

Remind students that every story needs a problem to make it exciting.

Then ask them to stand behind their chairs and each give one problem like, ‘aliens invaded Earth’ or ‘I broke a fingernail’.

Problems can be big or small, but they must give an answer in three seconds, and they can’t repeat anything that’s already been said. The winner is the last person standing. 

Mel Taylor-Bessent is the author of The Christmas Carrolls and the director of the award-winning educational website, Authorfy . See more of Mel’s work at meltaylorbessent.com . Browse more creative writing prompts .

Combine twisting tongues and paperback publishing to produce an exciting writing project that allows pupils to make their very own book …

Have you ever tried to get your class excited about a writing exercise, only for them to pipe up with “But what’s the point?”.

We’ve all been there, and it can be incredibly frustrating when you don’t have an answer lined up.  

Well, with this project, the outcome is both evident and impressive!

As part of a workshop, we decided to show children the amazing process of publishing, while adding in some humour, and – of course – essential literacy skills…  

We visited Helen and her Y6 class for a morning, and explained to the children that we would do some writing that would lead to the publication of their very own paperback book.

We’d act as their agents, editors and publisher; they would have full control over all other aspects of the process.   

The class settled on tongue twisters as our subject, and began by inviting children to try out some old favourites.

After much twisting of tongues and accompanying laughter, we showed the children probably the best-known English example: the one featuring Peter Piper. Most knew the first line but didn’t know there were three more: 

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled pepper.  

A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked.  

If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,  

Where’s the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?   

We challenged the class to compose 26 brand-new twisters, each following the  alliteration  pattern of that original but finding their own vocabulary.  

Dictionary skills

Helen organised the class into pairs or threes, and each group was given two letters of the alphabet to work on, ensuring no group got two of the trickier letters.

Armed with dictionaries, the children got to work, and by breaktime had produced some impressively inventive twisters.

Here’s an example, cleverly coping with one particularly difficult letter: 

Xavier Xmas x-rayed an extra-terrestrial xylophone.  

An extra-terrestrial xylophone Xavier Xmas x-rayed.  

If Xavier Xmas x-rayed an extra-terrestrial xylophone,  

Where’s the extra-terrestrial xylophone Xavier Xmas x-rayed?  

Although writing was the focus of the project, there were clear opportunities throughout for lots of worthwhile speaking and listening, too.

The pupils engaged in planning their tongue-twisters, and shared drafts in small groups.

Next, the groups came together to swap ideas and ask for opinions, and, finally, children read aloud their contributions and again asked for feedback.

Reading comprehension KS2

As the children worked, they giggled a lot, but the seriousness and concentration they brought to the task was impressive throughout.

The talk was easily focused, because, in  National Curriculum  terms, pupils were ‘discussing writing similar to that which they [were] planning to write’.

There was also a clear need for writers to read the original text very carefully, which was built into their discussion and planning for their own verses.

This focus was nicely balanced by the eager and sustained use of dictionaries and the need for creativity in their word-hunting, showing their ‘enjoyment and understanding of language, especially vocabulary’. 

Throughout, the process was always collaborative; writers understood they were working towards a shared, larger whole, and to tight deadlines, with a clear need for some ‘speedy writing’!

Once drafts were complete, all the children had to do some editing, and lots of proofreading. 

Paperback publishing

After breaktime, we explained that once we were gone, they, the writers, would be in charge. All 26 twisters must be typed up and emailed to us by the end of the week. For the book, they must write a blurb and an introduction, and choose a title.

We explained how easy and low-cost it is to self-publish; the only cost came with the ordering of actual copies and so they must settle on a price per copy and crucially decide how many they would like to order (sneaking in a bit of economics!).

The children listened with real attention to all this and asked a good number of questions after, showing a remarkably mature commitment to the task.   

Helen reported that the children very much liked the novel approach to writing.

They enjoyed their shared creativity and loved being entrepreneurs, relishing the involvement and control they had over the tasks, the decision-making, and the purpose.

For that short time, they had turned their classroom into a genuine publishing house and experienced purposeful writing for a real-world outcome – we won’t soon forget the looks on their faces when they saw their books for the first time.  

David Horner was a writer-in-schools for over twenty years. Mike Jackson is a former primary school headteacher. 

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• Articles / Writing

Starting a Writing Club Outside the Classsroom

by MiddleWeb · Published 10/10/2023 · Updated 10/16/2023

By Sharon D. Ratliff

A extracurricular writing club can be a safe space for students to escape the world, express true feelings, and embrace creative ideas.

So how do we as teachers facilitate a safe space? Although my curriculum allows students to write, I realized that students wanted an opportunity to write outside the walls of the classroom and connect with other friends beyond their designated English period.

So I decided to start a writing club in our middle school that would exist beyond curriculum boundaries and provide a comfortable, social experience for all writers.

Three years into the experiment, here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way. I hope these suggestions will help you establish your own campus writing club.

Establish a time and common place to meet .

Meeting in a common area encourages multiple grade levels to participate and avoids the stigma that the writing club is for a certain type or age of student. Our club meets 3 times a month in the library from 8:00 till 8:45. Membership is flexible; any student may join the club at any time. Attendance varies from 30 students to 10 students.

Our most important ‘rule’

Using an open platform, students created the rules for writing clubs. Specifically, I wrote down what they thought a writing club should look like, and we discussed their suggestions. One of the first “rules” the students established in the writing club: there are no “rules” or limitations on what you write! In our club, writing is a haven from the constant barrage of what thumps us in the outside world.

Let the students name the writing club and establish a “purpose.”

While there are no “rules of writing club,” students came up with the following purpose: to freely express ourselves in any genre we select, use words to encourage others, receive feedback from peers on personal writing, and participate (if you want to) in various writing contests.

Writing club embraces both handwriting and using technology to write. Without a doubt, it is essential for students to name the club in order for them to establish ownership. To facilitate this process, at the beginning of each year students brainstorm one week and the following week vote on what the club will be called. For the past two years we have been “Ink and Fable.”

Build a community .

Using icebreakers, giving out free “journals” (colorful composition books) along with pens, providing publishing opportunities, and serving occasional celebration snacks all help build a community. To see some ways I use writing activators to build community click here. For example, students might watch this peaceful scene of waves washing up on shore and respond to a prompt:

Use your learning management system (LMS) and give students access.

I created a course on our district LMS-Canvas (you might choose another space). The course is used for students to post their writing and gather inspiration from the group. I also use the LMS to inform the members about upcoming opportunities to compete in writing contests. Numerous contests abound; here is a WE ARE TEACHERS resource by Sean Hogan that I use to find writing contests.

Establish a light agenda for meeting.

Students thrive on routine. If students know the basic format, their energy can be funneled into creation instead of guessing what we are going to do. The agenda consists of an activator which may include an attention-getting nature picture, a 3-2-1 exercise, a cartoon, a video, or an introduction to a contest.

After the warmup students springboard to work on any type of writing they choose. Sometimes, I encourage students to group themselves according to the genre they are working on.

All levels of writers welcome

Writing club is an eclectic group. Some students come to just write haikus or journal, some to write rap, and some come seeking specific feedback for a writing contest piece. We’ve also had some students come just to get feedback about their English essay!

Words of encouragement

Our writing club had some stationery donated. We have used this to write notes of encouragement to custodians, counselors, or other “unseen” yet important employees in the school. Since there are no rules of writing club, this is not a requirement. Yet students love to participate, and this is where they begin to learn how much their words matter.

Advice Column

One of our activators consisted of students responding to an old newspaper column from a teen seeking advice. We then compared the club members’ responses to the actual advice published. Some club members then asked if they could write an advice column for our school.

Yes! Club members then created a QR code from a Google Form for all students on our campus to anonymously submit problems to the writing club. A group of students from the writing club might then select a question/problem and draft an answer. I then proofread the answer for content, and the writing club students alternate on who will record the answer for playback during the school announcements.

Make this idea your own

I hope these tips and tricks help any ELA teacher interested in starting a writing club. Just remember – there are no rules; the writing police will not appear at your school door, just students who want to connect and create. While kids struggle with self-image, peer relationships, and communication, ink and paper have no judgment.

After all, their words matter!

Sharon Ratliff  (@sharondratliff) recently shifted from 7th grade ELA teacher to middle school gifted and talented facilitator in Katy, Texas. Before stepping into the mysterious land of middle school, Sharon taught upper elementary in Texas, Florida, and with the Department of Defense.

Over the past 20 years, Sharon has mentored young teachers, hoping to pass along a love for educating young minds. She enjoys working with all students, developing curricula that emphasizes critical thinking and discovering reading and writing techniques that empower students in real-life applications. See Sharon’s other MiddleWeb articles here .

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Tags: advice column community creative writing SEL Sharon D. Ratliff Sharon Ratliff student led writing club writing contests

MiddleWeb is all about the middle grades, with great 4-8 resources, book reviews, and guest posts by educators who support the success of young adolescents. And be sure to subscribe to MiddleWeb SmartBrief for the latest middle grades news & commentary from around the USA.

4 Responses

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Sharon, this is wonderful. I wish I had had such a club as a middle schooler myself. Your tips are very helpful — the way that you create structures around what is a very open space. I think that balance is key for our age group (I teach 8th grade).

I’ve just written a book – Who Gets To Write Fiction: Opening Doors to Imaginative Writing for All Students — about creative writing and how it can and should be a central part of ELA and our study of literature. The book is more focused on integrating imaginative writing regularly into our regular class work. However, there are always a number of my 8th grade students who really take to fiction and/or poetry writing and want to continue.

My colleague in the HS has started a creative writing club and many of my now former students have joined. I will share your article with him. But I’ll also considering starting a MS club after school. A space for those who are called beyond the classroom and school day to write is important.

Ariel, Thank you for the positive feedback. I’m excited about your book and will check it out! If you start a writing club at your school, maybe we can Zoom sometime and just exchange ideas… My former students started a creative writing club at their high school and published their first anthology last year. It is amazing. These kids crave a space to write beyond the lines…

Thank you Sharon Ratliff for a thought provoking article. I am a retired teacher, but I still look for activities in which I can become involved. I was an elementary schoolteacher in my early teaching but spent 26 rears in middle school math along with 10 years of middle school language arts. I get involved with church and community education activities when they are available.

Glendora, I am sure you are a WEALTH of knowledge! Retired teachers are treasures! I hope you will continue to be involved with your church and community education opportunities–maybe there could be a writing club opportunity there? If your church does any type of Thanksgiving baskets, gift gathering, or shoe boxes students could write notes of encouragement, experiment with poetry, or compose post-it positives. Thank you for reading my article :).

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More From Forbes

A writing room: the new marketplace of writer classes, retreats, and collectives.

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A Writing Room is one of the fast-growing writer collectives. The four co-founders (left to right): ... [+] Reese Zecchin, Director of Production; Jacob Nordby, Director of Writer Development; A. Ashe, Creative Director; Claire Giovino, Community Director.

The past decade has brought an explosion in the number of books published each year in the United States (an estimated three to four million annually). In turn, this explosion is bringing a growing and evolving marketplace of writer classes, retreats and collectives. It is a marketplace creating new jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities—both for mainstream tech, marketing and managerial workers, as well as for writer/artist denizens of America’s bohemia.

The Drivers of Growth in Book Publishing

The number of book sales in the United States remains healthy, though it has leveled off in the past four years. In 2020, 756.82 million book unit sales were made in the US alone. This number climbed to 837.66 million in 2021, before falling slightly to 787.65 million units in 2022 and 767.36 million units in 2023.

What has changed dramatically has been the number of books published. Steve Piersanti of Berrett-Koehler Publishers estimates that three million books were published in the US, up 10 times from the number only 16 years ago . Other estimates put the number of published books annually at closer to four million .

The main driver of this growth in books published has been self-publishing. According to Bowker , which provides tools for self-publishing, an estimated 2.3 million books were self-published in 2021. Up through the 1990s (now the distant past in publishing), writers of all types of books, fiction and nonfiction, were dependent on convincing publishing houses to publish their work. As the technology for self-publishing and print on demand grew in the early 2000s, writers could publish on their own, and a very large number of Americans began to do so.

Fueling growth also is the level of affluence and discretionary income that an increasing segment of American society is reaching. For centuries, theorists across the political spectrum have envisioned a society, freed from basic economic needs, pursuing creative activities, with writing as a primary activity. In The German Ideology , Karl Marx could write about the economy of abundance in which individuals pursue writing as one of a series of daily activities—hunt in the morning, fish in the afternoon, write criticism in the evening. John Maynard Keynes in a 1930 essay, “ Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren” , envisions a time a hundred years forward (2030) in which writing is no longer the province of the upper classes. Contemporary theorists on the future of work, such as John Tamny, similarly see a blooming of creative and artistic activities by the average citizen.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, a writing room, and the emerging marketplace of writer training.

A marketplace of writing coaches, classes and retreats expanded throughout the late twentieth century and first years of the twentieth century. Published authors and even recently-minted graduates of MFA programs hung out shingles for individual coaching and small classes. Colleges expanded their writing programs and certifications, and writer retreats multiplied. Co-working and literary event spaces were established in major cities ( The Writers Room in New York, The Writers Grotto in San Francisco). But the marketplace continued to bump up against geographic and logistical limitations.

Then, along the came the internet, and its evolution.

Today, hundreds of businesses throughout the country offer assistance to aspiring writers. Many continue to offer some in-person assistance through coaching, classes or retreats. But as in other fields, the internet has allowed for a nationwide (worldwide) reach that these businesses are taking advantage of to scale. The major pre-internet writer assistance companies, such as The Writers Studio , added online courses and instruction, and the early internet-based companies from the 1990s, such as Writers.com (a pioneer in the internet field), steadily expanded their offerings. New enterprises are springing up on a regular basis, including the writer collectives.

A Writing Room is one of the fastest growing of the writer collectives, and its suite of services illustrate the how the field is evolving.

A Writing Room has its roots in the writing classes that novelist Anne Lamott had been teaching for some years, and her interest by the early 2020s in creating a larger on-going community of writers. Lamott connected with a team of four entrepreneurs who had experience with previous start-ups and expertise in online tools. In early 2023 they set out to develop A Writing Room.

Novelist Anne Lamott, one of the partners in A Writing Room.

A Writing Room launched in June 2023, and followed a few months later with an inaugural writers retreat in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Though hastily arranged, the retreat attracted more than 400 in person attendees and over 1600 attendees online. In the first half of 2024, the company set up a membership structure of monthly and annual memberships. Within months, over 550 writers had joined.

The products that members can access are aimed in part at teaching the craft of writing. In a recent author discussion (with close to 400 participants joining online) Lamott discussed the craft of writing with novelist Donna Levin . Both started publishing in the 1980s. They noted how much publishing and the role of the writer have changed, but emphasized the fundamentals that have remained over their forty years, related to craft and the responsibility of the writer: the daily commitment, the careful development of plot and characters, the numerous rewrites (as many as you think you need, and one more).

A Writing Room offers a series of on-demand courses, online discussions with authors and publishing professionals, and daily writing prompts, built around writing as craft. It further offers instruction on the paths to and options for publication, building a following of readers.

At its center, A Writing Room is about being part of a community of writers, giving and receiving regular feedback from other members, as well as feedback from writing mentors and coaches. In an interview earlier this year, Lamott explained:

The great myth about writing is that it's an entirely solitary activity. This really isn't true. Every book I've ever written has been with a lot of help from my community. I wouldn't be the writer I am today — and wouldn't even want to write — without people to share the process and finished work. Writing is a process, but it doesn't have to (and really shouldn't be) done in total isolation.

The writing process can feel overwhelming. It often does for me. Believe me, a trusted writing friend is a secret to life.

Other emerging writing collectives also emphasize community and cooperation. Levin underscored this point in the recent online discussion: “Writing can be such an isolated activity, and to some extent needs to be. You want to seek out a community that can give you the support you need and also the honest feedback.”

How the New Marketplace Is Evolving And Jobs Created

The founders of A Writing Room know that the marketplace for writer assistance is fast changing, and they need to be quick to adapt to increased competition. Already, several developments are driving change in the field:

· The entrance of major online education companies (i.e. Masters Class , Coursera, Udemy ).

· Faculty recruitment of writers with built-in audiences of sizable twitter and other social media followings.

· Partnerships with the major publishers and agencies, who hold out the promise of publication to participants of the classes, retreats and collectives.

· Specializations by race and ethnicity, gender, geography and genre.

· Market segmentation, and attention to higher income consumers.

A number of these developments reflect the changes in the broader publishing world and are likely to continue. Overall, the marketplace itself will be expanding, as publishing technology advances, along with discretionary income.

The jobs being generated by this new marketplace are a mix of tech, administrative, and writing coach positions. At A Writing Room, recent hires include a community liaison, video editor, customer support, and a “beta reader” providing feedback to writers on their drafts. The hiring process is sweeping up into jobs not only workers who have been in the regular economy, but also residents of America’s bohemia: writers and artists who previously were outside of (and often scornful of) the market system. What can be better than that.

In his 2023 book, The Novel, Who Needs It , Joseph Epstein, former editor of American Scholar , offers a paean to fiction as above all other intellectual endeavors that seek to understand human behavior. But what he says of fiction is true of other writing (memoir, history, even forms of self-help) that arouses the mind.

Yes, there are way too many books published each year, and yes only a very small percentage of writers will earn any significant income from their writing. But who knows what individual book will succeed commercially or critically, or add to our shared knowledge or wisdom. And really, why not encourage the craft of writing. How much does America benefit from most of the paper-pushing, meetings and e-mails that now pass for work in our economy of affluence.

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Discussions about the writing craft.

I inherited a high school creative writing club and am very excited about it, but I need help with some activities!

This writing club is longstanding and has great participation across all grades. I've helped out with it in the past but really only just been there as a sounding board for kids. I never led anything.

I've taken over as of this week since the original teacher left, and am excited and have some great ideas...but this week is going to be super busy already and I am afraid I won't have time to really come up with much.

Most of the students already know each other pretty well, and those who are new will get the chance to mingle this week, which is fine. It can be pretty laid back for a while as they do this. It SHOULD be laid back overall, but I'd like to offer something for those kids who are ready to just get started with actually writing and workshopping.

What are some ideas for 30-50-minute creative writing exercises I could implement for part of the group?

Virtual Creative Writing Club for ages 5-12

Upcoming dates

• Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 4 - 5 PM
• Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 4 - 5 PM
• Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 4 - 5 PM
• Tuesday, July 30, 2024, 4 - 5 PM

Join us each week at 4 PM on Tuesday on Google Meets to talk about fiction, stories and writing and freewrite short fiction, poems and more! 

This is a social writing workshop led by children's librarians Hal and Allison from 53rd St Library. We've been running this workshop since 2020 as a space to talk about stories and experiment with storytelling in a group environment and--most importantly--have fun. Kids ages 5-12 are welcome. We ask that kids have an adult around to troubleshoot issues with sound or wifi. Older kids may type their stories in a shared document; if you aren't comfortable writing yet, you can just draw pictures or tell your story aloud.

Register online or email [email protected] + [email protected] to register for the link. The link is sent within 24 hours of the program. If you are having trouble registering, there may be a problem with the website; just email us.

Here are our themes for July 2024:

July 2--Unreliable Narrators

Not every main character tells the truth! Can you write a story from the perspective of someone who is obviously lying? Can you make them likable anyway? Let's talk about how to read between the lines-- and then write between them!

July 9--Space Operas

Space operas are epic adventures set in a universe of infinite worlds. The story might involve an ancient war, an exploration of worlds unknown, or a longterm mission of diplomacy between connected but distant planets. What kind of space opera would you write? Design alien worlds and write your opening scene with us!

July 16-- Jewel Heist

You and your eight friends are going to a party with the fanciest people in the city for one of the biggest fashion nights of the year. At the last second, your friend tells you that you're all actually there to steal an ancient necklace from the collection. Everyone else has been in on it the whole time. What do you do? Do you help steal the jewel, or give your friends away?

July 23-- Silly Stories

Incorporate a list of ridiculous places, people and actions into your story-- or enjoy drawing on the absurd ideas from your own brain as we write the weirdest and wackiest possible stories together. 

July 30-- Caption Contest

Let's look at striking pictures-- funny ones and dramatic ones-- and create stories that go along with them!

• Audience: Children, School Age (5-12 years)