Where can I find good, free writing groups?

Question

I am looking for a nice group that I won't be uncomfortable sharing my writing with.

Answer 1

Fictionpost.com is big enough for diverse critique but small enough for a community feel. It's a forum, and the members are incredibly open. Simple sign-up, plenty of advice, contests, and random conversations.

I'm recommending it from experience. =]

Answer 2

Did you search for Yahoo Writing Groups? There are several Yahoo writing groups.

Answer 3

You might try writing.com They can help you online, as for locally, ask your local public librarian. sorry I can't be of more assistance. Writing groups are nonexistant where I live so the website became an easy alternative.

Answer 4

The answer somewhat depends on what genre you write in, what kind of support you are looking for, and what size of membership you are comfortable placing work before. If you are writing speculative fiction, for instance, and looking for more of a writing circle sized membership, no public exposure of your Drafts, and mutual critique, you could try
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Plotters_of_Dreams/info

If your writing range is more general, and you wish a city-sized community to oogle your work you can hammer up your thesis on the public kiosk at places like Critters ( you can Google this one).

If you are more after straight instruction, I have to suggest your best bet is either a good school class, or known good writers handbook or two, of which there are several, the go on from there. (No offense to online groups that sponsor such, but the advise there will be 50/50 scuttlebutt to outright wrong or inappropriate and amateur, more a matter of opinion, in many cases, though that varies.)

Yahoo groups: a few quid pro quos.
First, their listings are disorganized and over general. You will find a hundred defunct groups for ever on still active. Check the line on entries there that state when the last post to the group was made. Most haven't been posted to in years. Second, check the status of the group public or private. public groups are prone to being Spam buckets for porno promotions,and do not protect your work from casual internet searches. (which affects first rights profoundly - most publishers will bypass publicly displayed work, regardless of what rights you might legally hold.) Private groups will require your membership be authorized. believe me, a good thing.

There are lots of other venues, Google sponsors several threaded discussion groups, for instance.

Face to Face groups.
Besides national organizations, which mainly require dues paying, Most communities sponsor small writers circles that meet at specified times and places to exchange work, and plan activities. Your local library is a good place to begin inquiring about these.