Hello everyone!

Thanks for all your contributions about writing groups in the other discussion thread. Now, I have another concern. Last week, I attended my first ever writers' group in the real world!

Although I liked that experience, I was really disappointed with the demographics of that group. I'm worried that this pattern will be the same acrosss most online and real world writing communities. Some of you are very experienced with taking part in Creative Writing courses, workshops, and groups. May be you could help me with some advice.

Do you think the demographics of a writers' group is important? I feel that it is significant. The one group I visited last week has been going on for decades. But nearly all the members were MEN. There was just one lady, and she was in her late 70s and blind. (Please excuse the political incorrect term. What is the correct term? Partially sighted?)

Almost every member of this group were over 60. I was the baby of the group with my 36 years. My novel is a savage satire about anti-war activists and reality TV. I felt uncomfortable reading out my synopsis. Imagine how I'd feel when I have to read some of the more controversial extracts! None of the members of this group would be my ideal reader. I hope I am not being ageist here. Nearly all these members will be fantastic to critique the basics of writing such as grammar. But how about content and style? If they haven't read a post-modern novel, then are they going to 'get' me? I didn't even mention David Foster Wallace or Don DeLillo.

As I said before, I need the writing communities for the socialising and the networking possibilities. I was so heartbroken that I met just one person who might be of some use. But even that guy, a fellow 36 year old, has not written anything other than short stories.

Like most men, I dream of dazzling the ladies with great writing !! I say I dream !! So, where are all these ladies? Research shows that it is women who buy the most number of books, especially fiction. Women are also supposed to be the more passionate about creative writing. So, as a single man, I wonder where the hell are all these women? Are they at the pub? Where are the Zadie Smiths, the Zoe Hellers, and the Nigella Lawsons? (Nigella is a fantastic book reviewer, not just a great cookie creator!)

I look forward to hearing from you all.

In the CW course I go to there are 8 regulars of whom 2 are younger women, 3 middle aged and 1 of pensionable age, plus two men - one in his 20's, one in his 50's.
It seems to work pretty well. In most groups you are likely to find a much higher ratio of women to men.
If your in a group you're not comfortable with then the only thing to do is find another one.


- NaomiM

Hi !

I have to keep searching for a decent writers group with a suitable demographic.

Good night.

I should probably add that I was initially filled with an irrational dread it would be populated with women writing Mills & Boon and angst-filled poetry, but I've been pleasently surprised by the quality of the writing - even the ones who consider themselves beginners.

I'd agree that on the whole women outnumber men in groups, so I'm interested that yours so definitely doesn't. I think there are all sorts of ways a writing group needs to suit you, and age and gender's only one of them - though it can be very surprising what people write, and it's often not what their exterior would suggest. Unfortunately it's hard to tell without joining.

Emma

Yes, every writer's group I've joined has had women outnumber men. Have you thought, though, about joining some kind of course at, for example, City Lit, or The Mary Ward Centre? Could be a general creative writing group or specifically a novel-writing group. You may well get more younger people there, and you'd be being led towards a particular goal. Maybe that's not what you're after, but just a thought!
Susiex

Yes, I'm curious, too- I've taught lots of creative writing groups and have always had far more women, and usually late twenties to late middle aged women- the suggestions above are good, if you're London-based; I would guess City Lit would have a younger demographic, or at least more variety. In answer to the question, I do think the composition of a writing group matters if you feel that you're not comfortable with exposing or developing your own writing within it. Put a call out on WW for something more simpatico, and also maybe on the Arts Council Arts Jobs bulletin- start your own group, if you've got the energy, or see if like-minded people from here or local to you want to band together and approach your local council/etc. Good luck.

Also perhaps Morley College worth a try? Another possibility might be the not-specific-course writers group that's organised by a university or college.

Emma

Cruise, I 'm surprised. I have taught creative writing to evening classes in the past and been on a good few including two Arvon ones. I can honestly say that in every class I've taught or attended, men are always *significantly* in the minority. Think you've just struck unlucky there.

There are some groups that are only aimed at the retired - locally there are some Art evening classes that are only open to poeple over 60.
Or, you may just be unlucky and have found a group of men who know each other from elsewhere (eg, bowling) and meet here as a social get-together.

Hi Cruise, I think I went to that writers group once (and only once!) and had the same experiance you did. The atmosphere was very restrained, and I was much younger than everyone else (in my mid twenties at the time), i have to say i didn't feel like going back, and the experiance put me off a little. I write all sorts of things, my favourite stories being surreal or fairly dark, so I didn't feel this was a good audience.
I'm sure if you keep looking you'll find another group, perhaps outside of harrow. I find that the more people who read your work/the more feedback you can work with, the better.

Sorry, Cruise, but I think you are being ageist. Why make the assumption that because someone is over 60 they haven’t read a post-modern novel? Fiction writers, by their nature, should be widely read and able to empathise with others outside their own cultural position. Please – judge writers on what they write, what they read, and how they react to your own work – NOT by their age!

Dee

Cruise

The creative writing groups that I attend have a mixed attendance ranging from 18 to 90 - around 60% being women. One group definitely didn't want me to read out my story about murder, some physically shuddering at a mild part I read out. LOL

The other group I attend have a tendency to shock me sometimes with their work and these are much older people than myself.

I think if you are prepared to listen to someone else's work and critique it for it's content and style, then you should find the same courtesy should be shown to your work.

You might be surprised if you take the bull by the horns and read out a piece.

Beverley.

Hmm, sorry but from this post it sounds to me as if you want a writing group to show off and get laid, to read out clever snippets of your work while brilliant and beautiful women tell you how great you are - rather than to interact with other writers and learn from them. I do see that you might prefer a broader spread of ages etc, but I think you should rethink what you're hoping to get out of any group. And maybe a few other things besides....

I agree with Jess, though I also believe you have to be comfortable with your audience before risking your ego on their opinions. If you don't trust and/or respect the people giving the review, you may ignore valid criticism.
In closing, I think you should read some of the work in WW and try to guess the age and background of the writers. If you check the profiles afterwards, methinks you'll get a shock!