Writing Groups

The Writing Groups program at the Writing Center creates opportunities for small groups of writers to collaborate and support one another with their writing projects. Anyone who writes anything is a writer, and each writer can benefit from the support of a writing community.

Current Writing Groups

Writing Groups are designed to provide support and feedback for specific fields of writing and/or populations of writers. They are facilitated by Writing Center tutors or administrators as well as co-facilitators from other departments when relevant. Sessions may focus on writing independently, reviewing and discussing writers’ works-in-progress, learning about writing-related topics and resources, and/or building community. The focus is determined by the writers' needs, and the meeting's agenda is developed collaboratively by the facilitator(s) and writers.

Depending on the group’s needs, meetings are scheduled on a weekly or biweekly basis and are typically 1.5-2 hours. Writing Groups can be scheduled to meet at the Loop or Lincoln Park Campus or online, depending on the group. College-specific Writing Groups may also choose to meet in a space within their college.

Writers seek or join Writing Groups for a variety of reasons:

• Accountability—Writing Groups give writers motivation to write and a due date or progress checkpoint
• Feedback—Writing Groups provide reassurance, suggestions, and recommendations for revision
• Guidance—Writing Groups can help writers become familiar with new genres, reader's needs, and reader's expectations
• Brainstorming—Writing Groups help writers generate and develop ideas
• Networking—Writing Groups provide a community for people with like-minded interests
• Inspiration—Writing Groups help people who are looking for different perspectives and new ideas

Join a Writing Group

Writers are invited to join the Writing Center’s existing writing groups as relevant to your writing and/or identity.

The Writing Center also welcomes your ideas for new writing groups. Depending on interest and facilitator availability, the Writing Center may be able to collaborate with you to host and support a writing group, such as providing space and facilitator(s) for the group. To inquire, please contact Writing Center Associate Director Erin Herrmann at erin.herrmann@depaul.edu.