Why You Should Join (or Start) a Writing Group This Semester
Some thoughts and a quick peek at the research
I used to think writing groups were kind of a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have. Writing, I thought, was something you did alone, maybe with a little moral support from friends when things got tough. But after I joined my first writing group in graduate school, it completely changed how I think about the writing process, even as an introvert!
If you've ever struggled with writing consistently, whether you're stuck at a blank page or overwhelmed by revisions, then allow me to explain why joining a writing group could be a good solution for you this semester.
Writing Groups Boost Productivity
I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. Could sitting in a Zoom room or library with other people really help me write better or faster? Turns out, yes. Writing groups work because they create accountability, structure, and protected time for writing. Research shows that writing group participants produce more manuscripts and grant proposals than those working alone.
One study found that writing group members nearly tripled their accepted manuscripts and increased their grant applications from 1 to 13 in just a year. By meeting regularly to share progress, tackle common challenges, and celebrate successes, the group created a supportive environment that kept members accountable and motivated (Chai et al., 2019). This level of productivity isn’t magic—it’s the power of accountability and showing up week after week.
You’ll Learn Writing Strategies You Didn’t Know You Needed
Learning from others is a valuable aspect of writing groups. These groups are often spaces where members exchange strategies for writing more effectively, managing their time, and navigating the publication process. For example, writing groups have been shown to foster discussions about choosing the best journals for submission, identifying key areas for manuscript revisions, and setting specific, actionable goals, such as creating clear deadlines or focusing on particular sections of a draft for feedback (Schick et al., 2011; Chai et al., 2019).
These practical strategies, shared among peers, help participants overcome common obstacles like procrastination or unclear project scopes, resulting in significant increases in scholarly productivity and confidence (Chai et al., 2019).
Writing Is Better Together
Writing can feel so isolating. You’re sitting there with your thoughts, hoping they’ll come together in some coherent way. But a writing group creates a sense of connection. Suddenly, you’re part of a community that understands the ups and downs of academic writing.
Writing groups are fantastic for creating a supportive space to keep momentum going. Regular meetings and shared accountability also create a motivating environment where members can tackle challenges together and celebrate successes, boosting both productivity and morale (Chai et al., 2019).
Writing Groups Help You Set Boundaries
I don’t know about you, but I used to get pulled into emails, grading, or meetings whenever I planned to write. Writing groups helped me set boundaries around my time. When you’ve committed to showing up and writing with others, it’s easier to protect that time and focus on your work. Structured accountability in writing groups creates “guilt-free” time for writing, allowing participants to prioritize their work without distractions.
As one participant described, simply being in a room with others focused on writing—hearing the tapping of keyboards and seeing monitors fill with text—provided motivation to stay on task and make progress (Schick et al., 2011).
They Make Writing Less Scary
Writing is hard. It just is. But when you’re part of a group, you start to realize that everyone struggles with it in some way. Seeing other people push through their challenges helps you feel less alone in yours. The feedback you get from your group can also boost your confidence and remind you that your work matters.
This sense of connection doesn’t have to be in person, either. Virtual writing groups, like those I facilitate in Flourish, provide amazing structure and support. We share progress, swap strategies, and celebrate successes—all from the comfort of home or the favorite coffee shop.
I’d also like to shout out to the fabulous PNP Writing Circle, who has been going strong for over a year!
Want to Start Your Own Writing Group?
If you’re thinking about starting a group, here’s what’s worked for me:
Gather Your People: Look for colleagues or friends who share similar writing goals or struggles.
Set a Goal: Decide what the group will focus on—quiet writing time, feedback, or both.
Pick a Schedule: Regular meetings (weekly or biweekly) keep everyone accountable.
Create a Structure: Will you write silently together, share progress, or workshop drafts? Make sure everyone agrees.
Protect the Time: This is sacred writing time. No emails, no grading, no distractions.
Celebrate Wins: Whether it’s finishing a draft or submitting a paper, take time to celebrate progress!
In Sum
Writing groups have the power to transform not just your productivity but also your perspective on writing itself. They provide the structure, support, and community many of us need to keep moving forward, even when the work feels daunting.
Whether you’re starting your own group or joining one, the key takeaway is this: writing doesn’t have to be a solitary struggle. With the right people by your side, it can become a shared journey, full of learning, growth, and even joy.
Citations
Chai, P. R., Carreiro, S., Carey, J. L., Boyle, K. L., Chapman, B. P., & Boyer, E. W. (2019). Faculty member writing groups support productivity. The Clinical Teacher, 16(6), 565–569. https://doi.org/10.1111/tct.12923
Schick, K., Hunter, C., Gray, L., Poe, N., & Santos, K. (2011). Writing in action: Scholarly writing groups as faculty development. Journal on Centers for Teaching and Learning, 3, 43–63.