“Mystery is at the heart of creativity. That, and surprise… As creative channels, we need to trust the darkness.”
Julia Cameron
Are you looking for a little more motivation with your writing? Or, perhaps you simply need a sense of community and belonging, in the somewhat lonely task that writing can be? That’s where online writing groups can make a real difference. They provide a welcome sense of camaraderie, encouragement and a gentle sense of accountability that can be just what you need to stay focused and inspired.
How Do Online Writing Groups Work?
Writing groups come in various formats, but usually include components such as:
- Silent writing sessions (often with no pressure to share work, but providing a quiet, motivating presence of others writing);
- Opportunities to share work and receive advice (usually completely voluntary, but can be useful for constructive feedback);
- Writing prompts or exercises (these can provide a chance to test out new skills, approach writing from a different angle, or simply strengthen your writing muscles in a low-pressure way;
- Online discussion forums, where participants can post work and receive constructive feedback from other writers.
Most often, online writing groups offer a safe, informal environment for fellow writers to write without judgement, exchange feedback and feel part of a creative writing community.
Not sure where to begin? Here are 10 to consider.
1. Online Creative Writing Group
Our free creative writing group meet each morning during the week for silent writing, plus each Sunday morning for a group creative writing exercise. We're open to anyone internationally, however most of our members are in the UK and Europe due to the time difference. It's run by Martin Woods, a published author and former trainer, who also organises yearly writing retreats.
Monday to Friday
On weekdays, we meet at 8am UK time, or 9am CET, chat for five minutes, then write for an hour in silence.
This is inspired by the original « London Write Together » or « Shut Up and Write ». It's for authors and writers who already have a project they're working on and want to make progress in a supportive and nurturing atmosphere.
By writing with a group, you will find it helps boost your motivation and concentration. Some members come every day, others pop in when they're available.
Sunday
Each Sunday we meet online on Zoom at 9.30 a.m. UK, 10.30 a.m. CET, do a quick writing exercise together and then spend an hour and a half writing in silence on our own projects.
Instructions for exercises are in English, however you're welcome to write in the language of your choice.
Each participant has a different project, so whether you're writing a book, short story, poem or script, or simply want to focus on coursework in a supportive environment for an hour and a half, you're very welcome to attend.
Writing exercises alternate between prompts to inspire your writing and mini-classes to focus on a particular writing technique. These exercises are often inspired by masterclasses from best selling authors like Brandon Sanderson, Neil Gaiman or R.L. Stine.
After a quick exercise, there's 90 minutes of silent writing where there's no need to share what you've written afterwards, so you're welcome to write in any language and write whatever you wish.
The writing meetups are free, you're welcome to stick around for a chat afterwards if you wish and we also sometimes organise other activities including reviews of each others' work if you're looking for feedback on your own writing in more detail.
Visit: Online Creative Writing Group
2. The Writers’ Hour
This online, hour-long writing group is held each weekday, and there are four options to choose from, depending on your time zone. It’s free for the first 14 days, and then there’s a suggested monthly donation of £9 / $12. There are other membership options, providing access to live events and expert support.
Four options each weekday, so you can select the one that best suits your routine. Access a free 14-day trial and then make a donation to extend your access.
Visit: The Writers’ Hour
3. Critique Circle
While not strictly speaking an online writing group, Critique Circle is nevertheless one of the longest running online writing communities. It works on a simple premise: writers offer their feedback on other writers’ short stories, in order to gain credits. Once they have enough, they can use them to submit their own work for review.
As well as reciprocal critiquing, there’s also a wealth of writing forums to help with your project.
Visit: Critique Circle
4. Silent Zoom Writing Group (SZWG)
The Silent Zoom Writing Group is an online international group particularly aimed at academics, postgraduate students and creatives. They meet via Zoom every weekday for 50 minutes, and participants are free to choose whether they have their video turned on or off. The group was set up by academics from the University of York and York St John University, and their team of hosts includes fiction writers and academics from around the world.
There are SZWG group meetings every weekday at:
- 10 am – 12 pm
- 3 pm – 5 pm
- 7 pm – 9 pm (UK time).
There’s also a SZWG writing retreat on the first Sunday of each month.
Visit: Silent Zoom Writing Group (SZWG)
5. Writers Helping Writers
This online community offers a variety of support tools to help the creative writing process wherever you might be in the world. From thesaurus guides to idea generating tools, there’s everything you could need when you’re struck down by writer’s block. Plus, there are a range of online workshops and webinars, which are all recorded so you can access them whenever suits you.
You can find all their writing tools, online resources, and details about workshops on their website by clicking the link above.
Visit: Writers Helping Writers
6. Eva Weaver Wild Write Groups
This creative writing group meets Thursdays 10 am - 12 noon (UK time). Based in the UK, Eva runs the groups herself, on a four-weekly cycle. There are various payment options, and the group provides writers with a judgement-free space to explore their creativity.
Four-week guided-writing programmes.
Visit: Eva Weaver Wild Write Groups
7. The Original Writers Group
The Original Writers Group features various online writing resources and meets on Zoom every Tuesday evening. Each week, around 15 writers join the group to share their ideas and work, before receiving feedback from the other members present. This group prides itself on its motivating atmosphere, where newcomers can draw inspiration from hearing how other writers have achieved their goals.
The group meets every Tuesday evening on Zoom, from 7 to 9pm UK time.
Visit: The Original Writers Group
8. The Writers’ Bureau
Established in 1989, The Writers’ Bureau offers a range of creative writing courses, along with an active online writing community providing support and the all-important motivation to keep going. Each online workshop focuses on a particular topic, with courses covering everything from poetry to short stories, novels, science fiction and children’s literature.
From first words to final drafts, The Writers’ Bureau has something for every stage of the writing process. Offering workshops and boot camps.
Visit: The Writers’ Bureau
9. The Procrastinators
This small, self-led group of writers meets every Sunday evening on Zoom. They also share writing prompts to get the creative juices flowing, with a different theme each week.
The Procrastinators meet every Sunday at 7:30pm UK time over Zoom.
Visit: The Procrastinators Writing Group
10. Contemporary Romance Writers
At the time of writing, the Contemporary Romance Writers group is $40 a year, which includes weekly writing sprints and monthly workshops, plus a mentor program and chapter pitch events.
For romance writers, it's definitely worth a look!
Visit: Contemporary Romance Writers
11. Toronto Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers
While outside of the UK, the Toronto Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Meetup group deserves an honoary mention. They offer online silent writing sessions, which are early morning in Canada, or in the afternoon in the UK, plus feedback sessions on Discord.
They're a very welcoming community, full of experienced writers, and if you write sci-fi or fantasy, are well worth joining, even if you can't make it to the in-person events.
Visit: Toronto Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers
Joining a Group
“Success is the product of daily habits — not once-in-a-lifetime transformations.”
James Clear, Atomic Habits
Don't let writing be a lonely process. Join a group and gain motivation, support, and feedback from other writers to help your writing be the best it can be. There are many supportive writing groups available, and since they’re online, you can join from anywhere and find it easy to stay inspired!
