Looking for Chicago fiction writing groups.

January 28, 2008 10:14 AM

Please recommend fiction writing/critique groups in Chicago.

I'm a slipstream/new weird writer in Chicago who's looking for a writing group to share manuscripts and critiques with.

My ideal group would be heavy on professionals/serious writers and light on hobbyists. And within the city limits or near north suburbs, but I'll take recommendations for good groups anywhere in the area. Genre affiliation is not a requirement.

If you're willing to share personal experiences with any groups, including set up and how they work, I'd be happy to hear about those, too.

Thanks, but I'm not interested in online-only groups at this time.

Long live the hive mind.

posted by Work to Live to Writing & Language (4 answers total)

The Amherst Writers & Artists site lists a workshop in Chicago. I don't know anything about the particular workshop, but I do think the AWA method is pretty awesome. If you're interested in setting up your own group, the books Writing Alone and With Others and Writing Without Teachers have useful instructions.
posted by ourobouros at 10:29 AM on January 28, 2008 [1 favorite]

I have had Story Studio recommended to me, but I have not gotten involved with it. It is basically a private school, but it does offer workshops and retreats as well.
posted by crush-onastick at 10:53 AM on January 28, 2008

Check out the Journal of Ordinary Thought's entry on writing groups. I've never been to one, but I love their journal.
posted by wfrgms at 12:39 PM on January 28, 2008

Twilight Tales. It's more of a reading series than the informal workshop setting you seem to be looking for, but it's quite popular among the genre writers in the city. If I were you, I'd go to one of their open mic nights, read a piece or two, and keep a watch for like-minded Neoweirdos and Slipstreamers. You might be able to get your own group going.
posted by Iridic at 2:27 AM on January 30, 2008