Writing Groups

Interested in making major progress on a job application, a personal statement, a thesis, or another important writing project or task? A writing group can help.

What is a writing group?

A writing group is simple: it’s a group of writers who commit to meeting regularly to make progress on their work.

Why join a writing group?

  • Hold yourself accountable to getting things written
  • Get opportunities to receive feedback on your work
  • Increase sense of support and community

What do you do during a writing group meeting?

Depending on the type of group, meetings generally focus on some or all of the following:

  • Writing in a shared space with other group members
  • Receiving feedback on your writing and offering feedback to your group members
  • Talking through writing challenges and successes

What’s the time commitment?

The time commitment will be based off group members’ preferences. If you’re interested in an OWL-facilitated writers’ group, you can voice your preference regarding frequency and length of meetings when you apply.

Tell me more about writing groups and what the OWL offers.

FAQs

 

OWL-facilitated Group

Writer-initiated Group

What document(s) will I be working on?

Graduate Groups

  • Thesis/dissertation
  • Journal article
  • Academic job documents

Undergraduate Groups

  • Graduate school applications

Your choice of document(s)

What does the OWL provide?

  • Logistical support (e.g., room reservations)
  • Ongoing support to help you and your group reach your goals
  • Training on how to give and receive feedback effectively
  • Relevant writing-related resources
  • An initial consultation to help your group hit the ground running
  • Training on how to give and receive feedback effectively
  • Relevant writing-related resources
  • Follow-up support, as needed

Who comes?

Writers who apply for and fit the group’s requirements

Your choice of attendees

Interested in joining an OWL-facilitated writing group or starting a group of your own?

Fill out the writing group application survey.

Do you have a question that hasn’t been answered?

Send an email to purdueowl@purdue.edu.