Do you need help in finding writing groups in Chicago? We’ve summarized 7 for you in the list below.
1. The Chicago Writers Circle
The Chicago Writers Circle is a writing group located in Chicago. Writers of all genres, including professionals, amateurs and aspiring writers, are welcome to join the writing group’s regular meetings. Group leader David Woods helps manage The Chicago Writers Circle and several other co-organizers.
Writing meetings happen every day at 9 in the morning. Join some of the 6,000+ members of The Chicago Writers Circle to start the day off with a stretch of time dedicated to writing before getting back to the busyness of the rest of the day. Participants can look forward to getting advice from other writers, building relationships and advancing their own pieces of writing.
Speak to The Chicago Writers Circle!
2. Edge Writers Workshop
Located in Chicago, Edge Writers Workshop is a writing group led by group organizer Samuel Durr. Writers of all genres and backgrounds are welcome to join Edge Writers Workshop’s writing meetings, which take place every two weeks. Writing meetings are usually held in person at local venues in the Edgewater area of Chicago, but have been moved online for the time being to make it more accessible and comfortable for all participants.
Meetings start out with a quick writing activity and move into critique sessions. Interested participants are more than welcome to join Edge Writers Workshop’s next discussions, where they can get an idea first-hand of what goes on at Edge Writers Workshop’s writing group meetings.
Learn more about Edge Writers Workshop!
3. Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC)
Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) is a writing group in Chicago. Today, Independent Writers of Chicago has over 1,200 members of local writers. Independent Writers of Chicago is led by president Laura Stigler. Writers will benefit from some of the special features Independent Writers of Chicago offers members, including work and networking opportunities and presentations by writers and publishing professionals.
Independent Writers of Chicago meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month. Writers will be able to gain knowledge on different topics, including writing about other people, learning to grow a following and community, and legal tips for writers. Independent Writers of Chicago meetings are held online and in person; information regarding specific events can be found on their Meetup.com webpage.
Contact Independent Writers of Chicago!
4. Shut Up & Write! Chicago
Shut Up & Write is a writing group that is represented nationwide by many chapters, including one in Chicago. Shut Up & Write! Chicago members will be able to connect with some of the 800+ writers who make up Shut Up & Write! Chicago. Writers working on books, blog articles, essays, dissertations or poetry are welcome to join Shut Up & Write! Chicago at one of their future meetings.
Shut Up & Write! Chicago’s group meetings are regularly held every other week on Monday evenings, along with additional meetings on different days of the week. Meetings are organized with short introductions, an hour-long period of personal, focused writing, followed by free time for networking with other writers or additional writing.
For more information about Shut Up & Write! Chicago, check out their Meetup.com webpage.
5. Accio Beer! Writers of Fantasy / Sci-Fi / Fiction Critique Group
Accio Beer! Writers of Fantasy / Sci-Fi / Fiction Critique Group is a writing group that welcomes writers of all backgrounds and genders who are passionate about writing about fantasy and science fiction. The writing group is led by organizer Cody Frovarp and his co-organizers. Interested participants are encouraged to join the waitlist if there are no spots for the writing group you wish to join.
Accio Beer! Writers of Fantasy / Sci-Fi / Fiction Critique Group runs a number of ongoing meetings during the week, some of which meet in person and others online. Writers are encouraged to share their work-in-progress and can benefit from the positive criticism and encouragement they will receive from other participants.
Connect with Accio Beer!
6. You Know You Can Write Chicago
Based in Chicago, You Know You Can Write Chicago is a writing group established by group organizer Patrick Waldron. In addition to his commitment to running, You Know You Can Write Chicago, Patrick himself has studied writing for over 20 years and organizes online meetings for writers.
You Know You Can Write Chicago meetings are held online on Zoom and cover topics like creating a beat sheet, outlines and writing scenes. Meetings are held on Fridays and Sundays every week. Patrick leads the group through different writing exercises, discussions and analyses of different texts. Join You Know You Can Write Chicago and build relationships with other writers, ideas, and inspiration for your writing.
Check out You Know You Can Write Chicago.
7. Just Write Chicago
Just Write Chicago is a writing group serving writers in Chicago. Today, the writing group has over 5,000 active members who are a part of this collective of writers who simply write. There are no special events to attend or membership fees to pay for interested writers.
Just Write Chicago organizes writing groups in different areas across Chicago on most days of the week. The purpose of this writing group is to be a supportive community of writers who welcome writers of all experience levels looking for professional companionship along this solitary journey. Writers who are passionate about any number of different genres, from fiction to non-fiction.
Find out more about Just Write Chicago.