Small Groups


Small Groups are the girders that support AIW and the finials that cap it off. They are oases of support, harbors of trust, runways where writers can take off in new directions.

Some groups are organized around topic, some around genre. Some are baggy affairs embracing all topics and genres. All groups have this in common: They are steadfastly devoted to the business and craft of writing.

Small Groups are open to all AIW members. Nonmembers can join the groups for three sessions before joining AIW. If you want to participate in the AIW Small Groups program, contact the AIW office at info@washwriter.org.


Looking for a Small Group? Try one of these

•  Virginia Book Discussion Group

When:  3rd Wednesday of the month
Time: 6:45 - 8:30pm
Location: Various locations in Arlington/Alexandria area
Genre: Modern Fiction and Classics
Other: Pot luck before discussion
Contact: dvogt@dvdesigns.com
Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 5, Cannery Row, by J. Steinbeck
Virginia Book Discussion Group

•  The D.C. Writers Group combines a sociable gathering of fellow writers with an opportunity to receive thoughtful critiques of works in progress. Our group ranges from published authors and journalists to those seeking a first audience for their creative efforts. Although the emphasis is on fiction, all forms of writing are welcome. We meet monthly, mid-week at 7 p.m., in the Tenleytown area. E-mail for the date of the next meeting. Contact: Sonia Crow, soniacrow@att.net.

•  The Historical Fiction and Nonfiction Group is open to both published and unpublished writers. With monthly meetings on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Borders Books and Records store in Pentagon Centre (across Hayes Street from the Fashion Court at Pentagon City), we are easily accessible by Metro. Take the Blue or Yellow lines to the Pentagon City. The date varies from month to month, so please call for the exact date. Contact: Clyde Linsley, clyde.linsley@verizon.net, (703) 354-7565.

•  Northern Virginia Daytime Writers' Group is looking for new members. Our works in progress have included both fiction (mainsteam, historical,mystery and young adult) and memoirs. We meet every other Thursday, from 1-3 p.m., in the Reston area. Contact: Susan Okula, sokula@mac.com, (703) 860-8073.

•  The Springfield Writers Group is a geographically based group that serves fiction and nonfiction writers. We meet the third Thursday of each month at the Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St. in Springfield, Va., from 7-9.pm. Writers can bring a short piece they wish to publish to read aloud for critique. Contact: Su Jewell, (703) 913-0139.

•  The Travel Writing Group brings together experienced, neophyte and wannabe travel writers in a congenial, supportive, low-key setting. Discussions range from finding story ideas and writing craft to marketing. The group usually meets the first Monday or Tuesday of each month near Chevy Chase Circle. Contact: Victor Block, travelingvic1@aol.com


The Real Value of Small Groups

By Barabara Rosenblatt, AIW Member

As a newcomer to the Washington, D.C. area, I was eager to meet with a group of writers on a regular basis. I write nonfiction essays and features. As much as I enjoy reading fiction, I did not want the focus of my writing group to include fiction or poetry. A nonfiction group is what I was after, and I found one. more


Why Join A Small Group?
One Member's Experience

By Larry Lesser, AIW Member

I like AIW's Small Groups, and presently belong to two of them. One is dedicated to personal essays and related forms; the other to working on novels-in-progress. Each month at meetings of the Essay Group, we read members' works, which average about 1,500 words, and then discuss them with an eye toward helping the author polish the draft to increase its chances for publication. more


Camp Night - 2006
Another Camp Night Success
New Small Groups Formed
Cathy Kreyche is the recipient of the AIW 2005 Small Groups Award

 

AIW Small Groups

Calvert County
Peter Abresch,
(410) 535-9266
peter@elderhostelmysteries.com

Chevychasers
Dennis Siracusa
siracusa@erols.com
chevychasers@yahoo.com
(202) 362-1698

Children and Fiction
Writers Group

Loudoun County, VA
Genre: Fiction and
children's literature.
Donna Harris
donnaharris123@earthlink.net(540) 668-7295

Creativity/Overcoming
Writer's Block

James Katz
in_ovations@juno.com
(301) 951-8917

D.C. Writers

Sonia Crow
soniacrow@att.net
(202) 342-2582

Historical Fiction and Nonfiction
Clyde Linsley,
clyde.linsley@verizon.net
(703) 354-7565

Magazine Group

Catherine Woytowicz,
(202) 466-9494

Northern Virginia Daytime Writers' Group
Susan Okula
sokula@mac.com

Novels in Progress

Darrell Delamaide,
DDelamaide@aol.com
(202) 904-2422

Online Writing Group

Sharyn Bowman Greberman
sharyn@sharynbowman.com

Springfield Writers Group

Susan Jewell,
naturewrite@yahoo.com
(703) 913-0139

Textbooks

Catherine Woytowicz,
(202) 466-9494

Thriller/Suspense

Emory Hackman, Linda Adams
www.hackman-adams.com
(703) 288-2941

Travel Writing
Victor Block,
travelingvic1@aol.com
(202) 364-0705

Virginia Book Discussion Group
dvogt@dvdesigns.com