Meet other local writers and let creativity bloom! Come to the Writers Circle to review work, trade literary tips, make friends and have fun! All writers -- and should-be writers -- are welcome! The best way to develop your skills as a writer is to practice, practice, and practice some more. Yet we all know that writing by yourself can be a lonely occupation, that misses out on the all-important motivation component. Therefore, it may help to join the writers circle--a band of peers who will rea …

Anyone willing to give a thoughtful, honest, yet respectful, critique is welcome.  Many topics, genres and forms are welcome (Ex. chapter of a novel, short story, play, poem, article, essay, etc.).  While publishing is a worthy goal, the focus of this group is helping writers fine tune works, which either have literary value or are otherwise substantive (i.e. scholarly).  All such works are welcome. Those concerned with poverty, and / or human and animal rights and welfare, and similar issues (i …

The Chicago area chapter of ACFW - The American Christian Fiction Writers gathers published and aspiring fiction writers of faith in a variety of genres. We currently meet the first Friday of every month. Interested writers may attend meetings twice as a guest before formalizing their membership in the national organization and local chapter. For more information about the national organization, visit http://www.acfw.com/

What is Off Campus Writers’ Workshop? Ever since 1946, OCWW has encouraged and inspired Chicago-area writers in developing their writing avocations. OCWW meets every Thursday morning from September to May. A variety of speakers will elevate your writing technique with a diversity of topics, amongst which can be genre fiction, nonfiction, children’s lit, contemporary simmerings of romance fiction, poetry, publishing and the implication of ebooks. Here, you will achieve your individual writing goa …

You've seen the ladies of SNL do it. You've seen Mindy Kaling and Lena Dunham do it. Now, with the support of your fellow Chicago commediennes, you can do it too! Share sketch ideas, read a script you've been working on, or meet the other half of your comedy writing dream team. Essay, fiction, and web writers welcome. Even if you don't have any material to test out on this friendly female audience (yet), you'll get inspired just hanging out with some fellow Chicago funny ladies. Join the discuss …

This is a chance for artists of all sorts in the West Suburbs of Chicago -- whether your medium is expressed visually, verbally, sonically, or some combination -- to cross-pollinate, gather ideas and energy, and find inspiration, consolation and encouragement. The hope is to gather regularly as a group, creating opportunities to organize smaller klatches, as well as opportunities to find like spirit and lasting artistic relationships. We may even be able to organize readings, performances and sh …

Meet with writers and poets who are motivated to publish their own work or who just enjoy writing for themselves. Share your own work and listen to others. Meet with local authors who can share their experiences with being published. Gain some valuable feedback of your work. Make some new friends who might help to inspire you to accomplish your goals and keep you writing on.

This group is for published, established and working writers who seek fraternity, conversation and friendship. Join if you're a published/established/working writer looking for the company of your peers, and seeking like-minded companions for talk, dining, museums, films, concerts, travel and other activities.

This is a group for adults in the DeKalb area who are serious about writing.  If you want helpful readings of your work from other writers, and if you'd like to read others' writing-in-progress, this is a great opportunity.  We welcome any creative genres (poetry, memoir, fiction, creative non-fiction, screenwriting, etc.)--but not academic-style writing intended for academic journals. Our goal is to create a positive, encouraging, honest, and fun atmosphere that is consistent enough to build tr …

This is a group for anyone interested in starting their novel, finishing their novel, deciding whether to write a novel or a short story. It is for those who want: to critique and be critiqued; to read out loud; to share experiences, etc. All skill levels are welcomed. I started this group because I need the input of other writers to, more confidently, self publish my novels. I am looking forward to helping you do the same and to having you share your publishing experiences with the group.”

CWN is a group of serious writers who are committed to furthering their work through a workshop-style critique process. We meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Please be sure to read CWN's Critique Guidelines under the Pages tab before you submit your first piece for critique.

A group of writers, whether published or not, who support all kinds of heroes including the brave members of our armed forces to those on the front lines in hospitals, fire stations, police departments, schools, and so much more. Our support ranges from donating books, supporting literacy efforts, and helping those who face danger and difficult challenges to explore their experiences through the power of telling their story.

This is a group designed for writer's in the area. The best way to improve the craft is through practice, so why not have a writer's circle where we can share our work and offer positive criticism? This is for anyone who loves to write, whether it's your vocation or just a hobby. All writing is welcome, fiction and non-fiction.  Anyone who loves to put pen to paper, or more accurately fingers to keyboard, this is the group for you.

Attendees from the 2008 Northwestern Summer Writers Conference share feedback, resources, and support.

A weekly goal setting and critiquing group for writers.

Writers of a variety of forms, small workshop, once a month, Monday's at 6:30, monthly

Find inspiration and support, bounce ideas off of other writers, test drive something you have written and receive feedback. Come join us.

Our group is made up of published and unpublished writers of all types and genres. We meet two times a month, usually on Thursdays. We meet at the Algonquin Public Library’s main (Harnish) branch to read and critique each others work, as well as for “Creativity Cafe,” which will include write-in nights or special workshops. Our goal is to not only to keep the creative juices flowing, but to bring them to fruition by getting our work published. We are an open group – no dues to pay, no obligatio …

Writers space, individual studio spaces with Internet access , writers and creatives in a collaborative space, On the new Bloomingdale bike trail at Kimball. Auto parking lot and bike racks. This is new so I'm looking for input.

First and foremost: We are not a critique group. We are not a workshop group. We are a group of writers who get together to...just write. This is a group that meets to WRITE, to socialize, and to offer encouragement and inspiration to others as we practice our craft. We're focused on the process, not the product.  Writing can be a solitary activity...but it doesn't have to be. This is a group where the focus is actually on DOING the work as opposed to critiquing already finished works. I found s …

We are a group of dedicated professionals who share our expertise in developing paid professional speakers, self-publishers and assist those who desire to become published authors. We provide monthly training in the areas of writing, professional speaking, publishing, marketing, relationship building and other life skill development. Details at www.thespaa.org, we look forward to meeting you soon.

Who We Are The Chicago Female-Focused Film Meetup & Festival is a group of film industry artists who are interested in actively participating in the creation, support, development, and promotion of films and screenplays that offer increased opportunities for women in film, especially in broadening the types of roles, stories, ages, body-types, diversity and the overall presence and number of women in film. Members range in experience from student filmmakers to professionals and include writers …

Meeting to discuss our own poetry. Working out chinks in the armor, making improvements, listening for sounds, searching for themes and generally becoming more self-aware as a writer, as well as learning to become better self-critics. And of course a good place to chat with other poets and find community, and lay it on thick with pet peeves regarding the state of poetry. We would also go to occasional readings and maybe if everyone is up to it to an Open Mic as well. We will begin by meeting o …

Mystery, Thriller, Romantic Suspense and Dark Fiction Conference. The Coolest Crime Scene Happens Every February in Chicago - Plead Guilty and Be There. For writers - February in Chicago is the hottest time of the year! Agents, publishers, Master Classes, forensic professionals, weapons experts, essential panels, presentations, and elbows to rub--the perfect antidote for whatever ails writers at every level. Love is Murder--be freezin' for a reason and come ready to advance your career and …

We are about inspiring, empowering, and helping screenwriters and filmmakers reach their goals and be more successful. We're on a mission to bring more production, from start to finish, to Chicago. We're expanding to connect to funding opportunities in Chicago and around the world. We've opened this group up to screenwriters, writers, directors, producers, filmmakers, and funding resources. Please be part of it. Reach out and make this a community to help each other.

Adventures for intelligent foodies. Join us for exciting culinary and literary adventures here in Chicago and around the world!  If you enjoy eating, reading, writing, cooking, dining out in great restaurants and immersing yourself in fascinating new cultures and cuisines, Litereati is for you! Whether you're a professional chef, a food blogger or just someone who enjoys gourmet reading and good food shared with friends, you're welcome here at Litereati. We get together for lively, delicious din …

Are you a food blogger or food writer? Food photographer or stylist? Let's meet and be inspired, encouraged and exchange successes, failures, tips and, yes, eat!

If you like to write and want a supportive environment in which to write join us! Each week, a member volunteers to provide writing prompts to spark our creativity. It can be a first line, an object, a picture, a situation. For about 10-15 minutes we write and if we feel like sharing we read our creation aloud. This is not a critique group - only positive feedback is encouraged. We usually fit in 3-4 prompts in an evening. Member ages range from young adults to octagenarians. You do not h …