Here to stay: Online writing groups

BY MEAGHAN HACKINEN

Though online writing groups have been around for years, their popularity soared after restrictions prohibited in-person gatherings.

“When COVID-19 struck we moved outside,” explains Terresa Augustine, founder of Kelowna’s WriteOn! group. “When restrictions tightened, we moved online.”

While Zoom fatigue is undoubtedly real—and the spontaneous joy that erupts around a table cannot quite be replicated online—there are still advantages to digital groups. Increased accessibility, ease of scheduling, and the possibility of building genuine connections are just some of the benefits of participation.

Ilima Loomis, facilitator of FBCW’s new Mid-Career Writers’ Circle, was an early adopter of online writing groups. “I’m originally from Hawaii,” she says. “I lived in a small island community where there were not many other writers, so online groups became a really important way to connect with my community.”

Accessibility is one area where online writing groups shine: whether it’s due to geographic distance, lack of access to transportation, or mobility-related challenges, many factors make travel difficult or even unfeasible. Long-time nature, travel, and memoir writing instructor Carolyn Redl sums up the advantages of meeting online well: “Internetdelivered circles make worries over night driving a thing of the past. [...] New platforms such as Zoom have made delivery far more sophisticated and amenable to participants than it has ever been before.”

Online writing groups are also great for those with busy schedules. Carolyn explains: “Digital groups are convenient for working people because they don’t need to dress up and go out again after coming home. For parents, no babysitters are required.”

Additionally, online groups offer opportunities to engage with others for support, practical information, and encouragement. “For me, online groups have been a valuable resource for talking about the business of writing,” states Ilima. “They have also supported me creatively—my online critique group helped me get inspired and motivated to work on my passion project again, after taking time off to focus on my bread-and-butter work.”

Though COVID-19 restrictions have eased, online writing groups are here to stay. With increased accessibility, ease of scheduling, as well as a demonstrated ability to forge interpersonal connections, the benefits hold strong in a postpandemic world. As Terresa describes: “Last month we discussed meeting options going forward and decided to stay digital, with the addition of a quarterly in-person meeting at a social or private venue.”

Ready to join an online writing group? Check out our Digital Writing Circles initiative—an FBCW member perk! Digital Writing Circles are online groups that meet regularly to support participants’ creative journeys through discussion, critique, knowledge sharing, and more.

Carolyn Redl, facilitator of the Solace through Nature Writing Circle (modeled after a similar online workshop she hosted at Vancouver Island University’s Elder College), is excited. “I grew up in a rural community and would definitely have benefited during my teens from the collegiality offered by a Circle,” she says. “Hopefully, more Circles will evolve over time and more writers will facilitate and participate in Circles related to their areas of expertise.”

Current Circles are dedicated to poetry, flash fiction, grant writing, marketing and selfpromotion, LGBTQ2S+ writers, and more.

We invite you to join us as we grow our online community. Visit bcwriters.ca/circles to view the current offering of Digital Writing Circles and to learn more about getting involved.

Meaghan Hackinen is a bike-obsessed bookworm on a lifelong hunt for exceptional cycling routes. Her debut travel memoir, South Away: The Pacific Coast on Two Wheels is available from NeWest Press. Meaghan has an MFA in Writing and lives in Kelowna, BC.