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 …

We hope to critique each other's drafts of all sorts in a mutually supportive and awesome environment. This group is invite-only to ensure that we stay tiny (hence the name). We meet about twice a month and share drafts to read a few days in advance. We're into all sorts of writing styles, from humorous to serious to abstract. Many of us are sex-positive feminists; if you're not down with that please don't apply.

KidzHelp Digital Writing Project: Writing with a purpose Kids creating digital stories for seniors! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Are you interested in joining our digital writing for kids and seniors volunteer project right here in Streamwood / Elgin? (Run by Jessica, Braden and Bridgette Nicholson) Most kids love using technology and multimedia. Used wisely, digital writing can help kids improve their writing and help them create writing that …

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 …

I've yet to find a writing group that really clicks for me, so I thought I'd start my own. This would be a group for writers of all stripes who want to meet up on a regular basis to share their work, exchange constructive criticism and most likely drink a beer or two. I want this to be a fun and casual group, but I also want it populated with people who are passionate about words and the arrangement thereof. Whether it's a poem, essay, short story or novel, I just want to do the damn thing and s …

Hello and welcome to Critique This, a Meetup group for serious writers with serious goals. If you're looking for encouragement, direction, interesting discussions and writing support, you've found it! When a writers' group really works, it can be the highlight of your week. I belonged to another writers' group for five years. Having others read and critique my work has contributed more to my growth as an author than any class or workshop. Reading and critiquing others' work, and the camaraderie …

Who are we? We're a group of people from all over NE IL/ SE WI who love to write. Our members come from all backgrounds, representing every stage of the writing process, from beginner to full-time writer. There are no limits on genre. Our members span the board, bringing in non-fiction, fiction, blogs, poems, essays, concept outlines, and so on. Meetings generally consist of members reading pieces they've written. They are then critiqued by the rest of the group. We strive to offer helpful tips …

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 …

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 …

This is a group for people who are working on writing a novel, short story, and poem. We'll get together once a week at different locations in Chicago, depending on what's most convenient and give each other constructive criticism and ideas on our literary pieces. Looking forward to meeting all of you!

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.

I'm a 27 year-old New York transplant (born here, nice to be back) looking for some cool comrades of any age to share/workshop with in a relaxed setting (my apt. has killer views!) with the record player turning and the libations flowing. I'm a published poet working on my second chapbook and I'm heavily influenced by Patti Smith, old-school punk rock, the beauty in the gritty and vinyls. If you like that kind of stuff--awesome. If not--awesome. I'd also like to do a poetry "book club," where we …

Hey you sassy, creative, dynamic Chicago woman! Yeah, you. This group is a place for you to share, develop, test, express your ideas, projects and creativity. A group who will support you in your daring efforts big and small. A forum for feedback, ideas and inspiration. Maybe you write, sing, dance, act, make films, bake cakes, teach workshops, paint, sculpt, take photos, knit, build things, design, volunteer for amazing organizations... whatever the format you use your wild feminine energy to …

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 …

We have changed this group again.  Now we write and share poetry and do some mime. and cartoon  Bring in poems and cartoons you are working on.  We meet at Panera in Evanston in the meeting room. We also meet at the Unity Center at 3339 S. Halsted in Chicago and at the Unity Church at 1545 Morse in Rogers Park.   Panera is at Sherman and Church Streets.  Suggested donation for the mime is $10.00.

Calling all inspired memoir writers who need a community of writers to put their inspiration into action. Procrastination can be our enemy. Often we need deadlines to kick us into gear to put the pen to paper. All levels are welcome from novice memoirists to published authors. The only requirement is to actually turn in work and respectfully comment on each other's manuscripts.

Chicago has a vibrant indie filmmaking scene. If you're part of it, we invite you to tap into the Filmmakers in Action network to find likeminded filmmakers and screenwriters developing their craft and building their portfolio/reels. Whether you want to produce your own short (or feature) film or get experience on someone else's, you'll find plenty of opportunities in this MeetUp group. MONTHLY MEETUPS Pencil in the 2nd Tuesday of each month and make a point to join us for our monthly presenta …

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.

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/

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.

The Evanston Writers Group is an eclectic mix of writers, ranging from beginners to long time professionals, and reflect all ages, genders and backgrounds. We have members who publish literary fiction, creative non-fiction, children's literature, romance, hard-boiled crime, memoir, travel, poetry, humor and assorted forms of the unclassifiable. Because we are fearless and a little nuts, we open our minds to anyone and any thing. We'll bend and stretch ourselves like soft licorice to dig your s …

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.

Want a few dedicated novelists who want to critique their novel on a regular basis, once a month. I have finished a historical fiction novel that I want advice on.

This group was created to bring together the various software development groups in Chicago. Going to other communities has been very rewarding in the past, and now let us drop all the boundaries between communities. What can we talk about? Positivember writing good code writing bad code duct tape programming client challenges co-worker challenges sdlc patterns trolls, and what they mean to you. motivating/encouraging news discouraging/unmotivating news tools & tech gadgets

"We really believe that everyone has a talent, ability, or skill that he can mine to support himself and to succeed in life." This Group provide a chance for Desi filmmakers to meet and collaborate on Indian Film projects. If you are an aspiring screenwriter ,a director , choreographer or aspiring Actor/actress please reach us . This Group is open to all talents and disciplines who are interested in making independent Hindi, Punjabi or Urdu Films: We need Writers, editors, actors, art directors, …

Kids Communicate is a group for kids (Grades 3 - 7) who have Aspergers, or high functioning autism. The group is also for children who have challenges with verbal and/or written communication, but good intelligence. The group will focus on written/verbal communication and social interaction/social skills. (FREE / NO COST!) (See below for meeting dates and times). My daughter is going into 4th grade (June 2009) and has Aspergers. I wanted a group like this for her, so decided to start th …

This is the social hotbed of 826CHI volunteer greatness. Meet, whisper, write in code, give digital high-fives, throw out questions, propose gatherings, and most of all pal up in support of 826CHI's mission to inspire kids in Chicago to write. Onwards, agents!