I’m involved in a writing group that meets twice a week over Zoom. On Wednesdays, we analyze a work of fiction using the Story Grid 624 process. It can be a movie or a book. Some of the masterworks we have analyzed are The Picture of Dorian Gray, Metamorphosis, and most recently (because of the holidays), Die Hard.

On Fridays, the format is similar to a “write-in”, also known as “shut up and write” or “writing sprints.” Here’s our format:

1. We log on virtually.
2. We discuss our writing goals for that night. It could be working on a new scene, organizing our notes, free writing, or working on a query letter. It varies depending on a person’s project.  
3. One member sets a timer, and then we all mute our microphones, turn off our cameras, and minimize our Zoom screens. We then write for thirty minutes.
4. After the time is up, we discuss what we did for about five minutes or so. Sometimes we will discuss a problem we ran into or even read out loud what we are working on.
5. We will do one or two more sprints, depending on our motivation or how tired we are.

What are your writing groups like? Do you prefer virtual or in person?