In some writing groups, each person brings a piece of his or her writing to share with the group. While this model can work well for people who are comfortable with writing, it can be intimidating for new writers. An alternative approach is to spend the first half of the group time on a writing activity and the second half of the time sharing the writing with one another.

Here are four ideas for writing activities. “The Write Idea” parts 2 and 3 will each have four more ideas. If your writing group meets once a month, these ideas will keep them busy for a year!

1. Group poems – Each person begins a poem by writing one line on a piece of paper. Pass papers to the right. Each person adds a line to the poem now in front of him or her. Continue until each person adds the final line to the poem he or she began. You will now have as many poems as you have persons in your group.
2. Memories – Invite each person to write about his or her earliest childhood memory.
3. Midrashim – Experiment with writing midrashim. A midrash is the Jewish name for a story about a story in the Bible. For example, you might write a story about why God chose a burning bush to get Moses’ attention (instead of an angel or appearing to Moses in a dream). For examples of modern midrashim, check out the book, Does God Have a Big Toe?
4. Image prompt – Choose a piece of artwork or a photograph and display it prominently. Invite each person to write a poem or a story inspired by the image or artwork.

As writing is shared, remember to be supportive and encouraging of one another. Most importantly of all, remember to have fun!

~Sally Hoelscher