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This is an idea that struck me recently, an idea I liked enough to want to write it down and share it before doing it
I’m part of several writing groups and have a lot of creative friends. Often we meet for discussions.
One thing that comes up in our discussions is “we really should meet and write together.”
Then there’s the question of where. We’re in a dense urban area, which means may possible coffee houses and such to write at. We’re also in an area where the coffee houses and other writing spots get crowded because, hey, it’s a dense urban area.
I’d taken to trying out a new spot each week, and then an idea struck me. It’s an idea I’d like to try for myself, but wanted to share it with all you creatives. It’s about finding good writing spots, but also being social (and if you aren’t feeling social, you can sorta reduce that part).
It works like this.
ONE: Have your writing group come up with a list of places you might write. Yes, most will be coffee shops, because they’re basically coworking spaces where you pay by drinking coffee and eating pastries.
TWO: When a member goes out to write or draw or whatever, they select a space out of the list no one has tried yet. They let everyone know so they’re welcome to join them.
THREE: Everyone goes to said place and writes/draws or whatever. If it’s terrible or bad, feel free to move to another area of course.
FOUR: The person who started the meeting and/or the people who attended write up their experience and share it with the group. You could even keep a public blog to share with everyone in your geographic area.
FIVE: Keep an updated and ranked list of the various locations so people can go to good ones – or find new ones.
Sure it’s a simple idea. But there are various benefits:
- First, you have a neat social thing to do with your creative groups, but one where there’s not pressure to be overly social.
- Second, you find cool places to be creative.
- Third, you support good local businesses.
- Fourth, you find where not to go and avoid wasting time.
- Fifth you might have a cool writing thing to do keeping a blog, a review, section, etc.
I hope to try something like this with my groups in the next six months or so. But give it a try yourself (especially if I get too busy to try it).
Steven Savage