Note: Many writers’ organizations have moved their events online.
Below are writers’ organizations and groups which can help to network and learn. In addition, be sure to check local bookstores and local libraries.
First, here are some tips to improve holding or participating in a remote meeting:
- Tips to engaging remote meetings
- Dos and Donts for participating in an online event
- Tips for attending a virtual conference
Writers’ group cautions
Before joining a writers’ group, learn about the pros and cons. First, read these tips and warnings by Jennie Nash. Second, this article about writers’ groups by Michael Neff describes the problem of getting bad feedback. (This includes pointless praise and vicious criticism). He also provides three alternatives to writing groups.
Nevertheless, many writers have found writers’ groups vital to their creative process. Holly Lisle provides ideas and advice for productive writers’ groups. Also check these 8 questions to help you choose the right group.
“Get feedback on your writing, and take it with a grain of salt, but if you are hearing the same thing from several people, consider that they may have a point. Be gracious about all feedback, even if you don’t agree with it. If you feel that someone is overly critical or just doesn’t get your style, thank them politely, but don’t ask them to critique your writing again.” ––Georgette St. Clair
“When you receive advice on a manuscript, don’t make a decision. Initially all critiques are grating. No matter how nicely delivered, hearing criticism is painful. Most people become defensive. They want to stand up for themselves and explain why it has to be that way, and what the reader clearly missed. I’ve learned that if you get defensive with people giving you honest critiques, you won’t get them anymore. So controlling that reflex is important. The other thing I found is to wait. …When I’m alone with my thoughts and no one can see, I reevaluate. The anger is gone, the embarrassment, and pride are all someplace else, and it is just me alone with the decision. Most of the time I realize she was right and I quietly make the change.” ––Michael J. Sullivan
Canadian Writers’ Organizations
- Canadian Authors’ Association
- Writers’ Trust Canada
- Writers’ Union of Canada
- CBC’s Guide to Canadian Writing Groups (2018)
- Crime Writers of Canada
- Screenwriters Guild of Canada
- Freelancers Guild
- The FOLD Canada
BC Writers’ organizations
- Federation of BC Writers
- Book Publishers of BC
- Independent Authors Network
- Vancouver Island Romance Authors
- Children’s Writers and Illustrators of BC
- Read Local – BC
Victoria, BC Writers’ Groups
- Victoria Writers’ Society
- Writers’ Choice Review (Victoria and Gulf Islands)
- Victoria Writers’ Meet-ups & Sub-Groups
online groups
- Alliance of Independent Authors
- Top online writers’ groups
- Scribliophile writing workshop
- Independent Publishing Organizations
- See Anne R Allen’s list of writer’s groups
Did you find any of the resources listed especially helpful? Do you have an idea for a group that should be listed? Feel free to send an email.
Finally, if you appreciate the resources here, and love books, check out our online Zazzle store full of book-themed gifts. There are antiquarian and contemporary designs to please bibliophiles and bookish folks of all kinds.
Note: Links and information are for research purposes and do not replace professional advice. In addition, accuracy of third-party websites cannot be verified. In addition, links do not indicate endorsement.
Updated January 2022