Anyone willing to give a thoughtful, honest, yet respectful, critique is welcome.  Many topics, genres and forms are welcome (Ex. chapter of a novel, short story, play, poem, article, essay, etc.).  While publishing is a worthy goal, the focus of this group is helping writers fine tune works, which either have literary value or are otherwise substantive (i.e. scholarly).  All such works are welcome. Those concerned with poverty, and / or human and animal rights and welfare, and similar issues (i …

We believe in the whole writing process, not just the finished product. We see writing as a tool for emotional well-being, self-discovery, self-expression and inspiration. We focus on how writing can be used for emotional well-being and how to launch a successful career as a writer. Whether you love to journal or want to take your writing to the next level, this writing circle is for you. Begin your writing journey today and join now.

First and foremost: We are not a critique group. We are not a workshop group. We are a group of writers who get together to...just write. This is a group that meets to WRITE, to socialize, and to offer encouragement and inspiration to others as we practice our craft. We're focused on the process, not the product.  Writing can be a solitary activity...but it doesn't have to be. This is a group where the focus is actually on DOING the work as opposed to critiquing already finished works. I found 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.

Single Concept Adventure Club is a Group of single professionals. Interesting people who do interesting things,seeking like minded individuals for social or business networking to enjoy fun activities, travel and exciting events.

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.

Dissertation Chicago is for graduate students who need support, accountability and feedback between sessions with advisers. We host seminars, workshops and other events for members who are completing a masters thesis or doctoral dissertation.

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 …

This group is dedicated to Chicago Comedians and Comedy Lovers of improvisation, sketch, comedy writing, stand-up, comedic digital shorts, and any other medium focusing on comedy. If you are a performer or fan of comedy, join this group and get to know like-minded people in Chicago. Most workshops and events will be $10-$20 and take place at The Second City Training Center. For more information, email Andrew!

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 …

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 …

Nearparkers Family Workshop is the working title of a community tinkerer/maker/hacker/creator space being planned to be located near Oak Park and Forest Park. The goal is to have equipment and a family friendly space to share, and to feed off of each other’s creative juices. We are looking for people to follow along as progress updates come out and also looking for people to actively drive the creation of this cool space. The space will have members who pay a monthly fee to have 24 hour access, …

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 …

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!

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

Do you make comics (or want to make comics)? Webcomics, indie comics, superhero comics, mini comics, comic strips, graphic novels, zines, whatever? Do you draw, write, or both? Then this might be the meetup for you! Group critiques, workshops, work days, field trips are all things we will probably be doing, so keep an eye on upcoming meetups!