Your Third Place.  A “third place” is that special community outside of home and office that helps a person thrive and feel fulfilled in life.  Creative writers need solitude to produce content but also need a place to help them hone their craft and grow as an artist.  Active participation in a writing group offers that face-to-face contact with other writers that can have an immediate and long-lasting impact on one’s development as a writer. 

Balance.  We understand how tricky it is to juggle family, work, and the passion for writing.  Most of our members work full-time and have family obligations.  We share strategies for carving out time for writing while maintaining  balance in life.  We are realistic about deadlines but encourage each other to meet personal writing goals. 

Lifelong Learning.  Creative writing involves a continual process of learning.  Members regularly share resources on improving one’s writing, developing professionally as a writer, and navigating the changing landscape of publishing. It doesn’t hurt that we live within walking distance of the world’s largest library.

Structure.  We believe in regular meetings.  While each group decides the day and time for their regular meetings, most groups find that a bi-weekly meeting schedule works quite well for developing a writing routine.

Accountability.  We adhere to deadlines.  The single-most important habit that a writer can develop is meeting deadlines.  Each group creates its own submission calendar that works with members’ other demands in life.

Feedback.  We follow the Clarion Method of critique.  The CHWG founder attends the first meeting of newly-formed writing groups to give the members an orientation to the Clarion Method as well as tips for ensuring smooth and fruitful meetings.

Productivity. We help your story see the light of day. You know that novel you’ve been thinking about writing for the last few years?  We encourage you to get the story out of your head and onto paper.