Some time ago, my wife requested that I not join any more writing groups. I found it easy to say “yes” to her request. After all, I already belong to four such groups, three of which focus on critiquing. The fourth group – Writers’ Ink – is different. It is a skill-building and knowledge-expanding organization as signified by its motto: “Writers Helping Writers.”

Nora Holt, a children’s author who likes to “explore and produce writings in all genres,” founded Writers’ Ink in 1998; I joined in 2005. Nora and I get along well. That’s partly because of our interest in writing but also because we are about the same age. We recall the days of hula hopes, 45 records, and transistor radios. We remember when color television was the new technology every family wanted and computers were big scary things seldom seen outside of the Twilight Zone.

The first Writers’ Ink meetings took place in the Tivoli Apartments (just north of downtown Columbus, Ohio) where Nora resides. These days, the group gathers monthly in Upper Arlington, either at UA’s main library or the MCL cafeteria at Kingsdale Shopping Center. A typical meeting begins with some friendly conversation followed by a guest speaker whose topic could cover anything related to writing: publication strategies, flash fiction, inspiration for poetry, character development, marketing on the Internet. Many speakers will read from their own work. Others will have meeting participants complete an exercise in response to a writing prompt. After a break for food and beverages – and if there is enough time – the meeting concludes with an “open mic” session.

Aside from its monthly meetings, Writers’ Ink sponsors conferences once or twice a year. Nationally recognized authors and experts are brought in to conduct workshops and hold informal discussions with local writers. Another venture unfolded two years ago when Writers’ Ink published a collection of writings by its members. Just Paper and Ink, which has over 60 poems, memoirs, short stories, essays, and other works, gave some people their first opportunity to be published. More recently, the group opened a website that includes contests and a blog. I believe Writers’ Ink is true to its motto of “Writers Helping Writers.” It has certainly helped me.

Vist the group’s website at http://www.writersink85.com. Purchase Just Paper and Ink at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Just-Paper-Ink-Writers-Cooperative/dp/1622491076) or Barnes and Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-paper-and-ink-writers-ink-cooperative/1116398561).

Tags: Just Paper and Ink, Writers