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to a workshop (previous or upcoming). Example; you have a workshop on characterization. Each member that attends must write a 3-page scene that shows their character to his/her fullest. Send those to the host/hostess of the workshop for critiquing. Pick at least 1 winner and 1 runner up. Make it even more special by creating simple certificates boasting the award and/or give a gift card to a local bookstore or office supply house to the 1st place winner and a certificate to 2nd place and 'honorable' mention to everyone else. Writers need encouragement as well as constructive criticism...this is a good way to provide it.

*Grow as you learn. At less than 2yrs old, not many would have jumped into hosting a conference, but for Bayou Writers, this was not only a challenge, but a success. We had DiAnn Mills (CBA Author of the Year 2004) as our guest speaker, published authors brought their books to sell, and a book table with all sorts of books on writing, editing, publishing, etc. Had it not been for Hurricane Rita, our 2005 conference would have been even better and this year's is sure to be an experience!

*Be willing and able to delegate. As a founding member, I feel a responsibility toward my group, my writers; my friends. But no one person can do it all. Members should be willing to volunteer also. Otherwise it's not a 'group' but one person running an organization.

These are just a few tips on setting up and running a successful writing group. Since its inception, Bayou Writers can boast that several of its writers have completed and submitted projects as well as some who have been contracted and/or published. Though some still consider us small, this year BWG consists of twenty-one paid memberships.

For more information on Bayou Writers' Group visit our website at: http://bayouwritersgroup.org

Learn more about this author, Pamela S Thibodeaux.
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