I'm wondering if there are any English-language writers' groups in or near Lucerne (including cities within striking distance of Lucerne, such as Zug and Zurich).

If there are, I'd love to learn about them. If not, are there people out there who would be interested in forming such a group?

I'm thinking the group would be composed of published and non-published writers interested in sharing their writing. Participants would receive feedback on their work and critique others' work. To encourage participation, I'm thinking we would welcome a little of everything: fiction, short stories, novels, plays, poems, memoirs, creative nonfiction. You name it. I'm thinking the common denominator would be that participants are relatively serious about the craft. I'm thinking the purpose of the group would be to offer honest, constructive criticism (not to sugarcoat things or, on the other extreme, make people cry), and also to meet other writers.

I, personally, am a former newspaper reporter who has completed a novel manuscript, and I've reached the point where I'd like to share it in order to get feedback (and then completely re-write it or burn it when I learn it's horrible).

If there's any interest, I would be willing and eager to organize things.

Hello, I'm not anywhere near you, but if you don't have any success, try the Absolute Write forums (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums). Nathan Bransford pointed me in the direction. There are both published and unpublished writers on there, fiction, non-fiction, tech authors (like myself!), poets, grammar gurus, and all sorts of other word smiths. There are also beta readers willing to read your work and provide feedback. I've yet to use that service, but expect to shortly, as I too have finished my first novel, and just as soon as all this lovely, powdery snow disappears in a few months, I'll be back on my writing.

__________________
Life in the French Alps: http://www.lefrancophoney.com

I admire (and share!!) your priorities ... though I walk on the stuff (with snowshoes) while you glide on it!

Hey,

Thanks for that response. I'll take a look at Absolute Write. Good luck with your novel!

:O)

But powder is so much fun!

I reckon we can justify the priorities by saying that snow only happens for five months a year whereas writing can happen whenever you please. It's dumping down here in La Clusaz. Might have to bunk off work for first lifts tomorrow :O))

Thanks, and good luck with yours too. I hope you can get a group off the ground as it's always a bit easier to get a proper feel for what people think of your writing when they're in the same room and doing their body language thing.

And I heard yesterday that my second short romance story will actually get me a (very small) income when it's published online. It's a start. But for now, back to the snow! :O)

Hi there:
I would be interested in joining your group. I work as a science writer, but it turns out writing has been only 20% of the job. It leaves me a little tense about my skills when it comes time to write and I would love a professional and personal writing development outlet such as this.
Ruth

Hi. I'd be interested in joining such a group as well. I've been a magazine and newspaper feature writer and copy editor. I've also helped edit two collections of short stories and contributed a short story. My novels never get off the ground, so I'm sure some encouragement and inspiration would be uplifiting.

I`m a published novelist/journalist living in Basel (American). I`d be happy to comment on any work in progress.

Hey,

Thanks to everyone who responded to this thread. There has been some interest, and we've decided to form a writers' group. We're having an introductory meeting in Luzern on Thursday, May 28, 2009, at the Starbucks across the street from the Luzern train station (1 Pilatusstrasse).

I've posted this meeting in the calendar section. Here's the description:

Join us for the first meeting of the Luzern writers' group!

This is a creative writing group for English-language writers. It provides members an opportunity to share creative work, critique others' work and socialize with fellow English-language writers in the area.

We accept a little of everything: novels, short stories, creative non-fiction ... you name it. Our common ground is that members should be relatively serious about writing and critiquing others' work in a respectful but honest manner.

It's our first meeting, so it's an introductory one. The agenda will consist of meeting each other, discussing our writing, discussing what we want to achieve with the group, developing guidelines for sharing and critiquing, and scheduling a second meeting.

We hope to see you there!

Won't be able to join you, but if it all goes well, this is quite a good site to publish your own books on:
www.lulu.com
I published mine through there and it wasn't too messy a process. As it's print-on-demand, you don't have to pay for a shed load of copies that clutter up your house and they list it on Amazon and other places.

Hi all -

Congrats, ChrisO, on starting the writing group in Luzern, and good luck with the first meeting!

I was wondering if there were any writers in Zürich who might be interested in starting a similar group here. If so, please respond to this post or PM me!

WriterInZurich

Just to let you know I'm up for Zürich but can't make it as far as Luzerne. Great idea though! I do nanowrimo.org every year - same story, just rewrite it a lot - and usually don't get further than the first week.... Perhaps if there were some real people to incentivise me I wouldn't be such a drop out!

================================================== ======

Hello WriterInZurich,
How are ya?
I see your post in dated a while back..Is the group up and running? I am interested in joining in..An aspiring writer!

[quote=Tanyi2008;593140]================================================== ======

Hello there WriterInZurich,
How are ya?
I see your post is dated a while back...Is the group now up and running?
I am interested in joining..An aspiring writer in Zurich!