✨THE LIGHT LEAKS HIGHLIGHTS: EDITION #39✨

Hey TLL Community, thank you for being a subscriber of our newsletter!This issue we’re diving into the question “How to Start A Writer’s Group”, PLUS we have  have a special new event announcement! We’re also turning 6 years old this weekend - keep on reading to get the full scoop on everything TLL!

• Did you know that we have an advice column? The Hustle is our space to answer common career and film industry questions. We ask our TLL team and outside experts to weigh in with their own experiences and real advice. In this edition of the Hustle, Kim Hoyos breaks down tips and strategies for starting and maintaining a successful writers’ group.  The Hustle: How to Start a Writers Group

• Whether you're a seasoned writer looking for a community of like-minded individuals or a beginner seeking guidance and support, a writers’ group can be a great resource. Starting a writers’ group can be intimidating, but it can also be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

• 1) Know your intended purpose: Before starting your group, take some time to reflect on your own writing. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What do you hope to gain from the group? It is important to have a clear idea of what you are hoping to accomplish with a writer’s group. Are you looking to provide support and feedback for each other's work? Are you looking to learn new writing techniques and improve your skills? Or do you just need a set “write in” time with others for accountability? Having a clear purpose (or multiple) in mind for the writer’s group will help you to attract the right people and create a cohesive and productive group that thrives individually and together. There are several different types of writers groups, including critique groups, support groups, and workshops,  so knowing YOUR purpose will help guide you to the right type of group formation.

• 2) Find your people: Once you know what type of group you want to create, it's time to start finding members. Look for people who share your interests and goals, and who are at a similar level of experience. This is key because you’ll want to feel that you can be challenged and share ideas that propel your work (and that of others) forward but you don’t want the weight of feeling like you’re teaching others how to improve at the sake of your own writing. But don’t feel like you have to limit group members to friends or the folks you know. You can try spreading the news of your writers’ group online (TLL comments and our FB group are a great places to find people), at local writing meet-ups, and through word of mouth to find others that are looking for the same thing .. I formed my writers group by tweeting out that I was looking to meet writers, and after a few random video calls to meet people, I started to ask individuals to join in. Now we’re 2 years into our group!

• 3) Limit group size: It is important to keep your group small, as larger groups can be difficult to manage and can make it harder for everyone to get the support and feedback they need. This may differ for each group depending on the type, but for criticism and workshop groups, it’s best to aim for a group of 4-6 people. Whether virtually or in person, this is a comfortable size group to have conversations without anyone feeling left out.

• 4) Build a safe zone: Remember, your group should be a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their work and giving and receiving feedback. Establish that open and honest communication goes hand in hand with respect and courtesy when speaking to each other. Writing is a sensitive medium that people often use to share personal stories - be prepared for folks to bring various topics and themes to the group. Also this goes without saying, but what happens in the group should usually stay within the group.Continue reading tips 5-7 on The Light Leaks.com!Kim Hoyos is a queer Latina filmmaker based in Los Angeles and originally from the garden state. She’s currently a video producer at mitu, and is also the founder of the Light Leaks. Passionate about representation in media, Kim strives to create spaces on screen and behind the camera for women, BIPOC folks, and the LGBTQ+ community.  

• TLL Turns 6! Thank you for everyone in our community. It’s because of you that we’re all here together. Hang on tight and here's to the next year, filled with even more excitement, growth, and creativity! Read our recap to see what year 6 held in store for us! 

• FREE EVENT: ✨Creative Power Hour🔋⁠if you've been having trouble dedicating the time you need to your projects and getting your juices flowing, this event is for you! ⁠ We’re hosting a a FREE, VIRTUAL event on Feb 13, 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST dedicated to giving you a no-pressure space to co-work with like-minded individuals in the TLL community⁠ ⁠ 💬 ⁠ RSVP here!

• Here at TLL, we value our community's needs and creative ideas. That's why we created The Light Leaks Feedback Form. Is there something you want to see more or less of from us? Submit your thoughts and let us know!

• Like what you see? Be sure to follow us on social for more highlights, more empowerment, and more education. Here's to spreading light! ✨