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Lisa Laing answered some questions about her writing group, the Chicago-North Chapter of the Romance Writers of America.

How did the group start?

The feature story in that issue reviewed the history of the chapter.

How did you choose where to hold your meetings?

We meet twice each month. The first meeting of the month is held at the Des Plaines Public Library. The second is at the Arlington Heights Historical Society. Site selection considerations include cost (a big factor), size of meeting room, availability on our desired days at our preferred times (very few places stay open until 10pm), and accessibility for our members. We try to choose a central location in order to make it easy for the majority of members to attend.

What’s an ordinary meeting like?

At each meeting we discuss chapter business and do a large-group critique of at least one manuscript (20 pages max). On program nights we also have a speaker, workshop, or program of some type. On non-program nights we critique a second manuscript. We also take long breaks to give members time to catch up with each other.

Do you have a limit on the number of folks who can participate?

There is no limit on our membership. We welcome both published and unpublished authors. Our mission is: “We, the members of the Chicago-North Chapter of RWA, come together to support published and unpublished writers in an atmosphere of integrity, harmony, and peace. We encourage our fellow writers with unconditional support, incisive critiques, and a professional network. Our purpose is to nurture each other as we strive for excellence and achievement of our publication goals.”

Are there expectations of participation by members?

There are no hard-and-fast rules. Some of our members have moved away from Chicago and participate only in the online e-mail discussion group. Some of our members have the time to take on a board position or to head a committee (e.g., web site, publicity, conference, contest, etc.). At meetings, some members participate actively in discussions and others simply listen and learn. We hope that everyone will find a way to contribute and that everyone will learn something new.

Do you have a waiting list? Do you vet participants?

We do not have a waiting list. We have no need to vet participants.

What good things have come out of the group?

Each year, several of our unpublished members join the ranks of the published authors. We all learn so much from each other. Those who have advanced in their careers support those of us who are following in their footsteps.

[NOTE: There are two other RWA groups in the Chicago-area:

• Love Designers Writers’ Club
  Romance Writers of America Chapter, Region 2
  1507 Burnham Avenue, Calumet City, IL 60409
  Phone (708) 862-9797
• Windy City RWA