The Wolf Tree Writing Group

Writing groups are beneficial social meetings for writers to meet and discuss their work. The Wolf Tree writing group in Fredericton was created in 1994. Jane Tims is a published writer and has been a member of Wolf Tree for 17 years. She describes the group meetings as laid back and says that they are beneficial to the writers. “They give us motivation to write and an opportunity to participate in the writing community. It’s a good way to get feedback on our writing and to learn from each other” she says. The meetings are structured which is why Tims thinks they are productive. “We begin our meetings by chatting and catching up on everyone’s lives but then get straight to the writing.” Each member brings a piece of writing to the meeting for the group to critique and there is also a 5 minute rapid write. The meetings occur monthly and take place in the homes of the members.

Today there is no official leader of the group and most of the members live within 20 km of Fredericton. Former members who have moved away still remain friends with the group and keep in contact. In the past Wolf Tree has travelled together to participate in getaway workshops. The workshops are day events and located in areas close to Fredericton. One member of the group usually prepares a writing exercise for the workshop and everyone brings food.

There is strict criteria as to who can join the group. Seven is the ideal number of members as if there is more than ten “the group loses compatibility and time” says Tims. New members are usually suggested from people within the group. They are then brought to meetings numerous times before a decision is made on if they will become a member. There have never been any male members of Wolf Tree, however Tim’s believes that the group would be open to the idea if the opportunity arose.