I personally don’t have much experience with writing groups. I’ve never officially joined one and find the idea of doing so unappealing and intimidating. It’s hard enough for me to share portions of my work with close friends, let alone near-strangers, especially since I am not good at summaries. I’m sure a few readers will think, “Well, if you don’t try to get to know them, of course they’ll remain near-strangers and you’ll never feel comfortable sharing your work.” True. But I would rather gravitate towards friends who already like to talk about writing and slowly create a group that way.
The success or failure of a writing group really depends on the people in it. If you are in a group that has people you trust who will give you honest, solid feedback, then I think you’ll have fun and improve your writing. But if the others in your group don’t give good feedback and are not decent writers themselves, then neither you nor your writing will have much fun. Some writing groups do weekly or monthly writing assignments or exercises for their members to participate in, and if that’s something you and your fellow writers are interested in, go for it. However, don’t get so bogged down in exercises and “being a writer” that you forget to have fun.
The Cat's Cradle : On Hiatus! 