Writers groups cater to Long Island authors

Five years ago, Toby Speed got an idea for a novel. A "flash of a scene" came to mind, she says, a murder mystery set in Port Jefferson.

Speed, 55, a writer and editor from Selden, has published seven children's books (including the award-winning "Brave Potatoes"), but her first stab at adult fiction is coming with some struggles.

Rescue could come in the form of a writing group, where like-minded literary individuals join for mutual encouragement and constructive criticism.

If you feel like you, too, have a story inside you, there are groups on Long Island where you can seek out your peers.

The Long Island Writers' Guild: liwritersguild.org

Who they are: Started in 1993 by six people on a couch in a Levittown bookstore, The Long Island Writers' Guild is the area's oldest group - and, with a membership of more than 500, it's also the largest.

What they do: The Guild runs free workshops on alternating Thursday nights at the Levittown or Bethpage library and daytime workshops once a month at the East Meadow or Bellmore libraries. Organizers say most workshops include a mix of creativity-boosting writing exercises and critiques of works read aloud.

How to join: Show up to three meetings, and you'll receive a blue binder with a pen and "magic paper," a symbolic offering of the group's commitment to you, says founder Peter Garenani.

Amateur Writers of Long Island Meetup: meetup.com/amateur-writers-long-island

Who they are: Led by Steve Sanderson, 48, a technical writer from Huntington who pens poetry and short stories, the group typically meets on the first Sunday of the month at the Barnes & Noble in Huntington Station (380 Walt Whitman Rd.). Its 38 members range from 20- to 60-somethings.

What they do: Members bring multiple copies of whatever they're working on, which they pass around for editing. They also discuss problems with their writing. "This is a group for people just getting started or getting back in the game," Sanderson says. "Publishing is the ultimate goal, I guess, but it's not required."

How to join: Meetings cost $1. Sign up at the group's Web site.

Long Island Screenwriters Group: myspace.com/liscreenwritersgroup

Who they are: Members range from working screenwriters, actors and filmmakers to novelists and novice writers. The group was formed more than 10 years ago by Howie Young of Smithtown, who was working on his first screenplay.

What they do: The group gets together about once a month at the Smithtown Library to read aloud the work of one or two members. Each person is assigned a role in the script; a discussion and critique follow.

How to join: You must attend three meetings before you can request to read your work with the group.

Long Island Children's Authors and Illustrators

Who they are: The group's 60-plus members "write everything from the silly to the deadly serious," says Brian Heinz, 62, from Wading River, who has published 12 children's books. Of the handful of books recently published by members, most "were first read at the meetings," Heinz says.

What they do: Besides once-a-month Saturday meetings at St. Joseph's College in Patchogue, the group brings in guest editors and conducts dozens of author-illustrator book fairs at elementary schools.

How to join: Membership is $40 a year; see brianheinz.com .

Long Island Writers Group for 20- and 30-somethings: meetup.com/Long-Island-20-something-writers

Who they are: When she moved to Farmingdale from Connecticut about a year ago, Erin Nolan, a 27- year-old office temp, started attending writing groups in the area but found most members were older than she. "I was looking not only for people to critique writing with but also to form a more social group," she says. So she formed this group.

What they do: The group meets twice a month in the cafe at Barnes & Noble in Huntington Station. Meetings start with an icebreaker followed by a writing exercise and critique of each other's work.

How to join: Meetings are free. Find an updated schedule on the group's Web site.

Long Island Author's Group: longislandauthorsgroup.org

Who they are: Whether they're published by small independents, mainstream publishers or self-published, once writers have finished something that's made it to press, the Long Island Author's Group, which has about 42 members, is the one to join.

What they do: Formed primarily as a networking group, they gather about once a quarter. Meetings have been seminars on topics including the press and marketing, and in the future will likely include forums where members can get together to discuss common problems, like how to choose a book title and cover design.

How to join: Select "Join Us" on the group's Web site to access instructions and an application. Annual membership dues are $50.