Sometimes small writing groups are great. They can be ideal for many reasons. It's easier for members to get to know each other, and they often provide a more comfortable, safe environment for folks who might be a little camera shy about reading their work aloud. In addition, they can allow for more detailed attention to individual members, which can be all-important for those readying manuscripts for submission.

Still, a writing group is only as good as the sum of its members. While larger writing groups are more easily sustainable, allowing for inactivity on the part of a number of people through sheer number, smaller writing groups are more difficult to sustain. In a small group, the inactivity of just a few members can threaten the very survival of the group. And the truth is that creativity, like so many things, is cyclical. Writers have ups and downs, and group participation can naturally be affected.

Particularly for small writing groups that meet locally, it's easy for meetings to fizzle. One member has to work the night shift. Another member can't find a babysitter. A third has the flu. How easy it is to find yourself sitting around with only one or two people, simply chatting rather than focusing on writing.

Sometimes it's necessary to strike a balance between the intimacy of a small writing group and the sustainability of a larger group. But how do you know when it's time to grow your writing group?

One important factor is the commitment and participation level of individual members. A group could have only three or four members, but if each member is active, showing up regularly, bringing work to the group for each meeting, ready to discuss their own work as well as the work of others, then you probably don't need to grow your group. Several committed members can sustain a small group indefinitely.

On the other hand, if at any given time only half of your group members are actively participating, it could be time to grow your group. In a group of six, for example, only two or three active participants can feel skeletal at best.

Another reason to consider growing your writing group is to rev up enthusiasm. Writing groups can get stagnant, and it's easy to fall into a rut with the same group of people. They get to know the writing styles of each other very well, the weaknesses and strengths, the themes. It's both a plus and a minus. Sometimes new blood can energize a group. Even just a single new member can change the dynamics of a group and add something fresh.

There are also cons to adding new members, something that should be considered. Small groups generally have a good rapport. Adding new members can spark conflicts, and sometimes the getting to know you phase can be awkward and difficult. Personality or writing styles may not mesh. Plus, it's sometimes difficult for newcomers to find their place in a small, pre-established group.

It's a good idea to discuss the possibility of new group members with the group as a whole, perhaps having potential recruits submit work before being added in. Though it isn't necessarily vital that everyone agrees on the addition of new members, in a small group, at least showing respect for the opinion and feelings of each and every member is important to the integrity of the group.

Small writing groups are wonderful, and your group may choose to remain small and intimate. Others can go on to expand and become large, successful groups with members in a variety of genres and at a variety of levels. The truth is that there is no black and white when it comes to the size of writing groups. There are pros and cons to both. The choice, ultimately, is yours.