What really happens behind the scenes of a thriving writing group? In this episode of the NoNaMe Storyteller podcast, hosts Al and Aki, with returning guest co-host Edward Gauvin, sit down with author Brian Petkash (Mistakes by the Lake, upcoming tentatively titled The B-Sides) and Nicole Caron, founder of Brian’s long-running writing group and a writing professor at Ringling College of Art and Design.

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Together, they pull back the curtain on how writing groups form, what makes them work, what can quietly break them, and surprising things you might not know—like when it’s okay to kick someone out or why blank pages might be your boldest storytelling move.

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Whether you’re in a writing group, thinking about starting one, or wondering if they’re even worth it—this episode spills everything.