Call 5 or 6 songwriter friends. Explain what you have in mind and invite them to participate. Have a time and place in mind for at least the first meeting, and some idea of how you'd like to see it go. Have participants bring an instrument, writing materials, ideas.

Have a plan for the initial gathering. Allow time during the first meeting for exchange of ideas about expectations, desires, ground rules, etc.

Plan an exercise - perhaps a songwriting exercise to get everyone started. I think I'd avoid a sing around of already completed pieces at the first gathering, since you want it to be a group that will inspire and encourage new works. There will be plenty of time to share completed pieces later. Having a specific structured activity will have everyone starting at the same place.

Have an assignment to work on for the next gathering, either another exercise or activity or prompt. This will assist in the development of songwriting skills and encourage the establishment of a practice of writing.

Something to consider - Will this be an open, fluid group where anyone interested in songwriting can drop in any time or a smaller, more intimate group where participants are committed to helping one another develop their songwriting skills? Two very different approaches.

KT