Key To Author Success—A Writing Group

Writing groups, also called critique groups, are indispensable for a writer. It’s where you gather with other passionate writers and critique each other’s work. Everyone has a different reason to join one, but it’s important to know how to find a writing group and how to be a beneficial part of the group. A writer’s job is done in a bubble, but writing groups help expose your work to the outside world before sending it to editors or agents.

Your Purpose For A Writing Group

There are many reasons to join a writing group. Some use it to get over the fear of sharing their work, some need a reason to write every week, and others want plotline critiques to better their story arc. Know your goals before joining and look for others with similar goals. Your needs will change as you progress. If the group progresses at the same rate, you can grow together. If not, you may need to move groups in the future.

How To Find A Writing Group

Finding a writing group is not easy. Even once you find one, it may not be a good fit for you. Be prepared to try a few before getting into a good one. You can find these groups online by going to various platforms, such as the NaNoWriMo community. If the internet seems too vast for a search, try your local area. Go to bookstores, libraries, book clubs, writing conferences, or conventions. 

If these don’t work for you, build your own group. Go to writers’ events and make a list of people you think would make a good writing group. I do not recommend using your friends or family. Critiquing your work is walking the line between personal and professional. You need people who will tell you the truth and not be worried about offending you.

Ways To Run A Writing Group

Writing groups function in a variety of different ways. Some meet weekly, biweekly, or monthly. You can meet in person, over video-call, or just talk through email (I’d avoid the last option as communication through text makes it easier to misunderstand each other). 

Submissions for critiques can be done through email or by showing up with a hard copy in hand. You can take time to read the submissions before or during the meeting. If the submissions are electronic, there will be a preference on what format (PDF, Word Doc, Google Doc, etc.). There are groups that prefer submissions to be a certain number of pages, and others want a whole chapter or maybe the entire book. Each method has its flaws, but you’ll want to think about what works best for your group.

Rules For A Writing Group

You need ground rules for the meetings. Constructive criticism is good but hard to swallow. 

When You’re Being Critiqued:

1. Don’t talk unless you’re asked a direct question. It’s easy to get defensive so stay quiet.
2. Take notes if they aren’t providing you with written feedback.
3. You do not need to do everything that is suggested. Learn to distinguish between what is helpful and what is overstepping your creative license.

When You’re Critiquing:

1.  Make your comments descriptive and reactionary. Let them know how you feel about what’s happening in the story. Saying the main character is stupid does not help the writer. Instead, tell them you are frustrated with the main character for overanalyzing every situation. Then the writer knows your reasoning. If it’s part of their plan, then they are doing a good job. If it’s not, they’ll know what to fix.
2. Do not tell the author what to do. If there is a problem, tell them but do not suggest how to fix it. It’s their job to write the story and yours to let them know when it isn’t working.
3. Point out good things as well as problems. This helps the writer not feel attacked, but it also lets them see their strengths. They need to know what they do well so they can keep replicating it.

You can adjust the rules as needed or create new ones of your own. Just make sure everyone is on the same page from the beginning. While it can be hard to listen to others critique your work, it’s key to improving your writing.

Final Thoughts

Once you put in the hard work to find a good writing group, you’ll see how it pays off in your writing. Your fellow writers will see plot holes you missed, have tips for tightening the prose, and even make suggestions for building more conflict. Having another set of professional eyes on your manuscript will make it better in the long run. So, take a deep breath and accept the constructive criticism with a smile. Your book will be better in the end because of it.

Thanks for reading!

Write a tale

Leave a trail