Pick a Writing Group Carefully
The process of writing is a solitary one. When I’m writing, all my attention is on the work. In a novel, that means keeping a multitude of threads in my mind to know what came before, how a character acts, what forces push from the outside and so on. I see the world I’m creating in my mind, but that vision doesn’t always come out on the page. Things that seem obvious to me may be confusing to others. Joining a writing group can help you see your material through different eyes.
In my short story “The Hell of It”, published in my anthology Unexpected Consequences, I had a clear theme in mind. When people in my writing group read it, they thought the theme was something else. I had to look at the story and find ways to make my vision clear. Without the members of the writing group, I’d never have known this.
As helpful as writing groups are, you must be careful in choosing one.
A writing group where everyone heaps praise on every work may satisfy you’re ego, but it won’t help you become a better writer. If the group just validates everything, you won’t know what needs to be changed. Find a group of writers who offer solid critiques. Don’t look for approval. Seek comments that help you improve
Yet, avoid groups where members are toxic and make comments to enlarge their own egos or act aggressively.
When giving a critique, only talk about the work, never the writer. Don’t try to psychoanalyze others or tell writers they aren’t qualified to speak on a subject.
Writers can fall into a trap where they begin to think they have to imitate the views of a fellow member or an instructor. Take all criticism in and consider if it can help, but don’t let it overshadow your own vision and voice. At the same time, if a piece of writing confuses too many, examine how you can make your story clearer.
Keep in mind, people in a writing group are trying to help make your story better. We all want to be accepted and praised, but don’t argue about or defend a point. Answer any questions asked. Still, the only thing you should say at the end of a critique is, “Thank you.”
In my short story “The Hell of It”, published in my anthology Unexpected Consequences, I had a clear theme in mind. When people in my writing group read it, they thought the theme was something else. I had to look at the story and find ways to make my vision clear. Without the members of the writing group, I’d never have known this.
As helpful as writing groups are, you must be careful in choosing one.
A writing group where everyone heaps praise on every work may satisfy you’re ego, but it won’t help you become a better writer. If the group just validates everything, you won’t know what needs to be changed. Find a group of writers who offer solid critiques. Don’t look for approval. Seek comments that help you improve
Yet, avoid groups where members are toxic and make comments to enlarge their own egos or act aggressively.
When giving a critique, only talk about the work, never the writer. Don’t try to psychoanalyze others or tell writers they aren’t qualified to speak on a subject.
Writers can fall into a trap where they begin to think they have to imitate the views of a fellow member or an instructor. Take all criticism in and consider if it can help, but don’t let it overshadow your own vision and voice. At the same time, if a piece of writing confuses too many, examine how you can make your story clearer.
Keep in mind, people in a writing group are trying to help make your story better. We all want to be accepted and praised, but don’t argue about or defend a point. Answer any questions asked. Still, the only thing you should say at the end of a critique is, “Thank you.”
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