As writers, we all need them, have used them at one time or another, have even started one or two ourselves. I’m talking about writer’s groups. If you are starting out, love writing and want to be in a community of like-minded individuals, then a writing group is for you. If you are a well-seasoned writer (is there such a beast – and what flavour are they?) you may no longer have a need for a writer’s group.
Writer’s groups are great to bounce ideas around, to find information about markets and to have your work critiqued (if you dare), and to learn about the craft of writing. Where some writer’s groups fall apart, especially if offering critiques, is they don’t take into account the writer’s experience. Yes, it’s true a critique is meant to go through the work and point out any and all mistakes and offer advice regarding character, plot and setting, etc. I have been in a few writer’s groups though where the one having the critique done on their work sits in the hot seat and actually becomes roasted.
It is easy for the critiquer to forget about the experience of the writer and simply crush any and all words written, change the complete plot and plan new characters. Remember, it is the author’s work, critiquers are meant to give suggestions. A good critique offers constructive changes, and points out errors in the manuscript which make the story hard to understand. These could be changes in plot, characterization, syntax, etc.
Find a writer’s group that has the goal in mind to help you succeed and learn as a writer. Ego’s tend to engage fully at some writer’s meetings. If you come out of the meeting wondering if you can and should ever write again, then find another group. If you come out feeling like you’ve learnt something new, can take the constructive comments on your work and continue editing and writing, then you have found a wonderful writing group.
