Writing critique groups can be an intense bummer, yet they’re critical to writing success. How to balance the good and the bad?
Years ago, I began writing seriously, so I joined a critique group. I didn’t know what to expect.
This group was so mean, I almost stopped writing. Forever.
After a while, though, I learned to (a) write better, and (b) stand up for myself. Plus I found a group I liked.
So now, I’m a crusty old professional. Somebody messes with me, I mess right back. But the new people, or the writers who aren’t as sure of themselves, make me sad.
I hear the sound of frustration and discouragement around our table sometimes. The writer doesn’t know much about writing, or about what SHE wants to say, and as a result, the other members run over her. She runs back to her little dungeon to continue writing all by her lonesome.
I put together a three-part series about writing groups a few years ago, and the info still holds. Here’s the first one, and at the bottom of each is a link to the next. I hope you find them helpful.
On the plus side, though, I have to say this: my current critique group, to which I’ve belonged for maybe five years, has become more than a writing group. They’re my friends. Hell, they’re my family. I don’t know what I’d do without them. So it’s worthwhile to give it time, and find the group that’s right for you.
Are you in a critique group? How’s that working for you? Do you have a problem with it that maybe we can fix? Or just enjoy reading about? You know, writers love to see other peoples’ problems. It makes for such great material.
Okay, here ‘s the thing Lynne. I don’t like groups, any group. I would rather have a coach, editor, critique; all in one person, a trinity for writers. I can’t believe I am alone. Pun intended.
No sense feeling guilty or deprived over no group. Reading yours and others comments, groups can be like church, destructive. Or, as you say, they can be more than fulfilling. I think we first have to evaluate who we are, and me, I don’t like groups, any group. Maybe I said that already.
Church? That’s interesting, Bob, given what you do. But it sounds as if you know yourself very well, and that’s important.
Lynne,
The only negative experience I ever had in a critique group was back in the 1980s in a group sponsored by the guild. One person in particular would get offended and get up and leave. The group I am leading now is rewarding. We all help each other, it forces us to write, and our writing on the whole has improved.
Donna, I experienced that, too. This one person was SUPER religious and couldn’t tolerate curse words, let alone descriptions of sex or body parts in a sexual way. She would wait outside the room until the piece was finished. It might have been better for all if she’d found a religious or other conservative-type group. For me, it was a buzz-kill.
Lynne: I read all three of your original posts, and I think they are on target. The most important, though, is the first. I stuck with a very ineffective critique group much longer than I should have, and now I would tell people the same thing: if it isn’t working for you, get out! It is hard to find a group that is made up of writers writing things you want to read and has writers at the same (close anyway?) level of experience. I am glad you found one that works!
Problem is, as new people to the critique process, we often don’t know better, and give them too much weight. Thanks for the reinforcement.
Haven’t joined one yet, but know I should. Basically, I am a loner and have to push myself to join groups. (Bet you never knew that about me, huh!)
I really can’t say enough for them Judy. When you find one that is good for you, it’s more than just a writing group. It’s a group of writing friends. But of course, some days are better than others!
The content of your “writing” blog is fantastic. I’ve been somewhat critical of the various styles of critique groups (i dislike the term critique) for years. The aspect of reading one’s work aloud at a meeting is 20th Century. Today, we are able to transmit the established word count to the critique group (in my case, never more than 5 persons) with the requirement that the evaluation be sent to all members within a time period. The guidelines are established, but can be changed with the approval level of 4 of the other members only. At the meeting, the critiquer relays the remarks within 5 minutes. The critiqued writer is allowed to ask for expanded info during the presentation. Important: The first comment(s) by the critiquer must relay positive aspects of the written piece. “What did I like most in what I read?” Then, be truthful in writing aspects/suggested “look-ats,”.
Here I am, Lynne, expanding too much on my outlook with critique groups. Each writer must totally trust the others for their inputs. However, do some math. If only one person mentions an item, regard it, but don’t use it if it doesn’t agree with you. Two – a bit more regard, but the same reaction by you as though but one person. Three – more weight. Four- Even more weight, and with serious evaluation by you. Five – consider it as quite valid.
Your writing blogs are riveting.
The Writers Digest download is so thorough. Thanks for linking it.
Bob
My pleasure, Bob. I totally agree with you about the math aspect of a comment/critique. I’ve seen ignorant remarks cause a writer to rewrite her work, but if the majority of the group disagrees, the writer can be saved from the ignorance. For example, one member of a (former) group took issue with my use of the word “roiled.” She didn’t recognize it, so it was her FIRM opinion that nobody else would. In that case I said, thanks, and moved her along. Because her opinion meant nothing to me. No sense making a fight out of it.
Re distributing the writing ahead of time via email, that’s a good idea. I wonder if my group would consider that. Thanks!