Why You Should Join a Writing Critique Group

The craft of writing does not guarantee a solitary life for any writer. Although you may lock yourself in a room in order to write, the end product should be open to being critiqued. Even if you wrote a family history someone has to read it, and most writers have a goal getting their work published, shared and appreciated.

What makes your writing so special? How will you know unless you showcase your work?

First of all, don’t think you can rely solely on your opinion when it comes to your own work. You must put your ego aside and get over yourself. Involve the public, and share your writing projects to anyone who is interested and willing to give feedback. Start with family and close friends. Sometimes, the people close will give the impression of liking everything you do and are afraid of saying what they feel.

If this is the case, find other people willing to give you feedback. It’s easier if you are already in a writing class, a writers’ group or attend writing conferences on a regular basis because in these situations, writers are always open to critique groups. This additional exposure can only help you, and that’s only the beginning. Writers have to deal with agents, publishers, and other literary personnel, so it is best to learn how to be comfortable when approaching others.

Criticism is crucial when you are a writer. Another viewpoint from a different set of eyes may help you if you use this criticism constructively.

Think about criticism as positive or negative, and think about it as helpful. When others give you their opinion, don’t always look for praise or expect to change your writing in order to please any reader. When people give their honest opinions on any subject, including your writing, always listen to their point of view. Learn not to take things personally. This is a very valuable skill for anyone in pursuit of a goal or a career. Learn from what your readers say, and leave the rest behind.

Seek other writers and their opinions because they are people who are most likely to help you with your work because they are also studying the craft. As you write, and finally have the courage to share your work, you will find a writing critique group as a valuable part of the writing process.

No matter how confident you are about your writing, it is best to share it with a writing critique group. You will also be listening to what others are writing, and you will be asked to critique other writers’ work as well. Unless a critique group focuses on one genre, the written work presented at a session may include anything from magazine articles to Westerns. When a group meets, the session should have a moderator so that everyone has the same amount of time to present their work.

What makes a writing critique group valuable to the writer?

Input from other writers will let you see your work from another point of view. Constructive criticism is valuable as you continue to write.

When I first joined a local writing group, I forced myself to join a critique group. For years, I always thought my writing was good enough to attract an audience, and felt I didn’t need anyone’s opinion. I was wrong.

I don’t even read my work to my husband, so the idea of getting up and reading a chapter of my novel to a roomful of strangers was not my idea of spending an evening. But my opinion changed when I later tried to pitch my novel to nationally known agents. Unfamiliar when dealing with agents, I realized I struggled when asked to describe my prospective novel in one sentence because I didn’t know how.

It was clear to me what my novel was about, but would someone else understand?

I am still looking for a writing critique group to join, and I know they will be valuable in helping me with my unfinished novel. The first group I joined met once a month, and it was carefully organized so everyone was able to read their work during a session. But all we did was read our work, and then go home. I was lucky to have a few writers show interest in my work after my reading, but their comments were very brief, and there wasn’t time to have conversations on what my readers really thought about my writing.

Through this first writing critique group and not getting any real feedback, I was able to see the importance of putting my work out there and getting it critiqued. This is what I wanted and needed. After all, each of us has a story to tell, and you have to start somewhere when you decide to share it.

A Note from Arlene: As a writer, you have to decided whether or not being around other writers is for you. HubPages is a great way to try online writing. For help with writing Hubs, check my Hubs on Hubs. As an experienced writer, I'm leaving you with tips on how to get your writing out there for your readers to enjoy. Don't let anything stop you. Continue to write--no matter what.