Crit Groups: The Power of Belonging

with Enisa Haines

I've written the draft of my novel and, wow, it's fantastic. Well, I think it is. Does anyone else think the same? I don't know. Writing is a solo endeavour, just me sitting alone at my desk transferring the story in my imagination to my computer screen.

To make the story the best it can be, I used all I've learned from how-to books, writing courses, conferences, workshops and competitions. Did I really make the story the best? The only way I'll know is if others read the story and give me honest feedback.

Image: courtesy of lisalewistyre.com

What if they don't love it as much as I do? What if they don't even like it? Fear strikes, urging me to keep the work to myself if I want to avoid hurt. But I push the fear back. I want to be a writer. I want to be the best writer I can be and if that means handing my work out to be read and critiqued then so be it.

At this point I joined a critique group. Being told of the faults in my story at first annihilated my high opinion of my writing but the angst soon disappeared. Why? The negative comments weren't personal, about me. The focus was on my writing. These other writers praised what worked and showed me how to improve what didn't, willingly giving suggestions.

Editing my work as per the advice given, I saw the story transform from flawed to worthy of being read. I'd been right to seek feedback from like-minded others.

Our crit group gets together once a month either in person or online.

We email our chapters to each other, read the chapters, make comments on the writing that works or doesn't work and why. When we meet we discuss our comments and if requested brainstorm ideas.

We each write different genres. Others may think that a disadvantage but for us the differences are a plus. Writing that needs explanation is seen more clearly as are ways to clarify.

If you're as serious about your craft as I am and you're unsure if your writing is the best you can make it, do join a critique group. You'll learn a lot and your learning curve will be rapid. There may be times when you pout, pull at your hair in frustration or simply ignore advice and go with what your instinct tells you. There may be times when you laugh at mistakes that glare back at you.

But overall, your writing will improve and your stories reveal themselves for the great tales they are.

Are you part of a critique group? I'd love to hear of your critiquing experiences.

Love to love - rock music. It may seem strange but rock songs played loudly relax me.

Love to laugh - I can't write with music playing. My muse shuts down in the midst of noise. Any noise. Silence is my muse's friend. Now, if I had an Isolator...Imagine my daily word count!

Image: courtesy of boingboing.net

Love to learn - I'm fascinated by other cultures and customs and how they came about.