I met with my critique group today. They are my inspiration, and they keep me going when I want to quit. 
So many times I’ve left my computer, with the intention of never writing fiction again. (I’d say I’ve laid down my pen, but these days, I never write that way). They push me to go back.
Today I got some great tips for rewriting part of the first chapter of my WIP. This from the same people who had me throw out the first three chapters I’d written previously, so the current chaptter one was chapter four. But they were right. It is SO much better. And today, it’s better still.
If you write, I encourage you to do whatever you can to find a supportive group of fellow authors to work with. There are caveats, however, and if your chosen group doesn’t meet the following standards, it would be best to move on.
- Ideally, at least some of the members should be farther along in the writing profession than you are. A mix of people at different levels is fantastic, because skilled authors don’t always read something the way those who read a lot, but haven’t done much writing. The more we learn the trade, the more it affects how we assess what we read, and most readers are not writers.
- Critiques should be constructive, not destructive. Suggestions should be made with the goal to build you up as a writer, not to prove how much more they know (or think they know.) On the other hand, sometimes it should be tough, just like tough love. If the book has to start with chapter four, they have to have the guts to tell you.
- That being said, you as the author have to be willing to accept criticism and use it to your advantage. People who just tell you how wonderful you are won’t really help you.
- Regular meetings are important. They keep the momentum flowing, and give you the motivation to keep producing when you’d really rather do something else this week. If at all possible, find a group that can meet in person. There’s something about the back-and-forth flow of discussion in a group that far surpasses what can be done online. However, an online group is better than no group.
Check with your local librarian to see who else in your area is an author. See if the library will allow you to post something seeking other authors (published and unpublished) to start a group if one doesn’t already exist.
Good luck my friends, and keep writing.
