5 Things You Need for a Successful Writing Circle
A writing circle can be a writer’s best friend, but the wrong group can do more harm than good. Here are my 5 top must haves for a successful critique group.
- 1. Intention
Is writing your hobby or your career? Do you want to produce the next big commercial success, or simply print ten copies of your manuscript for friends and family? The level and intensity of critique you’ll require from your group will vary depending upon the personal goal you’ve set for your writing. Be clear about your intention and know your prospective group’s mandate to best determine whether you’ll be a good match for each other.
- 2. Clear Expectations
A regular meeting schedule, submission calendar, group guidelines and a comfortable meeting space foster a sense of professionalism and consistency. It’s up to the group to assess when, where and how often they meet. Each choice can affect the tone and personality of your group. Be conscientious of submission deadline dates and word count when it’s your turn to submit, and offer thoughtful critiques to others when it’s their turn. And don’t be the person who only attends a meeting when your submission is up for evaluation. That’s not playing fair.
- 3. Focus
The focus of every meeting must be on the writing—structure, character, pacing and syntax—not the writer. Not everyone is going to like everyone, and not everything that is written is going to resonate with every person, but unless the work is hate filled or blatantly offensive, a responsible group cannot allow themselves to be sidelined by a submission that makes them uncomfortable and/or doesn’t lined up with their personal views. Be willing to leave your censorship button at home.
- 4. Don’t take it personally
Your work-in-progress is just that, a work-in-progress, and as such, isn’t going to be perfect. So, pull on your grown-up pants and listen to the feedback offered without defending it. Don’t take it personally, and believe the critiques you receive are meant to elevate your work and to help you become a better writer. I offer one caveat here: it’s always prudent to recognize that unless a suggestion rings true for you, you’re under no obligation to implement it into your work. It’s your baby.
- 5. Trust
Years of participating in different writing circles has taught me the most important, non-negotiable ingredient required for a successful critique group is trust. Sharing your work can be a daunting and nerve-wracking experience, even for the most seasoned writer, but if your writing group has your best interest at heart, trust they will be there to catch you when you fall, support you when you are unsure, kick your butt when you need a kick in the butt, and celebrate you when you succeed.
When a group of like-minded people gather, magic can happen. Congratulations if you’ve found such a magical group, and remember, you’ll only get out what you’re willing to put into the experience.
