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Perhaps the one trait that all writers share, regardless of genre or reputation, is the need for constructive criticism. We all would like to know if our latest project is headed in the right direction artistically or our newest assignment is meeting the desired needs of the editor or publisher. Without some form of criticism, writers often find themselves floundering in a sea of rewrites and revisions. Self-doubt may also cloud a writer's vision without some positive or negative feedback to guide them through the rough spots. Clearly a more objective opinion is needed at every stage of the writing process, but where can a writer find such willing and able assistance?
Many writers turn to each other for guidance and feedback, in the form of critiquing circles. Works in progress are usually passed around to other members of the group, who are encouraged to offer constructive criticism or suggestions for revision. Regular meeting times are set up, and discussion is generally centered around writing-related developments or interests. A good critiquing group knows how to offer negative feedback without bruising a writer's fragile ego, and has the collective experience and technical knowledge to offer positive feedback that a writer can use. A less effective group may only offer surface-level praise or be so brutally honest that writers are more shaken by the intense criticism than stirred to improve their craft. A new writer must be careful when deciding to join an established writers' critiquing group, because the experience may require more personal fortitude than he or she may have anticipated. Here are some pros and cons to consider before joining any critiquing circle.
PRO: A good writers' group will tell you what you NEED to hear, not what you may WANT to hear. Many writers who haven't established professional ties with other writers often seek criticism and advice from friends and relatives whose enthusiasm may exceed their objectivity. While a fledgling writer may enjoy the strokes and praises of an admiring reader, he or she may also feel the need for an honest evaluation by someone more established in the writing business. This is the strong suit of a good writers' circle. If an established, skilled writer reads your manuscript and offers positive feedback, you can rest assured that your work does indeed have some merit. Conversely, any negative information gathered in a good writers' group is usually constructive and fair. Better to hear bad news from friends and colleagues now rather than collect rejection slips later from hard-nosed publishers.
CON: A writers' critiquing circle may tell you EXACTLY what you don't what to hear. Writing is not an easy profession, and not everyone who aspires to be a writer has what it takes to succeed in a competitive atmosphere. Along the way, many egos are bruised and battered. As in any other competitive situation, you're going to accumulate both friends and competitors. Writing circles can bring out the best and worst instincts in people, and some writers choose to become brutal in their critiques and comments, especially in competitive writing genres. By submitting your work for scrutiny by people who are not necessarily your friends, you may be setting yourself up for a critical pummeling. Some writers may enjoy this process of brutal honesty and no-holds-barred criticism, but it's not for everybody. Before joining any group, it is best to observe the dynamics first. How far do they go with their critiques? Do they seem to favor certain writers over others? Do you sense that their critiques are fair and objective, or biased and personal? If you don't feel comfortable with the level of 'honesty' in a particular group, find another source of criticism.
PRO: Writing circles offer a writer the opportunity to associate with other writers socially. By scheduling regular meetings in an informal atmosphere, writers' groups become just as tight as other support groups or hobbyists. Many social contacts may come from regular attendance and participation, and the atmosphere in a good circle is usually warm and inviting. These people speak your language, and also share any number of interests outside of writing. Since writing can be such a solitary and lonely pursuit, any contact with the outside world can be a welcome relief. Writing groups often plan trips to writing conventions and retreats, which may prove beneficial to your career. A popular writing circle may also feature some writers who have become very well-known in their fields. The opportunity to get acquainted with these writers on a social level can be a very positive experience for beginning writers.
CON: A writers' group can call for a lot of unplanned commitment. For many writers, especially those who must work other jobs to support themselves, spare time is a luxury. If you are already trying to finish your first Great American Novel while simultaneously feeding the children and working full-time, you may not have the time needed to benefit from a regular writers' group. Depending on the size and scope of the writing circle, you may be asked to critique quite a few manuscripts in exchange for similar services from the others in the group. This can become quite a time commitment on your part, and the benefits (honest critiques) may not outweigh the costs in time and effort. Some writers who are overworked will make the attempt to attend meetings sporadically, but this may not yield the best results critically. Many writers circles are successful partially because of the close connections of the 'regulars'. In this intimate environment, individual writers begin to develop intuition about each other's strengths and weaknesses. They know how far to go with their critiques. If you don't have that sort of time to spend, you may not benefit fully from the process. The other writers may not feel as comfortable with someone who attends meetings sporadically.
PRO: A good writers' critique circle can open doors professionally. By actively working on improving your craft, you may have more success with publishers and editors you haven't even met yet. Chances are that someone in your group will have the power to introduce promising writers to interested publishers, or will have the ability to guide you through the self-publishing business.
You may also find the perfect illustrator for your children's book, or the ideal collaborator on a long-term project. Some groups offer contests, which may lend more credibility to your overall resume or curriculum vitae. Individual writers in your group may have answers to specific issues you are dealing with in your own career- finding an agent, setting up book tours, promoting your work. There are a lot of elements in the business of writing that you can pick up from attending and contributing to a good writers' group.
CON: A bad writing group can keep you from expanding your horizons. If you get involved in a writing group that has lost its focus or has become too 'political' to be effective, you may find yourself writng in circles. All of the positive, dynamic members may leave as soon as the group shows signs of disintegration, which can leave the rest of the group in some dire straits. Criticism that was once fair and objective may be left in the hands of someone who has no intention of being fair and objective. The group cohesion, which may have once been strong and vibrant, is no longer present. Meetings become a chore, and are sparsely attended. You should be very circumspect when considering any writers' group, even one with a great reputation. It is very possible that the group's reputation is the only thing it has left to offer new members. Never allow yourself to be drawn into a potentially damaging situation simply because the group seeks 'fresh blood'. Look into joining a more dynamic group or consider the possibility of becoming the rainmaker that breaths new life into a dying group. Either way, have a solid goal in mind and work your own plan. Critiquing groups are not for everyone, and a bad one can do more damage than not attending one at all. Consider what you feel is best for you, not necessarily what is trendy.
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