Word Weavers
We’ve had newcomers to our critique group from time to time and people return. Our current group began in Helena’s pottery shop, and migrated to her home for a period of time, with meetings in coffee shops for Christmas. During COVID, we transitioned to online meetings I’ve hosted, because we all needed to stay connected and keep up our writing.
After a brief discussion last meeting, I asked this question of members:
What have you appreciated most about our critique meetings?
Sarah B:” I’ve appreciated that we always include things we like as part of the critique and affirm the writer, even if the writing itself needs quite a bit of work. And that we check-in with how each other is doing outside of writing.
For those who have stories with continued chapters, we always share an excitement that the next installment is here.
I also enjoy how fluid the group is. Even if I miss writing group sessions, I feel like people are genuinely excited when I return. Likewise, when I come with no writing done to share, but still want to contribute, there is an encouragement to write for next time.
I love how we welcome everyone, and that everyone shares their perspective of the story. Even if they’re not the demographic the story is originally intended for, it allows different perspectives on how it could be understood.
I love how we transitioned to online and figured out how to do that during COVID. While not as ideal as in-person, it means people who might not have been able to come otherwise are able to do so.”
Jeanette: “I think critique groups serve a dual purpose. For one thing, they force me to take a look at my writing from their perspective. Whether I think my writing should win an award, or I’d rather bury it somewhere so deep that it’ll never see the light of day again, my peers are able to suggest areas where I can still improve, often in ways that give my writing that extra umph that makes it so much better. Whether it’s pointing out grammatical problems, overused phrases or even the tone of voice I’m using, learning from others is never wasted time. The other thing that’s so important about my critique group is being able to keep tabs on each other.
Writing is such a solitary activity, and talking to fellow writers who have similar interests and struggles definitely helps me to re-focus and get energized. Mutual encouragement of each other’s writing is a huge part of pushing me as a writer to keep at it. Especially when I know there’s someone out there who knows what I’m working on and keeps me accountable to keep writing, even on days when I don’t feel like it.”
Sarah S: “I recently decided to pursue some writing with the goal of publication. I was invited to join a critique group as a way to help refine my work. In the two sessions I have participated in, I was able to share my work, and help the others with theirs. It has been such a positive and productive way to help not only my work, but the work of the others in the group. I enjoy hearing others’ creative works that are still in process and see how collaborating is so helpful to round out the ideas written on the page.”
For me (Carolyn), the group has been most helpful in refining poetry, newsletter content, picture book manuscripts, and currently a chapter book. I’ve come to know the strengths of each writer. They point out when something isn’t clear in my writing and offer a suggestion on making it better, as well as an option for improvement when the transitions aren’t quite right. Also reminders to show rather than tell.
I appreciate that we can be honest with each other on what needs work and affirm each other’s strengths, and that we do so in a way that encourages each person to keep on writing. That’s what I think makes our writer’s group so valuable.
Jeannette named it so well, “Writing is such a solitary activity.” Helping each other put out the best writing we can is the outcome of a group that works well together.
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