Writer’s Critique Group
One of the first things I learned about after joining a writers’ association was the existence of critique groups. Who would know if my collected words hit a chord with a reader? Who would know what errors lay within that could be corrected? Another writer would likely see it.
The Canadian Authors Association branch in my area had such a group. Their critique group was full to bursting, with ten members. One member connected me with three other writers who were also searching for critique partners. That was my first, and among my best experiences, as a new writer.
During those years three women came to my home once a month. We shared our work with each other in advance. They asked questions, such as who was my audience, and helped me refine my work. I learned so much in that time. One partner was already published and the others working towards that goal.
When our group closed, by mutual consent, we each found another group, but kept in touch. Susan became my editor for my first book. Always kind and respectful of my work, she helped me to enlarge my stories, vary my vocabulary, and round out the entire collection with more stories. She saw my gaps and encouraged me to fill them. My book, Once Upon a Sandbox, went on to be short-listed in a national writer’s contest, The Word Awards, in 2012. I have since connected with another fine group of writers who offer excellent critiques.
This is, in part, what a critique group does. It helps writers
- see the gaps in a story or nonfiction and correct them
- meet the audience
- check vocabulary use
- correct assumptions or conclusions, and
- show the strengths of the writing
What writer can accept all those aspects without some encouragement? We all need it.
If you don’t have a critique group, seek one out. Ask a fellow writer for a recommendation or inquire at a library, because writers looking for a group may post a notice.
While a critique group doesn’t take the place of a pre-publication editor, it does help a writer improve a manuscript. The outcome can be that your work is much better by the time you seek publication.
Resources:
Organizations where you may find a critique group:
https://canadianauthors.org/
https://thewordguild.com/
https://
https://www.cbc.ca/books/
October: Cultivating a healthy critique group