If you’ve read my first post, you might assume that I’m not a big fan of critique groups. But in fact, the opposite is true.
Let me start by saying that I’ve been in a lot of critique groups, mostly because I’ve moved around and because I’ve been writing for decades. I’ve participated in numerous kinds of groups—thirty person groups that met at Barnes and Noble and Borders, where hardcopies of submissions were passed out the week before and read prior to meetings. These groups were so large we had timers to limit individual comments.
I’ve also attended monthly meetings in libraries run by prolific published writers and Princeton professors. I’ve been to groups that were more social, where the host cooked a gourmet meal, everyone brought a side-dish, and members giddily drank wine while discussing their pages. I took part in a group held at a diner, that involving reading your material out loud to the group. After reading, the person being critiqued wasn’t allowed to comment. Your writing was supposed to speak for itself. And for what it’s worth, I’ve attended small groups comprised of four and five friends, where discussions were not only welcomed, but encouraged. I’ve also attended critique groups, that felt more like support groups. One was held at an art gallery in strip mall, the other in a Burger King play place. No joke. And of course, because of the pandemic, I’ve been a part of Zoom critique groups.
All of these groups had pros and cons, and the quality of the groups were impacted by the attending members and of course, the facilitator. But there are few lessons I’ve learned as a result of my experiences in these groups. Let’s face it. Sometimes, because of where you live or your schedule, unless you want to remain online, you have to make the critique group that’s available work for you.
Tip #1—Be a dedicated critique.
This tip makes sense for several reasons, the first being that as a writer you learn by noting what works in other manuscripts and what doesn’t. The second being that if you take the time to thoroughly critique the other members’ submissions, they’ll be more likely to put effort into critiquing yours. In other words, doing unto others as they do unto you, definitely has its rewards. On a side, note, when critiquing, I like to give three positive comments and three suggestions. This way, the critique always feels balanced.
Tip #2— Complete the first draft of your novel or a solid outline before you begin submitting chapters to your critique group.
If you’re not feeling confident with your plot or your writing skills and you don’t have that first draft or outline nailed down, a critique’s comments can sway or confuse you. This doesn’t mean that you can’t alter your plot, if someone points out a structural or believability issue. Having that draft or outline simply gives you a course to follow, so you don’t waiver or allow yourself to be bulldozed by a well-intentioned assertive critique.
Tip #3—Embrace your group if it’s comprised of members who focus on different genres and writers who come at their craft from varying perspectives.
There are definite benefits to having a group comprised of people who write in the same genre. The main one being, that you understand the genre rules. But having a more diverse group has its rewards too. Reading other types of submissions, with different emphasis, allows you to see your novel in a different light. Screen play writers focus on dialogue, but it doesn’t hurt to apply that dialogue focus to your mystery novel. Thriller writers dwell on suspense and pacing. Learning how to add suspense to your romance novel or quickening the pace of your memoir have their advantages too. Most of the writers in my Princeton writing group were journalists. They taught me the importance of titles and grabbing your readers’ attention at the start. I was once in a group comprised of fantasy writers and graphic novelists. Their creativity inspired me to write my own magic realism novel.
Tip #4—Take a break from your group if you’re stuck, feel your passion for writing waning, or if you’re simply need a judgement breather.
There was a period, before the advent of Zoom, when I was living in a rural area. I wrote for a year, and didn’t actively participate in a critique group. During this time, I was working on a YA novel with a controversial premise. I honestly don’t believe I could have written it had I submitted my chapters to a group while I was writing them. My novel was more honest because I’d written without worrying about how others might respond to it.
Tip #5—Welcome thoughtful criticism.
People often talk about toxic members, and I do believe that those people exist. But I also think that if you’re in a critique group long enough, someone in that group’s going to annoy you. For me, it’s that guy who mansplains and talks down to me. That dude who gives me basic advice and truly believes his words are innovative. That’s my trigger. But I can also say that it’s usually that same highly critical guy, that American Idol Simon Cowell, who also motivates me to try my hardest. If you’re in a critique group where everyone loves everything you’re writing, it’s probably not a good thing. Follow your instincts. You know you. Are you annoyed at that blunt member because the guy’s rude, or because that scene he keeps telling you isn’t believable, truly isn’t?
Tip #6—Be kind to your fellow members.
It sounds silly and kindergarten-ish, but I’ve been in groups where members refuse to read another member’s work because they think it’s not at their level, or the pages have too many typos or punctuation errors. It’s important to have group standards, but the best writing groups support and encourage all members and their creative processes. Showing every member respect, especially newbies or those who are struggling, is paramount to an effective group.
Tip #7—Set aside time to focus on the business of writing and writing events in your area.
Most writing groups do this, but some fall into a comfortable routine and simply critique. Hearing where other members are in their publishing journey can be both motivational and informative.
Bottomline, writing a novel is a solitary endeavor. It’s gratifying to be around people who understand your daily trials, who appreciate your successes, and who give you honest feedback. But if you don’t like something about your group, speak up, and offer a solution. Chances are, your fellow members will be open to your ideas.
