If You Are a New or Aspiring Writer, You Need a Critique Group. Believe Me.
For the first in my series of marketing and other tips for new writers, I want to start at a basic level–honing your craft.
The best thing you can do as a new or aspiring writer is join a writers’ group–sometimes called a critique group.
As a beginner, you’ll learn a lot from other writers. You’ll get tips on writing habits, where to find markets to submit to, and how improve your writing. You’ll also receive feedback on your writing.
All groups operate differently. Some meet weekly; other monthly or bi-monthly. Some groups choose to read one member’s submission each time, with other members giving a detailed critique. Others have all members submit a piece of a certain length in advance of a meeting, with members spending an allotted amount of time critiquing each piece of work.
There’s no one “correct way” to run a group–it depends on the personalities and commitment levels of the members.
How to Find a Group
As a woman speculative fiction writer, I found my first group through my local chapter of Broad Universe, an organization supporting women writers and artists in the speculative genres. I joined their online discussion group, and after lurking for a year agreed to meet another member for coffee (shout out to my friend and fellow writer, Trisha Wooldridge.) It was wonderful to discuss our mutual passion and share our dreams. We became friends, and at some point after that Trish invited me to join my first critique group. We were all women writing speculative fiction, and our group lasted for several years.
While it’s not necessary that group members write in the same genre, many find it preferable. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable contributing, and get useful feedback. I’ve known of other successful groups that have a science fiction writer, a romance writer, a mystery writer, and a children’s book author. There’s no one “right” way.
Look Locally
Find organizations or groups that support your genre. Do be aware that membership in these types of groups can carry a small annual cost. Even a small cost can be too much for some beginning writers. Another tip is ask around your local bookstores, colleges, and libraries to see if a group is operating out of or meeting in any of these places. Can’t find something that fits the bill? Start your own group! Most libraries, coffee shops, and bookstores will allow you to post a flyer announcing your intention to start a group.
Next time, I’ll discuss another tip for beginners. Until then, please share your own experiences finding or joining a critique group in the comments. Have a question? Feel free to ask!
