Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Don't settle, you deserve more

People, I'm telling you, you need a critique group (or at least a critique partner). Seriously, if you don't have one, you need to go out and get one. Now.

That being said, the first group you join may not be the right one for you. And if that's the case you need to consider cutting them lose. 

Here's some things to keep in mind when deciding if a group is working for you:

1. Are they investing as much energy into your work as you're investing into theirs? 

2. Do you share different writing strengths so that you can truly compliment and help each other?

3. Are your writing levels moderately the same?

4. Are you interested in their stories? (If you aren't, you are setting yourself up for a whole world of pain and agony.)

5. Is the group operating in a way that works for you? (However formal or informal you want that to be.)

6. Do you get along with the other members?

7. Are you happy? (This is, by far, the most important and all the other factors will play into this one.)

Having people you trust who can look at your work objectively is very important. But, don't settle for just anyone. Look for the group that is going to fit you and your story the best.

Do you have a critique group? How did you know it was the right one? 
Have you had any bad experiences with Critique groups? 

34 comments:

  1. I lucked out when I found my crit group, 1-7 were all covered. It was a revolving door at times with two of the members and their lack of social filter. We all have thick skin, but those two were just brutal and they left the group because of the discord it created.
    Once we dwindled it down it was awesome. Obvisouly, you know that group has changed because of the loss of Zel and we are trying to find our "groove" again. It's been tough but through it I've gained a new CP... :D And it's working out really well. :D Because newest CP rocks and I <3 her to death

    They are the right people for me because of 1-7. Trust, Respect, and Love of the craft.

    All very valid and true thoughts, and things to think about as you look for CP's. <3333

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  2. I had a critique group for about a year. Eventually though it just kind of fell apart. A couple members stopped writing for whatever reason. And then a couple more just couldn't seem to get past their initial projects, no matter how many times it had been critiqued. I still keep in contact with most of them and when I finish a project, I know they'll take a look if I ask and if they're interested/have the time. Otherwise, I have two ladies who've been kind enough to critique my stuff and I critique theirs in turn.

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  3. I don't have a group, per se, but I have several crit partners. Everyone is online, so we exchange MSS by email.

    I'd be nothing without them!

    P.s. I totally agree on having logic behind paranormal elements. It's my pet peeve!

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  4. I'm very lucky to have a great crit group. There are four of us, and we have varying levels of experience, but not too far apart. We also have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to feedback, which I think is the best part.

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  5. I admit it's really nice to have feedback. I didn't realize how deprived I was by not having it until I found some very good helpful people to critique me.

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  6. So so true. I don't have a group but I have trusted partners. I wouldn't dare say a story is complete until they've been thru it!!

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  7. I don't have an actual group, but I do have a small stable of betas (mostly online) that I trust to be honest with me. Though I am always looking to add more when I find someone I think I can learn from and vice versa. :D

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  8. Writing partners are also good motivators for us who tend to slack off.
    Great post. Kind of makes me think I should get one. One that won't run away. xD

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  9. Actually,

    I was in crit group last year. It worked out pretty well. I was lucky enough to really click with two people and they were immensely helpful.

    I loved their books, too, so it was a win, win, win, situation.

    I still have them in my life and we plan to do another go around with our next books or in one case a rewrite of the first book.

    I agree with you Melissa... CRIT groups or partners are VERY important.

    Michael

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  10. Critique partners are the best! I have learned so much from them.

    I've been in groups that just faded out of existence because most people just weren't dedicated to meeting. Everything else came first for them.

    But mostly I've enjoyed my groups. :)

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  11. Those are some GREAT questions! I do have a critique group. And they are some pretty awesome people if I may say so myself :) I think the best thing you can do for yourself as a writer is to get a critique group. A good one. The best one. I have a post coming up soon about this as well.

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  12. I couldn't agree more. My crit group is over a year old now and we fit well. It's definitely whittled its way down to those among us who are serious in our writing, critiquing AND ability to take a critique.

    Really great post.

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  13. I have a critique partner, but not a whole group. My CP is awesome and I love her. A few more sets of eyes would be great, though. :-)

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  14. I have to say, my crit group is the best. We meet all those criteria you listed (in my opinion). We clicked our first meeting and haven't looked back.

    Plus to add to your list, I think they shouldn't be large groups either. Sometimes it can get too ovewhelming. 4 or less seems good to me.

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  15. I don't have a "group" per se, but I have partners who have been AWESOME. We read each others' stuff and give feedback, and though we're in different genres, the fact that we're all writers allows us to help each other.

    You're right. It's an INVALUABLE tool~ <3

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  16. I have a few people I trade manuscripts with and they are all at varying (but close) levels of accomplishment. The great thing is that they all focus on different aspects which gives me a well-rounded critique of my work. I feel lucky to have them.

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  17. I don't have a crit group. They just don't work for me. I don't want anyone to see my work until it's finished anyway (at least a first draft), and that takes a while. I have developed a pool of really talented people that I can call on to read for me when I'm ready, and I can return the favor to them.

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  18. people critique me everywhere I go.... hahha just kidding. I dont have a critique group. However, this post is very true for those writers out there.

    Maybe I should get one for drawing..

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  19. I have the BEST Crit Group! It's true! My first few experiences with other groups stunk. It's hard when everyone is writing different things - MG, YA, Chapter Books, Picture Books. I think for the group to mesh, everyone needs to be writing the same thing. In this case, we're all YA Fantasy. It's working because we get each other. And the other three girls rock! GREAT suggestions for strengthening my writing and my manuscript! I can't get enough!!

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  20. No crit group but an awesome crit partner! It is so important.

    demitrialunetta.blogspot.com

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  21. I don't have a group, but there are a few people who I'd trust to give me honest feedback.

    Great advice, btw.

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  22. I don't have a crit group - but my best friend is an editor and she looks over stuff for me. I do agree that it is essential to have people to share your work with. I just haven't figured out the whole on-line aspect of that, but I've only just recently got into blogging, so hopefully that is something that will open up for me in the year ahead. Good points Melissa.

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  23. Great advice! I really like #4: if you don't like their stories you will not be any help to them, even if you think they are great writers.

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  24. Critique groups are such an important part of developing our WIP. I'm lucky I have some great critique partners in my writing group.

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  25. I'll be looking for one soon! This list will come in very handy. Thanks, Melissa! :)

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  26. It's incredible how much amazing feedback you can get from an objective eye! Yay for good crit groups!

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  27. I'm not quite at the point where I need one of these groups, but thanks for some great advice for when I do!

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  28. Wonderful post!! This has a lot of great advice!

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  29. Great post! I've been lucky so far in this area but I know it can be super hard to find a productive and comfortable critique group.

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  30. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Burrow. That said, I am moving a little faster than my fellows and feel I 'take' more than I give because I just write a lot more. So I do a fair bit of on-the-side one-on-one trading, too.

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  31. I've had an online crit group, and just started meeting face to face with another. I'm not sure about the face to face one yet, since we all write different genres, but I think it will be a good thing. We'll see how it goes for the next few weeks! LOL

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  32. I'm part of a writing group with three others. And we are all at a similar level of writing. We've only been together for a short time but we've all made leaps and bounds with our craft.

    Things are good and the future is looking bright for all of us.

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  33. I don't have one right now :( ours fell apart last year. I need to get busy and start looking on-line! going to browse the comments and see if anyone else is looking

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  34. I have to say, I have the best group. I couldn't have dreamed of a better one! The only thing that sucks is only having time to get together once a week! But yes, to me, everyone in that group fits your criteria (unless this is a way of breaking the news to us...I mean, are we breaking up Lady M?) and I'm so grateful to have met those gals!

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