My Critique Group is More Awesome than Yours!

Yep, this is my critique group at work—me, Diana and Elisa. Scott thought it was so funny that we sat at the table with each of our laptops open.  He said that usually when you see three people, with three laptops, all in the same room—their computer gamer nerds (he would know).

Well, I prefer the term “Writer Enthusiasts.” That is what we are. Actually, we normal don’t have our lap tops up and running, but this day was special. We were working on formatting our manuscripts, plot synopsis, and excerpts for a League of Utah Writers writing competition. We were helping one another.

Do we plan on winning? No, we are realistic, but the intriguing aspect of this contest is feedback. As a writer, feedback is the pot of gold under the rainbow—desired and searched for. Any feedback is good feedback. Positive feedback is fantastic and keeps the writer moving forward, but it’s the negative feedback that improves a writer’s work.

Is negative feedback fun? Oh, heck no. To be told, your writing right here in this spot is, well, “cheesy” or “I don’t get what you’re going for here” is not fun. I have dished out a few of these terms to members of my critique group, and I have had my fair share in return, but it’s honest feedback. You take it and use it to improve your writing—if you can’t handle it, then you shouldn’t be a writer. Writers have to be tough, because a writer’s world is full of rejections, edits and suggestions. It’s the way it is.

Why write then? For me, it’s because I have too. I’m slowly getting tougher in handling the negative. I hardly cry anymore :) These two ladies in my critique group have been amazing for me. They push me to write. They push me to enter contests. They push me to write query letters. They push me to get out of my comfortable little box.

These are two of the greatest ladies and writers I know. I can’t wait to own a signed copy of their books.

 

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