March 05, 2023

C is for Critique Groups by Susan Barclay

  

I have to admit, it's been a while since I was part of a critique group. The one I'd been in for over a dozen years fell apart after the death of one of our members in 2018. Before it could be resuscitated, Covid hit and had all of us taking cover in our homes. Still, I think writing groups are valuable in helping us grow in skill, and the well-aimed critique makes us think and gives us tools for improving.

As I reflected on this topic, I came across this website, which raises a number of helpful points on how to critique well. I won't go into all of them here but simply highlight a few:

  1. Make your feedback actionable. If you're vague in identifying problems, the writer may not know how to resolve them, leaving her frustrated and uncertain. If you're clear, the writer can more easily move forward, assuming she agrees with your suggestions and corrections.
  2. Balance criticism with kindness. Accepting criticism is easier if it is done with the right attitude and delivered in the right tone. Our writing often feels like our "babies," and we can feel hurt when people point out flaws. So don't just identify what's wrong with a piece, notice what's right with it too. Explain what's lacking, convoluted, or incorrect, but also gush about what you loved.
  3. Keep it honest. If you want someone to say they love everything you've written, don't join a writers' group; show your work to your family members! To develop as an author, though, it's essential to receive honest critiques. Maybe you'll discover you need to work on grammar and punctuation or learn how to ask the right questions; maybe your issue is that you have trouble seeing the big picture; perhaps reading other writers in your preferred genre will prove helpful. Listen to what your writing friends tell you, sift through their suggestions, set your work aside for a bit, come back to it; trust your gut.

My old writing group has gotten together a couple of times for socials over the last two years but it hasn't revived to fulfill its original purpose. An attempt to rekindle a second former group is off to a faltering start as a couple of us are in seasons that make it difficult to write or to meet. At some point it will happen but that time isn't yet. Maybe it is for you.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on critique groups if you've been, or are, part of one. With online options, they no longer have to be in-person. What have you found works for you? 

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For more about Susan Barclay and her writing, please visit her blog: https://susan-barclay.blogspot.com/


12 comments:

  1. Thank you, dear Susan, for this helpful summary regarding the purpose and perks of critique groups.
    You pointed out the most important boundaries to keep regarding them too.
    Amen to: "the well-aimed critique makes us think and gives us tools for improving."
    I've been in two different critique groups over the last few years for two different genres. Huge improvements happened in everyone's writing. It's one of the best ways to grow ones craft.
    Blessings.

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    1. Iron sharpens iron, right, Wendy? Win-win!

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  2. Well said, Susan. Good points. Thanks for that website link. I don't belong to a critique group at this time, but I do have a writing buddy who inspires me to keep writing.

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    1. Two are better than one, and I suppose even two can be a "group" :) I'm glad your buddy inspires you to keep writing, Brenda!

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  3. Nancy Young9:59 am GMT-7

    I have a great beta readers group who critique my manuscripts before I send them off to my publisher. They are both kind and honest in their comments about the story. I don’t have them critique grammar, just the content. It’s a big help in improving my writing skills.

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    1. That's awesome, Nancy. Thanks for sharing your positive experience.

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  4. Susan I am so glad you chose this word for the letter C! I believe honest critique is essential for every writer and a safe place like a close-knit group is probably the best way. Your points are spot on and are so very valuable. Thank you for this post.

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    1. Aw, thank you for your kind comments and encouragement, Tracy! And I couldn't agree more that honest critique is essential for every writer and a close-knit group is probably the best way. That's certainly been my experience!

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  5. Hi Susan! I am not in an organized critique group at this point. I do have a few people who look over my writing and offer suggestions to help me move forward. I appreciate the suggestions they present to me are helpful. Thank you for sharing, "this website,' with us. This is also helpful.

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  6. Hello, Susan. Thanks very much for your positive points, Such a crucial thing for us all to be critiqued by someone whom we can trust to be honest and kind. Thanks very much for your valuable insights.

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  7. Thanks Susan, for your wonderful tips on critiquing. I'm part of a group, and the positive feedback has encouraged my writing to grow. Thanks also for your link to the website.

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  8. Hi Susan. I was going to write on C is for Critic. Even strangers can be critics who become our friends. Our writing is our baby.

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