Creating a Critique Group that Works
I’ve mentioned before what a fan I am of critique groups. No matter what form it takes, I think a critique group is essential for the growth of a writer, and I’m extremely lucky to be a member of not one, but two, very different yet equally helpful groups. Not every critique group works for every writer, though, so how do you create a critique group that works for you?
Consider Form
While in some ways a writer is a writer, form and genre can make a huge difference when it comes to the effectiveness of critique groups. Expecting a poet to provide plot criticism or a novelist to critique poetry may not be helpful. Instead, try to build a group of like-minded writers. If you write essays, find other essayists or at least other nonfiction writers. If you’re a poet, look for other poets. Writing a sci-fi thriller? Build a group with other novelists. Joining a group of writers familiar with your form will mean everyone in the group has a common purpose and understands the elements necessary for quality writing within that form.
Personality
No matter what type of group you join, personality is going to play a huge part in how effective your group will be. Look for writers who are open to feedback from others. You’ll also want fellow writers who are kind in their critiques but are honest at the same time.
Mix Things Up a Little
While it’s important to build a group of writers who write in the same form as you, having a group that varies in style (and maybe even genre) can be helpful in teaching each of you new skills and techniques that you might not have considered before. For example, if you write personal essays, but someone else in your creative nonfiction group writes narrative journalism pieces you could pick up tips on interviewing and incorporating facts into your essays, while the journalist might learn how to inject humor or personal observation into her pieces.
Size Matters
Your group can be as small as two or three people or as big as twenty, but what you get out of a critique group will likely vary based on its size. Members of smaller groups will generally be able to submit and receive critiques on their pieces more often. Larger groups will either require more commitment from members to read several pieces before each meeting or will mean fewer people get their work critiqued less frequently. Depending on the level of support you need, you’ll want to find or create a group that will be able to meet those needs.
Timing is Everything
Some groups meet regularly and submit pieces for critique at every meeting, while others meet when the need strikes. Depending on the how many people are in your group and how much the members are writing, you might choose to meet monthly, weekly or just a few times a year. Whatever works for your group is fine, as long as everyone involved is committed to the schedule (or lack thereof) that you’ve set up.
Location, Location, Location
If you’re lucky enough to find a group of writers in your area, in person meetings may work best for you. But online or email groups can work well, too, for those people who can’t find local groups, can’t find room in their schedules for meetings or who have writer friends in far-away places.
It All Comes Down to Commitment
No matter how many people are in your group, who they are, what they write, wherever or however you decide to meet, it’s the commitment to the group that will make or break it. Busy schedules are the norm for everyone, and finding dedicated members may be the biggest challenge you have. But once you find a group that works for you, your writing will improve. No doubt about it.
Now that you know the importance of joining a critique group and how to make one work once you’ve created one, you may still be wondering how to find writers interested in being part of your group. Well, you’re in luck. Alexis Grant at The Traveling Writer and I are collaborating today, and she’s offering you some tips on finding the people to form your group.
Posted in the writing life, writing in general
March 29th, 2010 at 9:45 am
[...] further. So today we’re collaborating. At Ami’s blog, you’ll find a post about how to create a critique group that works for you. And I’m going to give you hints on how to find those [...]
March 31st, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Good advice and so true. I belonged to two different critique groups but one just never took off while the other has been together for over five years. This has inspired me to look for a second group again.
April 2nd, 2010 at 8:12 am
Good luck, Jane! I find having two different groups, one online and one in person, helps get a variety of perspectives and input. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
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