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Joining Critiquing Groups

If you have ever thought about joining critiquing groups you will find they are forums where writers meet to discuss their work, and receive suggestions and constructive criticism.

With the arrival of the world wide web, many Internet critiquing groups have appeared, linking writers from different countries, but they can also exist to discuss work in person or through the mail. Critiquing groups can be found through your local Writing Centre, local newspaper and through websites for writers.

Often new writers feel a certain amount of trepidation and concern that another member of the group might use their story ideas. Obviously this is always a risk, but within most groups there is an understanding and honour over each other’s ideas.

If you’re considering joining any form of critiquing group it’s wise to research some feedback styles and etiquette before your first meeting. This will avoid the possibility of alienating other members or returning home upset and disheartened by comments made about your own work.

Critiquing ground rules for how to write a critique and receiving feedback:
Don’t ask for advice from anyone if you don’t really want to hear it.
Don’t offer advice unless it is asked for.
Always be positive and constructive when giving advice.
Mention the things you like as well as the ones that could be worked on.
Don’t take advice as a personal insult.

The final decision is always yours.

On a personal note, I joined an Internet group several years ago and it would be an understatement to say that the members and their feedback have been highly instrumental in the creation of my writing career.

The support of other writers is something that should never be underrated.

To find yourself an Internet critiquing group I would recommend logging onto writing websites and then doing a search under ‘critiquing groups.’

Alternatively, you can put a message on a writing notice board, or join a writing chat room and ask if anyone is interested in forming a group.

Warning!
But also a word of caution; it’s tempting to think when you’re starting out in a new field, such as writing, that everyone else knows more than you do. This is rarely true.

Return from Joining Critiquing Groups to Better Writing

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