By Moira K. Wiley
Keywords: writer's critique group, writers' group, critique group
1. Network, Network, Network
A writer's critique group offers some of the same rewards as writers' conferences. You get to network with other writers, some of whom may have more experience and can help you in countless ways. Plus, the people you meet share similar problems and aspirations, which make conversations more interesting.
2. Find Them in the Paper
You can often find a writers' group that offers critique sessions by browsing through the local newspaper in sections that cover clubs and activities. You can also look in writing-related magazines, such as Writer's Digest or Byline; inquire at libraries or universities; or surf the Internet using key phrases such as "writers' group" or "writer's critique group."
3. Advice - Free of Charge
One of the best aspects of a writer's critique group, especially one that includes published writers, is the free advice. Many groups meet once a week, usually on the same day at the same time, and each member will bring a new or rewritten piece to share. Other members of the group critique these pieces and offer help in areas of grammar, punctuation, viewpoint, format, style and little details you may have overlooked. Each piece of free advice can improve your work and ultimately increase your odds of publication.
4. Believe in Yourself
More experienced writers are usually eager to help a fledgling author find his or her way to publication. They're also willing to share the story of their beginnings and help you see that everyone has to start somewhere. Hearing these stories will help you believe that you too have a chance if you keep trying and continuously improve upon what you do until it's accepted.
5. Start One of Your Own
If you can't find a writer's critique group, you can start one of your own. Join a local writers' group and ask other members if they'd like to start a weekly critique group. Odds are you'll find a few who like the idea and as the group establishes itself, more people may soon join you. If there's not a local writers' group in your area, start one of these. Talk to an established group outside your area for advice, start out small, and build the group into a valuable tool for you and other writers.
Moira K. Wiley has been a freelance writer and editor since 1999. She has 400-plus published articles to her credit appearing in various magazines, trade journals, newspapers and online publications. Mostly writing nonfiction, she also enjoys writing poetry and short stories and had both included in the cozy crime anthology, Almostly Murder.with pets published by Padlock Mystery Press. She's a former president of Oklahoma Writers' Federation, Inc. and currently resides in Stillwater with her big, lovable pit bull, Achilles.
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