Critique groups: how & why they help writers

Critique groups help writers — did you know that? Criticism can be tough, and sometimes the criticism isn’t constructive; it’s downright painful!

I don’t like being told what I’ve written is wrong. Or silly. Or doesn’t make sense. Do you?

I’ve joined two different critique groups — one through Word Weavers and one through ACFW. Both are amazing! I’ve learned so many things and want to share them with you.

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Why join a critique group?

• usually they’re free or included in the membership
• you learn the craft of writing
• get to see how others write (helps you find your own voice)
• teaches you to meet deadlines & read/follow rules
• meet other writers in the same and different genres

Cautions in being in a group

People make up critique groups. Human beings who are flawed just like you (& me). Some people have less “filter” than others. Some critiquers ‘like’ everything and don’t offer substance.

I like substance. I love good, constructive criticism that challenges me and pushes me to GROW as a writer! That’s one of the benefits of critique groups.

But you do need to be cautious in critique groups. Here are a few things to watch for:

1. relying on others’ approval to keep you writing
2. sometimes writers have an agenda that they push (I haven’t run into this)
3. occasionally there is that critiquer who wants you to write a way you don’t write
4. becoming a follower of new trends
5. your feelings can get hurt

How to be a good critiquer:

I learned the sandwich method in the Word Weavers online critique group. I love it! Basically, you share something you like (positive comment(s), provide constructive criticism on a couple of things that need to be fixed/improved/changed, and end with a positive comment.

The group I’m in has six people, including me, so you end up with five people’s comments, suggestions, and encouragement. It’s a great way to critique and be critiqued.

There are different kinds of critiques including: developmental, content, and line edits. According to ProWritingAid, “these [are] like an inverted pyramid. Developmental edits are the big issues, and the edits get narrower from there.” The same article also says that critiques should be kind and useful.

Keep personal preferences out of your critique. If you have the option of not critiquing something — maybe a genre you don’t like — then skip it. If you do have to, critique with the idea of offering useful comments. You don’t have to like what they wrote, but you can be a kind human.

Critique groups – reminders!

Remember that everything you offer and everything you receive is a suggestion. No one is required to change their writing if they don’t want to. Take what you want and leave the rest. But if several people are saying the same thing, you might want to take a second look.

Always remember Thumper’s Rule:

“If you can’t say something nice,

don’t say nothing at all.”

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 2 adorable grandkids and one on the way. I homeschooled our three youngest children. I used to blog about homeschooling and taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)