Critique Groups – are they worth it?

This past week, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about critique groups.  I’ve been part of an online critique group for about five years, and I know I can’t live without my critique buddies.  Hopefully, one of these days I’ll be able to write well enough and have enough self confidence in my writing so I won’t have to worry about a critique partner, but for now I know I need them!

Last week I joined a new crit group.  So far there are only six of us, and all of us have been published electronically.  Two of the authors are also editors for various electronic publishers.  This group has given me great suggestions on my chapters, but then a couple have given me suggestions that make me doubt my own work.  This can be good – or this can be bad.  This is the very reason I decided to make this my President’s message for this month.

 What do we look for in a critique group? 

1-We should look for people who write similar to what we write.  For instance, if you are a Young Adult writer, then you want to find someone who writes YA.  If you write fantasy, find someone who writes this genre, too.  Another thing to remember—if you write in first person point of view, you probably don’t want someone who writes in third-person POV to be your critique partner.

2-Make sure your critique partners are shooting for the same goals.  If you are dedicated, and are determined to become published, then you don’t want to find a partner who writes as a hobby.  If you are targeting Harlequin (category romance), then you probably don’t want to find a critique partner who writes single title romances.

3-Find someone who can give an honest critique.  I’ve had critique partners who’ve said, “Great Job”, or “Awesome writing”, and then left no suggestions.  Although it’s great to have your ego stroked, this is not going to help you become a better writer.  It’s just as important to hear the not-so-great stuff.  For instance, if your critique partner tells you the beginning of your chapter is slow and there needs to be a little more action, then take this into consideration.  If you’re told that they can’t feel your characters, then find out why.  It’s always nice to compliment the author when you’ve read a very descriptive paragraph or if the scene was written with a lot of emotion.  But also let your critique partner know what is wrong or if something doesn’t sound right in the scene.

4-Make sure your critique partner has a heart.  I’ve been with critique groups where my chapters have been torn apart, and the comments made has brought tears to my eyes.  It’s okay to tell me that my character lacks a little backbone in a certain scene, but please use tact when telling it to me.  There are nice critiques and mean critiques.  It all depends on how you explain yourself.  Nobody likes to be told, “You heroine is pathetic.”  But what should have been said was, “Your heroine needs a stronger goal / motivation.  For some reason, she is being wishy-washy, and she needs to be stronger.”  Something like that might work.

5-Find a critique group who encourages.  This is very important.  This is the reason writers need other writer friends.  We understand the ups and downs in writing.  Be a solid shoulder for your critique buddies, and be supportive!

Last but not least, do NOT let your critique partner change your writing voice.  This is yours and yours alone.  This is what set you apart from other writers.  You can take your critique partner’s suggestions, but also make sure they are your words.  Listen to your characters and what they’re telling you.  If they want to say it a certain way, then you’d better let them.

I have been very pleased with my critique groups, and I recommend getting into one.  My critique partners are the reason I’m where I’m at today, and why I keep striving for more.