Saturday, July 11, 2009

A Good Writer's Group Can Be Valuable


Opinions are varied, but for the writer just getting started, finding a good writer’s group can be of tremendous value. Such has been the case for me, though it was the last thing I was looking for.

A writer’s group, at times called workshop or critique group is a cadre of three to six writers. This group gathers on a regular basis to offer constructive criticism and support for each member’s work. These groups can have a variety of experience levels, ranging from the novice to the polished, published author. The purpose is simple, to improve the skills, motivation, and success of each member.

My experience in a writer’s group has been exhilarating. When I first began to write my series on Biblical Prophecy, I had no knowledge that such groups were available. Therefore, I had no idea as to how to search one out. I came upon my opportunity by pure chance. I was invited. I am a better writer for the experience and Distant Thunder is a better book. In fact, with the support of the group I found the publishing process much more enjoyable than I'd been led to believe.

Horror stories abound. Many published authors openly declare a disdain, even loathing for the writer’s group. The truth is, in many instances, they are right. A poorly designed group can steal the joy from a writer’s soul. Ego can be driven to the lowest depth. Motivation can be exorcised from an author by an overabundance of criticism. However, finding a properly functioning team filled with fellow authors who only want to get better, can make all the difference.

Here are some suggestions when deciding on a writer’s group.

First, the group must have clearly defined goals. This can be as simple as making sure each member has something new to offer at each session, to how and when an author might defend his writing to the critics. A group without purposeful parameters finds itself wasting time and energy, thereby draining the members of creativity.

Second, there must be rules for criticism. Good guidelines will allow the group to function with efficiency. Within the confines of my writer’s group, each of the four members will share the latest segment, chapter, or article. Both the strong and the weak points of the writing will be examined. Praise comes accordingly, as does the criticism. Remembering that quietly listening to a critique can be intimidating, a special rule has been adopted by the group. For each critical comment, there must be at least two, equally authentic praises. We call it “two pats for every slap,” and it works beautifully. A guideline should also be adopted to prevent a monopoly on criticism by any one individual. Criticism must always be constructive and shared.

Third, the group should meet regularly. This can be once a week, or once a month, but it must happen methodically to have value. If one is offering segments of a continuing story, regularity of meetings can keep the other members on track with the context. But motivation is the greatest benefit with a disciplined pattern of meetings. To show up without having put forth an effort to write is taboo. If nothing else, it teaches the individual to stick with the hard work of honing the craft. The idea is for everyone to participate.

Fourth, there should be a mechanism in place to remove unfaithful or unruly members. Occasionally, a person may fall into the category of someone who does not pull his or her weight. Either by consensus or by vote, the person must be politely removed, or the entire group will suffer and eventually fold.

Jimmy Root Jr
Distant Thunder Book One: The Lightning Chronicles
A Prophetic Fiction Thriller
Release Date: August 10, 2009
www.lightningchronicles.com

Watch for my Virtual Book Tour coming in August and September of 2009. Details to come.
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2 comments:

  1. Very informative. I've been wondering if I should invest the time and emotional effort in finding and participating in a group. I'v heard way too many negative stories. Thanks for the insight.

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  2. Thank you for adding this. The critique group I am involved with has been uplifting, encouraging, challenging, and inspiring. I've found a group of people who share my gift and have been become true friends. My writing continues to get better and better. My favorite night of the month!

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