How Critique Groups Can Help

[Author Eyes]

About nine years ago, I joined my first online writing community. The group members would post poems and short stories for critique, and encourage each other for their successes. When I started submitting my stories to contests and actually won "honorable mention" for my very first try, I was never more appreciative of that group. They shared in my little milestone with me.

Later, when my first article was published, again, the group cheered and congratulated me. Soon, I went on to win other awards or place as a finalist, then went on to my first short story publications. During those years, I wrote and received critiques for several novels. Eventually, one began to shine and sparkle. Now it's in print.

I thought back to those first critiques, when someone took the time and effort to be honest with me and give me pointers for improvement. It's hard to hear someone say, "This is too wordy." or "You have switched point of view again." Eventually, I began mentoring new writers, which also helped me become a better "self-editor."

Each new critique is for you to improve. Use what you learn. It takes time, but being in an online (or in-person) writing group can help you grow as a writer.

I am still friends with some of the original group. Each of us has reached new levels of success or publication in our own way, and we continue to encourage each other.

Everyone has different writing goals. If yours is to be rich and famous, I hope to someday congratulate you. If your goal is to achieve your own personal best by participating in a critique group and enjoy the little successes along the way, then you will always be at the top of your game.

Shelley Stout
author of Radium Halos
available from Amazon or Librifiles

[lagym888]

Thats very touching.! And its true whatever you achieve high or low as long its what you dream of your happy to have it.. No matter how big or small the achievement..

[Author Eyes]

Thanks. Glad you liked my little essay.

[ResearchScholar]

Yes, having someone or a group of people critique your work is important. That is clearly one way to improve and grow as a writer, and I am glad for the success that Author Eyes has achieved. I take from his experience a dose of inspiration.

[Author Eyes]

It's all a process, including someday, I will need to get another book out there.

By the way, Author Eyes is Shelley Stout, (female).

[ResearchScholar]

It's all a process, including someday, I will need to get another book out there.

By the way, Author Eyes is Shelley Stout, (female).

Apologies! I guess my brain was tuned to another author by the name of Rex Shelley... and he is a man.

[Author Eyes]

No worries!

[brownnataly21]

I think it's rather a good idea to join such a group where you ask for some advice and to get some help. You can improve your style a lot and get some new ideas as well.

[Perrywinkle47]

Its good to have critiques on your work but sometime people just try to find out mistakes and flaws in your work even if you wrote ok..