The Value of Critique Groups
Whether online or IRL, critique groups can be invaluable to a writer. Getting feedback from a variety of critique partners can help you improve your work. Sometimes you’re alerted to problems you weren’t aware existed. Or a critique partner can help you approach and resolve a problem spot from a new angle. Your critique partners can challenge you to be more creative, add more heart to your story, or push you to get that draft done. They can also provide leads to submission opportunities, useful blog posts, workshops and conferences, mentor texts, the most writer-friendly cafes,…
There are many ways for critique groups to operate, so ask before you join, and be sure you can commit—giving to others as well as getting what you need. Author Carrie Finison has some suggestions about where to look for a critique group.