Guest Post By Debra L. Butterfield
With Christian writing and the role of critique groups, I can’t say enough good about critique groups. I have participated in a critique group almost the entire time I’ve been freelance writing. They are an ideal platform for learning and improving your writing skills as well as gaining motivation and encouragement for your writing journey.
I learned so much from the first group I attended, and it was instrumental in me continuing my work as a freelance writer. When it discontinued, I missed it. After a year or so without a group, I formed one of my own and reached out to local writers I knew.
I believe participating in a critique group is essential for all but the most advanced writers.
Christian Writing and the Role of Critique Groups
What exactly is the role of a critique group? The obvious answer is that it offers critique. So it’s important to understand what a critique encompasses.
The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines critique as “an act of criticizing.” It also includes this: “a critical examination or estimate of a thing or situation (as a work of art or literature) with a view to determining its nature and limitations or its conformity to standards.”
We are all well-acquainted with criticism. It tends to be negative and hurtful, and tears down rather than builds up.
A critique falls under the second definition and offers helpful advice for improvement. Simply saying “I liked it” or “it’s awful” doesn’t cut it. One seems nice, the other hurtful, but neither are helpful in making improvements.
When you deliver a critique, point out the strengths of the writing (e.g. your words paint a vivid picture for me) along with what needs improvement (e.g. your dialog comes across unnatural).
The group I currently belong to uses the cold sandwich method: Something positive about the piece, the meat of your critique, then end with something positive. This way the writer doesn’t get bombarded with only what needs fixed and can leave the meeting encouraged.
Be honest without being brutal. Keep the Golden Rule in mind and give your feedback in a manner in which you want to receive one. You are all there for one purpose, to become better writers. Be sincerely invested in the growth of the others in your group.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Before joining a group or forming one of your own, ask yourself a few questions.
What is my writing experience? Newbie, intermediate, advanced? Having one advanced writer in a group where all others are newbies could be frustrating. The new writers can’t offer the depth of feedback the advanced writer needs.
What do I want from my writing? Do you want to earn a living or do you simply want to write and publish one book? Are you truly committed to your writing? If not, joining a critique group might not be for you. Do I have a consistent writing habit? How often will the group meet and will you have writing to share at each meeting?
Is This the Group for Me?
Finding like-minded people is important. Like-minded in the sense that they are serious and committed to writing and publishing. You don’t want a group that’s merely a coffee klatch.
And since we’re talking about Christian writing and the role of critique groups, is a group that shares your faith important to you? It isn’t essential that all members of the group share your faith, but at the same time, you might want to be assured you won’t be reading sexually explicit or graphic submissions.
Other things to consider:
- How often do they meet and can you commit to the frequency of the meeting?
- Is this a genre-specific group?
- What is the experience level of the writers?
- Is it a virtual meeting, in person, or strictly uploading your submission to a website?
Where to Find a Group
Before you start looking, know what you want. Online or in person. This will provide direction when you start your search.
A plethora of online groups exists, both free and those for which you pay. A Google search will provide options. You will also find possibilities at Meetup.com.
Many writer organizations offer critique groups as part of their membership. Word Weavers International (https://word-weavers.com/) is one such group. They are a Christian organization and have local and online chapters. It’s the group to which I belong.
If you prefer to meet in person and have been unable to find a group in your online search, inquire at your local library. If they don’t know of any, ask to post a flyer on their event board or post online to find interested people in your area.
As the Bible says, “iron sharpens iron,” and that’s exactly what happens in critique groups. Find a group and discover how quickly your skills improve.
Author Bio
Debra L. Butterfield is the author of ten books that include Self-editing & Publishing Tips for the Indie Author (https://www.amazon.com/Self-Editing-Publishing-Tips-Indie-Author/dp/1936501864/). She is a freelance editor, editorial director of CrossRiver Media Group, and a former copywriter for Focus on the Family. She blogs about writing at TheMotivationalEditor.com https://www.themotivationaleditor.com/self-editing-checklists/
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