Giving Feedback & Your Writing Group

Reading a writing buddy's manuscript helps you develop your own writing.

The right writing group will help you stay motivated so that you can complete your project. In some writing groups, like, critique circles, where you actively exchange feedback on works-in-progress, there's an added benefit: You'll learn a lot about your own writing!

I know this because I'm in a critique circle currently. Of course, sharing my work with my writing buddies for their comments is very helpful, but for the purpose of this post, I'm focusing on the value of reading someone else's WIP.

When I read my writing buddy's manuscript, I learn so much! First, it's a privilege to read through the selections they share. Because of their generosity, I get exposed to new ideas, fresh approaches, better solutions, and different genres. Second, I get to practice my critical analysis skills. I assess plot or characters, examine setting or dialogue. And then, I share my thoughts about the excerpt, which often leads me to new insights into my own genre and projects.

My writing buddies' sharing allows me to have a superior educational experience that would cost oodles if I tried to buy the same thing through a class or a writing coach.

If you're not already in a critique group, you can find one easily, because there are lots of opportunities both online and live. Check out Facebook, Reddit and Discord, as well as writer associations, local libraries, schools and colleges, and community centers. Or follow a favorite author! Sometimes authors establish groups, including critique circles, through platforms like Substack or Patreon. (BTW, most circles I've been involved in are free, but there are some groups that charge fees or ask for donations.)

Not finding what you're looking for? Start your own critique writing group and make it what you want.

Once you're in a critique circle, my ebook, The Write Group will help you make the most of your participation. (Download from Amazon or another selected retailer.) And coming soon, I'll share a new ebook with lots of information about how to give and get writing feedback. (I wrote this ebook with new writers in mind.) Stay tuned!

Until then, do you get value out of giving feedback on other writers' works? Let me know in the comments!