(And I’m from Southern California so I know nice weather.)

I must say though, that I never would have survived a critique group while I was writing my first draft. During that time, I would finish a chapter, show it to my husband, make changes based on his suggestions, then have my sister read it. My husband not only helped me keep the story realistic, but had great ideas too. And I could trust my sister to tell me what she really thought about the story. Neither one of them is great with grammar, so they focused on the plot.

But once I finished my first draft, I NEEDED a critique group. I needed to learn how to get rid of newbie problems, tighten my writing and add conflict and tension. All I can say is that God is good and thank Him for leading me to both my critique group and my critique partners outside the group!
Suzanne :O)

Several months ago our group broke up because one writer changed her style of critiquing and pointed out everything she could find in every manuscript, first draft or not, whether the writer wanted big-picture or fine-line.

I got stuck for awhile after that, because I was mourning the loss of the group as it used to be. But I realized I had been allowing those other writers to dictate what I would write about. I went back to the first drafts and discovered how much I’d let them change what I wanted to write. Now I have just two critiquers, and I’m much happier.

Also as a writer, I want to write my best especially if I plan to present my polished works to a publisher.

I so want to be free to write creatively and yet open to hear the faults of my work. I want to submit clean copy.

I’ve heard too many times from publishers that writers send in sloppy drafts.

I want to write professional or not at all.

🙂

I will try to apply this truth. I need to get unstuck!

Thanks for sharing this challenging post.

p.s. I loved Colorado when I lived there, but I sure don’t miss those nine-month winters, or the tornadoes y’all get down there on the high plains.

One other comment. I used the services of a professional critiquer a few months ago. The cost was an investment that I believe I’m now reaping dividends from in my writing.

That’s exactly what I was going to say!!

I started reading this post and felt a little twitchy. I’ve never, ever, ever shared a WIP. Not with anyone. Not sure why (not). Snobby? Scared? Want my books to say what I want them to say, not someone else?

Anyway. Great stuff, Rachelle.

Don’t completely blame crit groups per se. Part (not all) of the problem is the rules under which they offer feedback. At least, it was so in my case.

Nowadays I have one trusted partner who is fully capable of critting either whole-story issues or nitpick…all I do is ask for what I need.