Find yourself a writers group. If you can’t find one, start one. Surround yourself with supportive writers who are trying to achieve the same goals as you. It’s hard as a writer being the only one who believes in you.
True love is a group of writers giving you honest feedback on your work. People who want to see you grow, and who want to grow from your knowledge and perspective. That’s special.
You will learn just as much about writing by critiquing the work of others as you will by having your work critiqued. If you can help others improve their work, you can do the same for yourself.
In our group, the author isn’t allowed to talk during critique. You aren’t there to debate or explain what you meant; we all read your work – you’re here to listen.
Of course, you can’t always listen to everyone’s critiques because you might edit your piece into oblivion. But when there is a consensus among the group that something should change, they’re usually right.
When someone’s critique on your work resonates with you as true – that’s powerful. That’s you becoming a better writer.
Believe me, you want to hear the honest criticism from a writers group before you hear it from reviewers or readers.
No lie, I bake pastries for my writers group every week. They call me the Muffin Man. They expect it now, I’m almost scared what might happen if I show up muffinless.
In the 5 years I’ve been attending this writers group, I’ve met some of the best, most supportive friends I’ve ever had. We socialize, have a group chat, go on writing retreats. My life and writing are better because of them. I wish the same for every writer out there.
James P. W. Martin 