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Writing, whether fiction or nonfiction, poetry or prose, is a solitary occupation. Therefore, we writers often reach out to sample other writers’ perspectives and expose our attempts at quality work in hopes of finding paths to a richer bounty. However, we encounter risks on our journey. Our proud products have flaws which we only begrudgingly admit—there’s mustard on our ties. It’s hard to graciously acknowledge helpful suggestions. After all, they are criticism, even when constructive. That’s where the Writers’ Group comes to the rescue. When aligned with a group, writers becomes members of a lively community, sharing ideas on composition and construction of each other’s work, thereby gleaning rewards for their individual efforts. A group also benefits when members share lessons learned from writing seminars and workshops attended, and from books and articles read. Each member’s accumulated knowledge and experience is, thus, multiplied by that of the other members. This synergy yields exponential progress toward one’s goals, and the teamwork generates harmony and excitement on the journey toward accomplished professionalism and ultimate publication. Most communities harbor active writers’ groups and many are open to new members. However, writers seeking a compatible group must network across their communities in order to uncover and research available opportunities. Local libraries, book stores and educational institutions can be sources of available groups, as well as websites, such as LinkedIn. Writers are advised to investigate a group’s purpose and practices before committing to be sure their choice fits their interest and objectives. Starting a writers’ group is one option, but it does require time and tact to tailor a productive group. Meeting times depend on the size of the group and its agenda. For example, if three to five double-spaced pages from each member are submitted, to be critiqued at a subsequent meeting, a group size of four or five will typically require three to four hours of meeting time. Large groups can sacrifice productive meeting time, and quality of results can suffer without an interval of time for thorough review of submissions. Weekly or biweekly meetings are encouraged to maintain momentum of work in process. What criteria make for an effective group? Commonality of purpose is one factor. Are all members serious about publishing their work? Do they all share the goal of superior writing styles? If all members do not share similar purposes, conflict and discouragement are likely to ensue. Individual writers do have disparate goals. Some are focused on turning out publishable works, while others are writing for personal entertainment or to fill idle time. Such divergence within a group leads to incompatibility. Openness to constructive criticism is another factor. A writers’ group is most effective when each member edits the work of colleagues to correct errors and suggest improvements. Will each member collect the suggestions offered by other members for consideration? Openness to the views of other members is necessary for a successful group. Criticism is constructive when it suggests changes in syntax, word choice, tense, use of adjectives, adverbs and metaphors and punctuation, as such, that correspond to scholarly standards. Criticism is also constructive when it focuses on clarity, integrity and impression on the reader, with emphasis on character development, voice, points of view, imagery, and plot. Writing style is an individual trait, and many writers do not abide all the standards recommended. However, all writing styles benefit from clarity, integrity and impression on the reader. Willingness to be candid about fellow members’ quality of work is a third factor for a viable group. Does each member contribute to the constructive critique of a colleague’s efforts? Sugary praise of a another member’s work may encourage, but that alone is of little help to one’s colleague. On the other hand, vinegary expressions in criticism undermine group harmony and can render the group sterile. To summarize, working with a writers’ group is a rewarding activity in terms of a writer’s growth and enjoyment of the art of writing. In addition, participation in a group can help expand a writer’s networking options, open doors to publishing routes and publicize a writer’s name and website. Success in making progress depends upon the motivation and dedication of the group’s members. In conclusion, all writers are encouraged to join, and actively participate in, a writers’ group that meets their individual objectives.
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