Should I Join a Writing Critique Group?
Joining a writing group can be daunting, especially for a beginning writer. At one point, we were all newbies in the writing world! Read what some of our most recent Mississippi Valley Writers Guild members have to say about joining a critique group.
Confessions of a Newbie: Joining Mississippi Valley Writers Guild from Cathy
The Tuesday afternoon group swooped me under their wings a few short months ago. Starting out I was a little nervous. My genre is non-fiction writing and I wasn’t sure I’d fit in or measure up to seasoned creative writers. What I discovered within these bi-weekly meetings was a low-key, yet efficient format, truly aligned with its mission of encouraging, experiencing and sharing the written word. We start with prepared responses to a short prompt (optional) followed by those who wish to read and share whatever they choose for group feedback.
So far, I’ve used group processes to better my writing, gain creative inspiration, and network. My favorite part, a surprise benefit, has been the extra motivation from the group pulling me out of my own spinning thoughts into others’ worlds. In a society that can often be superficial, it’s simply fun and creatively stimulating to talk about deeper topics with like-minded introspective fellow writers.
A poem from Mary----
We are poets and playwrights.
Fiction and nonfiction.
Some of us write for adults and some for children.
We are different ages and in different stages of our life, each with our own unique path.
Brought together by the desire to be with others that can relate to our journey and the desire to
get the words out of our minds and hearts and onto paper.
With an encouraging, compassionate leader that guides our group through each meeting.
We meet twice a month, sometimes in person, sometimes over zoom.
We bring our thoughts, hopes and dreams.
We listen, we share, we trust and want only the best for each other.
We support, encourage and offer advice and insight to make our writing stronger.
We write, and rewrite, start new projects and revisit old projects.
We celebrate each other’s success and can relate to disappointments as we join each other on our
journey of writing that draws us together.
From two-year member Danielle----
MVWG came into my life while I was searching for more information about writing at a local library. The critique group that I’ve been involved with for the past two years has developed me as a writer. I love meeting every other week with like-minded writers. Getting to be a part of their journeys is as fun as my own writing. I’ve learned more about writing prompts, conferences at the local and regional level, and when authors are going to be in the area. MVWG involvement with bringing guest authors allowed me to be on Zoom with an author. That was a great experience. We learned more about her writing style and tips on how she does her writing process. My favorite part was when she visited a location for her story idea. These tips from this MVWG really have helped me expand my writing skills. If you’re looking for a group to assist you with your writing, I’d say join Mississippi Valley Writers Guild today!!
If you are contemplating joining the writer’s guild, I say go for it. There will be a place for you with us whichever and whatever type of writing you enjoy. To get more information, email us and ask your questions!