Writing Groups: Yes, It's Worth It

Wish I had a beauty like this again. Photo copyright shordzi (Flickr)

So I find myself this week struggling with plot holes in my new book “Kept,” — still slated to be published this year, but not before it’s fixed, edited, prettied up and all worked out. It’s a story about sex and crime, and it’s very plot-driven, though I don’t think it conforms neatly either into a mystery or a thriller formula.

I meet with a writing group every few weeks, and recent meetings have had the other participants questioning characters’ timing and motivation on several issues, prompting me to go back to a timeline I made, as well as my character bios, in the process of clarifying and tightening the story.

While some plot holes (preferably tiny) might be inevitable, I’d rather have none. As the author, it’s excruciatingly difficult to see these sometimes. Hence, the writer group.

Mine is made up of former classmates in the UCLA Extension Writers Program. We meet every few weeks (sometimes every two weeks) and most often it’s four of us. Usually, we all present something, and then critique each other.

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Since constructive criticism is so valuable to a writer and so difficult to accomplish for a reader (or helpful with a framework) I’m going to republish some guidelines here, given to me by one of the best writing teachers anywhere, Claire Carmichael of the UCLA Writing Program.

Assessment of Colleague’s Work – from Claire Carmichael

Apart from the value of your response to each individual, the analysis and evaluation of other people’s writing can give you valuable insights into your own work.

When making your evaluation, always take context into account, including the writer’s overall purpose and intended audience.

Aim for constructive criticism when analyzing another student’s work. Constructive criticism is directed at the writing, not the writer. It uses the highest standards, praising where appropriate, but also focusing on specific problems and areas needing improvement. Constructive criticism provides detailed feedback that includes helpful observations and suggestions.

Points you might consider include: