Critique, or constructive criticism, can be hard to hear. Yet, in all artistic and creative ventures, it is difficult to grow and improve without it. A good Critique Group will give you what you need.

Do you avoid critique—or seek it out?

I’m part of a weekly writer’s critique group. I love this group. Over the past two years my writing has improved dramatically. I learned to write better both by receiving critique and by learning to critique others. It took me awhile to be comfortable with sharing my work. At first, I was so nervous to read my mouth turned to paste and my heart clamored. I was afraid I wasn’t “good enough” but I was also desperate to know if I was on the right track.

Some nights, in the beginning, I would leave the group feeling like I shouldn’t even try to write. This insecurity comes from the tender creative spirit inside that must be cared for and encouraged. I found that if I waited a day before I went back over my critique notes, the comments were not harsh after all and in fact most were encouraging. All comments were made in hope of helping me become a better writer.

It is easier to see necessary improvements in someone else’s work. This is not because you think your own work doesn’t need improvement, but rather because you are often too close to your own work to see its flaws.

How can you ask for, receive, and give helpful critique?

6 elements to a great critique group.

1. Vision: All members of the group (2 or more), must have a clear understanding of the purpose of your group. The general goal should be to support and encourage each other to grow and develop in your craft.
2. Commitment: Members must be equally committed to learn and grow in their craft and to help each other along the journey.
3. Accountability: It is helpful to have others checking in on your creative process. Often, it can motivate you to stay on task when you know you’ll be expected to share.
4. Honesty with Kindness. Mean spirited or competitive critique only harms the tender creative spirit, but honest critique with the true goal of helping each other improve is a gift.
5. Trust: This takes time, but the more the members of a critique group trust each other and believe that each member truly wants the very best for the other members, makes receiving critique much easier.
6. Celebration and Consolation: It is wonderful to celebrate each other’s success. It is also a tremendous support when we face disappointment. One for all and all for one!

Not all critique groups are helpful. There are issues to be aware of and guard against.

• Remember what your critique partners say is merely their opinion—a suggestion to consider. Your art is your own. Do not change it if you don’t believe in the change.
• Carefully consider the offered critique. In my group we like to say if three or more people say the same thing, you probably want to seriously look at it, all other is merely suggestion. As an artist, you must be careful not to let the group write your book.
• Unless you are in a genre specific group, other writers may not have a clear grasp on your genre requirements. It is your responsibility to learn your own genre rules.
• Well-meaning critique partners can insist on certain rules that may be arbitrary in your work.
• Occasionally, you may find someone in a group who comes across as harsh or mean-spirited. Protect yourself against this by setting clear boundaries for your group at the beginning.

It takes a degree of humility to hear someone critique your work. It also takes humility to learn—to admit you don’t already know. However, if you can embrace this humility you will open yourself to growth and improvement. When I critique someone else’s work, I mention the things that are working well or that I particularly enjoy before I suggest something that needs improvement. I consider how I want to be critiqued. The Golden Rule applies here.

Critique unto others the way you would like to be critiqued.

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