It was 2013 and I’d become desperate to find a critique group. Most successful writers I knew had at least one or two critique partners with whom they could share input on their writings. Even the best writers know that there are things we all miss in our works-in-progress: repetitive words or phrases, punctuation errors, things we assume are clear but may seem murky to a reader. Even a talented wordsmith needs someone else’s eyes to see what they cannot.
I really wanted a group that would gather regularly to give hope, help, and encouragement to me. But I also wanted to be able to return the favor. After all, writing is a solitary task and finding fellowship between writer friends seemed to be a worthwhile cause. Who else could understand the strangeness of my mind except another author? 😉
While there were plenty of writer’s groups to be found, I really wanted one where I would not be asked to critique a story line that made me uncomfortable. All it takes is a glance at books on Amazon to know that if you can judge a book by its cover —and sometimes you can—I could potentially feel out-of-place. The urge to crawl under the table in embarrassment and conviction in some editing sessions would likely ensue. Many adult books are far too “adult” for me.
I searched and asked around to see if there were any Christian groups meeting that would fit what I was looking for. There was nothing. Finally, after months of seeking, the answer became obvious, if not highly intimidating: I needed to start a group for Christian writers.
Great, I mused. I have no spare time, reams of writing I needed to do, a part time job, and a calendar that looked like a Picasso painting with scribbles and commitments. How would I find time to organize a group much less navigate the responsibility of leading it? I still felt like a newcomer to the skill. I didn’t know what I was doing.
Then someone told me about Word Weavers International. I searched out the requirements to start a chapter, get organized, and spread the word. I read their statement of faith, which helped me breathe a sigh of relief. There were guidelines to acceptable submissions for critique. While the stories are not required to be Christian, the content must not violate Christian principles or beliefs.
I loved the technique they taught for actually giving feedback to other writers. Called the “sandwich method,” Word Weavers instructs participants to start with something positive to the writer, then interject constructive words to help the author, then end with something else positive to wrap up their comments.
This is to encourage rather than discourage. Critiques that are filled with negativity can be so demeaning to a writer’s view of their abilities, some wordsmiths have been known to quit the craft altogether. Critiquing done well is an art. Done poorly, it can ruin a writer’s chance to grow and refine their skills.
There may be other writer’s groups that meet your need where you live. But if not, please check out Word Weavers. In fact, there might already be a Word Weavers chapter in your area.
Whatever choice you make, I encourage you to find the fellowship and the support of your fellow wordsmiths. We really do need each other.
For information on Word Weavers, check out their website at https://word-weavers.com/
Carry on.
Elaine Marie Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. She freely admits to being a history geek. Look for her upcoming releases, War’s Respite and Love’s Kindling. This 4-book series, set in Revolutionary War Connecticut, is entitled Dawn of America. You can visit her site at http://www.elainemariecooper.com
