Join a Writer’s Critique Group

For years I’ve heard from writers—whether starting out or already published or bestsellers—that critique groups are important. Very important. Many famous writers attribute part of their success to the encouragement and assistance offered by fellow writers. One of the most famous critique groups is probably The Inklings, which C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien were part of. Most of us are blind to our own faults, so being able to accept others’ feedback and suggestions can greatly improve our writing.

Here it is, the dreaded word—deadlines! But guess what? Knowing you have a group waiting for your next chapter is a powerful motivator. Critique groups help you stay disciplined in your writing practice. Seeing your peers’ progress can inspire you to keep pushing forward with your own projects too. ~ Write It Sideways

Find a Critique Group

The only problem is—how do you find such a critique group?

Local Libraries and Arts Centres

One of the best places to find fellow writers is by visiting your local library. After all, writers are usually book lovers. Just before we moved to BC, I was part of a writer’s critique group at my local small-town library. Reach out to your local library to see if there is already such a group in existence and, if not, inquire if they’d be willing to support the start of such a group. The library can likely provide a meeting space as well as copies of a book about writing that your group could work through together, such as Story Engineering or The Maeve Binchy Writer’s Club.

My friend and fellow author Anna Eastland is very involved in the Delta Literary Arts Society, which is hosted at her local arts centre. They host various events throughout the year to encourage local writers and creatives and connect them with an audience. Check out the posters or announcements at your local recreation and arts centres to see what may be offered in your community.

…writers groups are filled with, well, writers. People just like you, who want to help you be the best writer you can be, and who expect the same from you. They’re your cheerleaders who can see where the ideas you wanted to convey in your book didn’t move out from your head and onto the page. And they can help you immensely in your journey to make the transition from a writer who’s just scribbling in a journal to a published author with a byline. ~ Writing Cooperative

Find an Online Community

In this era of the world wide web, many writers are connecting with other writers online. Try checking out the following websites (which I am not associated with and provide only for information purposes):

• FanStory
• FaithWriters
• CoffeeHouse for Writers

Not all writers groups are created equally. Not all are sanctioned by an organization. Not all are free to attend. In other words, before you choose a writers group, do your homework. Research the group online. Send an email or two to the group’s coordinator. Connect with current members of the group. Figure out if what the group offers and the kinds of people who attend are what you could commit to. ~ The Write Life

Join a Writer’s Organization

There are also organizations that specifically support writers. Many of these host annual events such as conferences or retreats. Membership is usually a fee but offers perks, such as member chapters, a newsletter, or other discounts. Try searching for writer’s organizations by topic or geography, such as “BC writer’s group.” You can also check out these:

• Inscribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship (Alberta)
• Catholic Writers Guild (United States)
• The Habit (North America)

Go Back to School

Completing a degree in creative writing can be an excellent way to get feedback on your writing. This was a big reason why I started my second degree at the University of Victoria, and why I appreciated the small, critique-based workshops there. Each week, I gathered with fellow writers to share and discuss our latest projects, as well as get feedback from the professor, who was a published, professional writer. I still have many of the critiques that I received during that time.

Here are a few Canadian universities that offer writing degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels:

• University of Victoria (BC)
• University of Guelph (Ontario)
• UBC (BC)
• Grant MacEwan University (Alberta)

If you can’t commit to an entire degree (or after-degree), try a one-time writer’s class. These may be offered by local universities for a weekend or a semester. Local arts or recreation centres may also offer writing classes. For example, I’ve seen “Write Your Memoir” classes frequently advertised. These can be a great place to find a new writing community or even just one writing buddy.