Wanna be my Partner?

         Every one of us is different. We work differently. We are motivated differently. We organize our lives differently. What works for me might not work for you. I’m sure some of you have a treasured routine that would utterly fail me. There are just as many, though, who are helped by my perspective and who can inspire me. It is to those I speak. All the rest of you may listen. Just don’t get mad at me if what I say sounds like so much gibberish.

         I love having critique partners. Actually, what I really love is getting together with other writers to discuss writing as well as to critique each other’s work. There is nothing more motivating for me. Being able to talk and listen and share with others who understand what I mean by GMC, showing not telling, dialogue tags and more is priceless. I don’t get much face time with other writers, but when I do it energizes me for days or weeks afterward. While not as dramatic, online discussions are almost as motivating. These contacts, whether close friends or casual online acquaintances, keep me producing.

         Reading the work of others, giving and getting feedback, sharing resources and ideas are just some of the ways I find value from critique partners or groups. Probably most significant value is the accountability inherent in the relationship. When someone is expecting work from me, I am more likely to get it to them, (Usually. As Kitty and Shonna know, there are times I take a late longer than I should. Which is why I really prefer face-to-face. ) The actual critique helps give me valuable insight into how a reader is going to react to my story. I get a chance to practice courage by letting others, in progressively greater steps toward vulnerability, read and comment on what I write. I get opportunities to reciprocate and, in doing so, develop a greater skill of seeing details and learning the intricacies of creating a story. For me the critique experience is one I need to improve my craft.

         If the same is true for you, how do you find critique partners? Word of mouth recommendations are best. These are easy to obtain if you have access to a local writer’s group. If you don’t have that access, there is a gold mine of possibilities available online. It just takes a lot more time to find those contacts. Yahoo Groups is a great starting resource. Search for “writing critique” and you’ll garner more options than you could ever hope to fully investigate. Visiting blogs of writers you admire, searching for writing websites and enrolling in writing classes are just a few other ways to search for a critique partner.

         Charlotte Dillon has several yahoo groups devoted to romance writing. While I’ve not participated in her Critique group, I have heard it is a good one. I did find a couple of critique partners on one of her other lists. Another list I know of but have not actually experienced is GenreCritters.

         Where have you found critique partners? Or do you even want one?