The writers group: Check your ego at the door

This should have been my first blog upon entering the Electric City Writers. Heck, I believe it should be the first thing taught to those entering Journalism and Communications schools, and those seeking to earn a Master of Fine Arts. Here's why.

Any writer is going to get his or her head handed to her while being critiqued. Deal with it!

Okay, usually that handing of one's head is done in quite a gentle manner, but the point is that your work is going to be criticized. If one believes he or she is the epitome of literary success, prepare to be humbled. (Well, F. Scott Fitzgerald is excused from that, as are many other noted wielders of the craft.) Other good writers in your group will find your flaws, and, yes, you have them.

Here's the best part of being criticized by your peers. It enables you to make changes before you present your work to a literary agent. You think those in a writing group can be critical? That's nothing compared with the work done by good agents. You might get the standard kiss-off letter, which means your work doesn't raise more than passing interest, or any interest at all. You might get a rejection letter that goes a little deeper. One that suggests certain things you can do to improve your writing is better! It's still a kiss-off letter, but it's a caring kiss-off.

Those in a writers group care about those around them. They know the heartaches of facing the challenges of being published. They know it's not easy. They feel the bumps and bruises on their own skin. They are there to help, and constructive criticism is the coin of the realm.

Know what? Don't just deal with it. Welcome it. It's done for your good!


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