As writers around the world edit manuscripts for National Novel Editing Month, you should think about joining a writing critique group.
The Blood Red Pencil blog has a great article by mystery novelist Patricia Stoltey explaining why writing groups are so important.
Here’s an excerpt: “One of the best ways to hone self-editing skills is to meet regularly with other writers and critique their work. Timid souls who might be overwhelmed by larger groups may do best with one critique partner. Unstructured clubs that meet once in a while are useful for hermit-writers who need occasional feedback. Online critique sessions, or meetings via Skype, are helpful if local groups are not available.”
Last year, we interviewed debut novelist Ruiyan Xu about what she learned while working with writing groups the last eight years–learning how to start a writing critique group. A few years ago, this GalleyCat editor joined a writers group with her–watching Xu finish her new novel, The Lost and Forgotten Languages of Shanghai. (Via Mike Cane)