- Safety. Writing is a risky business. Even if it's fiction, you leave pieces of yourself between the lines. When you put yourself out there, vulnerable, it's crucial that you feel safe as you're doing it.
- Crap detectors. If the dialogue sounds hokey, the other writers need to feel empowered enough to shout out, "That sounds like a Lifetime Movie script! Crapola!" If the writing gets boring and petty, the critique members need to feel comfortable saying, "That's pure drivel. I'm falling asleep here."
- Laughter. Writing squeezes so much out of us. When you write something humorous, you definitely want genuine laughter from your audience. If you can make someone wet their pantyliner as they read your story, you've scored. And if you can poke fun at each other, if you can't help but laugh at the cute blonde who's snorting, you're in a great group.
I hope--as many of us celebrate various holidays this season--that we are all able to count the gifts we enjoy. The gift of family, the gift of friends, the gift of words...
Great post Sioux! I love your suggested requirements and I agree with them all! Even in your most serious writing, you are able to add a touch of humor and that's such a gift.
ReplyDeleteRight on, sister.
ReplyDelete"Never answer your critics." That's what I say!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I actually have a writer's group meeting in two hours, and I am happy to report that I can say "yes" to your bullet items. I especially love that these ladies started out as critique partners and became good friends. It's a gift I'm thankful for.
ReplyDeleteWell, I would say the bare bones basic item I need from my writing group is for SOMEBODY BESIDES ME AND THE LEADER TO SHOW UP FOR THE WRITING GROUP. Sorry to shout. I have issues. Those folks shunned me without even meeting me. Perhaps they're psychic.
ReplyDeleteTrue, every one. And I feel lucky indeed.
ReplyDelete