Who Should You Be in Your Writing Critique Group?

       Last night was the WWWPs writing critique group. While driving home after almost three and a half hours of solid work time (and if you know Sioux, you know there was no off-task talk, no sanctioned eating of chocolate, and no levity...  there's no room for laughter when we're working on writing), it occurred to me that I should take on other people's personalities when we meet.

photo courtesy of ladyjessop.com

       For example...

      I need to be Shirley McClaine. McClaine is the master at channeling others. When it was my turn to share--and while the other four writers were reading my piece--I reread mine and even then, I was crossing out unneeded words. I had revised it several times before last night... but unconsciously, I was thinking What words would they consider unnecessary? What phrases can I do without? What parts would they cross out if it was their piece?

      I should be Clint Eastwood. I need to squint more and talk less. Okay, I shouldn't squint more, 'cause that would result in more wrinkles, but I do need to narrow my focus as I examine what habits make the WWWPs so successful as writers... habits like perseverance... a workhorse work ethic... an unwavering commitment to their craft. And the more I listen to others, the more I'm going to soak up. Do I feel lucky? Well, do I, punk? Writing doesn't usually involve luck. It involves daily dipping into our reserves of ability and talent and having faith in our weapon--our pen, our pencil or our computer. 

    I need to be Nathan Lane. Lane is himself. He's comfortable in his own skin. Lane even flaunts his personality, He doles out the compliments in a bubbly manner... and he's never afraid to have a little bit of fun at his own expense. (Okay, maybe I can skip Nathan Lane. After all, I'm way too comfortable in my skin, and nobody wants any more flaunting of Sioux than is already taking place.)

          Who do you need to be as a writer? Chuckling minds want to know.