Writers' Groups by Joann M. Anderson

Aaron Elkins recently stated that writers should "Think carefully before getting into a critique group." He went on to say that writing produced with the help of a writer's group is often "writing by committee" and cuts out the voice of the individual writer.

If this is true, how can a writer who wants to connect with like-minded people do just that?

Perhaps Elkins' term, "thinking carefully . . . ." could mean visiting the group to see first, if the members listen openly and matter-of-factly for the best of the work being read. And second, if members comment on their own response (rather than judgment) to a reading. That is, they answer three standard questions:

• Is the subject interesting to me? Why? Why not?
• If it is interesting, does my interest lag at times?
• And if my interest does lag, what could help make it more interesting?

In a group of like-minded people, no one is the "teacher" or "critic." All members want to create the best and most interesting writing possible, given the subject and genre. In addition, they listen to what each writer wants to express in his/her writing.

Elkins' caution also gives writers permission to be their own best advocate of what will work for them. And that is the best advice of all.