Critique Groups: CYA

Many years ago, I went to the mall with my Dad and noticed a large woman with her skirt tucked into her pantyhose. Her grannie-annies were showing. Dad did what any decent person would do, he tactfully told her.

Did she thank him?

No, she swatted him with her suitcase of a purse.

You think if he sees another lady exposed he'll speak up? I doubt it.

What's this story got to do with writing? Plenty.

When I joined an on-line critique group I didn't expect much. I got everything.

Having others look at your work and then tell you what's wrong with it, is embarrasing and painful. But you get used to it. The how to books I've read describe accepting criticism on your work as "hugging the cactus". It's a good analogy, one we all need to embrace.

My critique group is a small on-line one that has been by far the most beneficial to my growing as a writer.

They don't let me walk around with my fanny hanging out. And when they tell me I'm exposed, I don't hit them. If I did, they might never tell me again.

The publishing world can be a cold place, especially if you're getting a draft like that!

So, when someone tells you your work is less than perfect, don't swat them. Say thank you, smooth your skirt out, mention the catcup stain on their sweatshirt and move on.

There are two ways to get attention:
1. writing excellence
OR
2. walking around with your butt hanging out.

Join a critique group and CYA.

(One on-line group is Yahoo's Kingdom Writers but there are plenty others. Just google to find one right for you.)