Why you should join a critique group if you want to become a successful author

Most people do their utmost to avoid criticism. But if you want to be a great writer, not just someone who manages to get something--anything--published, you need to embrace criticism with open arms.

In other words, join a critique group.

Find other like-minds souls who want to improve. Set your guidelines: how often you will meet, where, how long, and what will you read.

Now, finding good critique partners is a bit like dating. You know pretty soon if you've "hit it off." Even so, at the beginning, it's not unusual to feel a bit "humpy," as the Brits say. Your feelings get hurt. You think, "What does she know?" And then you add silently, "Besides, I don't like her stuff much either."

But if you stick with it, you'll soon see whether, indeed, "she" does know a thing or two, and whether, by golly, she's got a point.

A writer who's now garnering attention from editors told me of her critique partner. (We writers call them CPs for short.) At first, she didn't like the other woman. But, "I'm really glad I didn't throw in the towel. I've learned she's wonderful at spotting holes in my plots. That's exactly what I'm not good at."

You think your work is perfect.

I have news for you.

It isn't.

It will never be.

And another pair of eyes, or two, or three won't make it perfect.

But that extra input may propel you to the next level in your writing.