| You are a new or seasoned writer but you feel | | | | the genre that you write and search online for |
| the need to be a part of a writing group. Maybe | | | | the list of organizations that support writers in |
| you need a critique partner or have a road block | | | | your field. |
| to your plot and would like honest input. How do | | | | 4. Consider taking a class with a mentor or hiring |
| you find the right kind of help for you as a | | | | a writing mentor per project. Belonging to a |
| writer? Here are a few tips to finding the writers | | | | writing club or finding a mentor is extra emotional |
| group or mentor that will help you succeed as a | | | | support and can be invaluable inspiration when you |
| writer. | | | | are working for months on a project. |
| 1. Check out your local book stores for writing or | | | | A mentor or critique group should be objective |
| critique groups that may have openings. Ask if | | | | and constructive. Avoid groups or coaches who |
| they allow visitors for the first meeting so you | | | | find nothing positive and resort to only ripping |
| can evaluate whether this group offers you what | | | | apart what you have written. A good mentor or |
| you need. These groups may meet once a month | | | | critique partner will offer constructive remarks or |
| and offer just what you need. | | | | suggest changes to specific areas of your work |
| 2. Search online for online writing or critique | | | | that may need tightening. Mentors or critique |
| groups in the field that you write in. Some of | | | | partners should make you a better writer |
| these groups may be closed to new members, | | | | especially when suggestions are offered with a |
| but there are many to choose from so browse | | | | positive spin with concrete ideas about how to |
| around before settling on one. The best critique | | | | change or improve what you have written. |
| groups are those that are smaller and personal, | | | | As a writer, part of personal growth is to be able |
| are experienced in your field, and that have all | | | | to revise and change for the better what you |
| levels of writing and publishing experience. | | | | have put on paper. You in turn, will do the same |
| 3. Join memberships for writers. There are | | | | for the members of your group. Honest criticism |
| several types of groups that offer association | | | | is hard to take sometimes, but don't take it as a |
| memberships for a reasonable yearly fee. I belong | | | | personal attack on you as a person. Take it for |
| to SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and | | | | what it is meant to be... a learning tool to help you |
| Illustrators) because I write for children. There is | | | | hone your writing skills and make your manuscript |
| one for mystery writers, romance writers, | | | | ready for the publisher. |
| science fiction writers...you get the idea. Type in | | | | |