Benefits of Belonging to a Writers Group

I joined Mid Michigan Writers, Inc. to help me become a better writer. The members’ educated feedback of work I offer for critique shows me whether my story is communicating what I intended. Their interpretations let me see where I’ve lost or confused my readers.

By keeping introductory remarks brief, I allow the writing to speak for itself. I listen for the reactions to the words and ideas; the comments indicate possible ways to clarify my meaning.

I don’t explain or defend the work. I give myself time to think about and decide how or whether to take the advice—which is always my choice. Some questions I might ask, however, if they haven’t been answered during the discussion:

1. Are the characters’ actions believable?

2. Do characters sound different from each other?

3. Is it clear when and where the action takes place?

4. Does the ending make sense?

5. What else would you like to know?

The amount and value of my fellow writers’ feedback never fails to exceed my expectations. In 2018, I won a $500 first prize in an essay contest for work previously submitted for MMW evaluation, not a bad return on my $15 investment in annual dues!