A recurring group of writers who meet to share work-in-progress and give each other honest, structured feedback.
A writing group is a small, consistent group of writers who meet regularly to share their work and offer constructive criticism. Members typically read each other's drafts before meetings, then discuss strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions. The best groups develop trust over time, which lets members push past polite praise into the kind of honest feedback that actually improves manuscripts.
Writing is solitary, but revision shouldn't be. A good writing group catches blind spots you'll never see on your own, from plot holes you've rationalized away to dialogue tics you don't notice. It also keeps you accountable - knowing someone expects pages next Tuesday is a powerful motivator.
Your best friend may not be your best critic. Look for writers who read in your genre, give specific feedback, and can separate the work from the person.
A group that only says nice things isn't a critique group - it's a support group. Establish early that honest, specific criticism is the point. Praise what works, but always identify what doesn't.
When someone misreads your intent, the instinct is to explain. Resist it. If the reader didn't get it, that's data. Take notes, stay quiet during your critique, and decide later what to act on.
Set time limits per critique and rotate who speaks first. If one member consistently steamrolls, address it directly or the quieter voices will stop showing up.
Write down three specific qualities you'd want in a writing group member (genre familiarity, feedback style, schedule compatibility, etc.). Then draft a one-paragraph "group charter" that covers how often you'd meet, how work gets submitted, and what kind of feedback you expect. Share it with a writing friend and ask if they'd join.