Writing groups provide the “Best way to learn to choose what feedback is important.”
What do I mean by this?
Well, let me start with a little writer’s community gossip. There’s a story going around that Hans Christian Andersen fell on his face and sobbed from getting critical feedback about his writing. (I’ve been there, he’s not alone.) What’s amazing is that now his writing is a huge part of our culture. He wrote: The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina the list goes on. The point here is, sometimes people are wrong about your writing. At the same time some feedback is worth keeping and tucking into your back pocket for both your current work and futures pieces. That doesn’t mean some feedback is invaluable.
All feedback has value in some way.
It’s valuable because giving and receiving feedback can help you develop connections with other writers. Coming to an understanding feels good. Feels like you accomplished being heard. On top of that, your feedback may not help the writer you’re speaking directly to, it can also help those around that are listening. Which is the point! The learn and grow as writers as a community.
I was always nervous when I attended writing groups. I still get nervous attending new writing groups. It took me years to find my own little bubble of confidence. It also took reading a lot of books and philosophers. Something about philosophers trying to get their theories heard helped me feel better as writer. I’m also very interested in philosophy so it’s a double motivator.
Check out my post on instagram where fellow writers shared their thoughts and experiences when it comes to writing groups.
Jayne.press 