@jennienash – Jean's Writing

Does your group speak truth?

Published on June 25, 2015June 25, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Reading the post at Jane Friedman’s by guest writer Jennie Nash on

The 4 Hidden Dangers of Writing Groups

several points really hit home with me.

However, most important were the offered solutions.

Too many times we receive a lot of information but no actionable answers.

After Ms. Nash writes about the pitfalls of a writer’s group, she goes on to give ideas on how to help constructively.

So if your group is not filled with “experts” on editing, there is still a way to have a successful writer’s group.

The first fix Ms. Nash wrote, that stood out in this article for me was:

Give each writer time to talk about the weaknesses they see in their work and the solutions they are contemplating. Let them try to sort those things out in a supportive space. Often, simply having to articulate your problem goes a long way towards solving it. I find that writers frequently know what’s wrong with their own work if you give them the time and space to confront those truths, and this is far better than asking people who are not trained to weigh in on what’s wrong with the work. Click here to read the entire article by Jennie Nash The 4 Hidden Dangers of Writing Groups .

This is how my critique partner and I work. We bounce idea’s, and portions of our writing, off each other to work out issues. Ms. Nash is correct about the importance of complete honesty. My friend listens as I talk through whatever writing problem I’m dealing with in the moment and doesn’t hesitate to tell me when I need to change something.

Just remember everything is easier to swallow with a spoon full of sugar. Kindness pared with a truthful suggestion or critique is helpful and constructive.

Y’all know how much I love your comments, so tell me are you a member of a writer’s group?

I’m also nuts for clicks, so please pass this on to your Facebook and Twitter pals remember to tell me what you think.

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