Benefits of Belonging to a Writers' Collective
For writers seeking valuable feedback on their manuscripts, joining a writing group can be an invaluable resource. These groups, often consisting of individuals with diverse backgrounds, offer unique perspectives that can help identify inconsistencies, forgotten subplots, and hidden themes that an author might have missed.
One such writing group was discovered by Kyle Massa, a contributor who writes speculative fiction, blogs, non-fiction, and occasional tributes to coffee. Massa found his group through Meetup.com, but there are various platforms where writing groups can be found, such as Codex (specifically for speculative fiction writers with certain criteria), WritersCafe, or simply by Googling "writing groups."
The group that Massa is a part of meets every two weeks in Boulder and consists of a pharmacist, retirees, a computer programmer, a landscaper, and a fruit seller. Each member brings a unique perspective to the critique sessions, ensuring that the feedback provided is both specific and judicious, offering both praise and constructive criticism.
Writing groups are essential for professional writers, as someone will eventually read their work. They provide a fresh perspective on one's work, helping to refine and polish manuscripts before they are shared with the world.
One example of the benefits of a writing group can be seen in Massa's own work. During one critique session, a programmer in the group challenged a character description in one of Massa's stories, pointing out a stereotypical aspect that Massa was unaware of at the time. The feedback was beneficial, helping Massa to reconsider and ultimately improve the character.
There are various ways to find writing groups that offer constructive feedback on manuscripts. Joining Manuscript Review Programs offered by literary organizations, such as the Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia, can provide affordable, developmental advice from professional authors and editors. Participating in Manuscript Mastermind groups led by experienced authors, like Shirley Jump’s program, offers detailed feedback on plot, characters, and narrative structure.
Engaging in online writing communities and forums connects writers worldwide for peer feedback and steady improvement. Attending genre-specific writing workshops and live online classes, such as those hosted by The Novelry, offer expert guidance, motivational support, and small working groups, helping writers gain skills and confidence while receiving feedback in a supportive and diverse community.
By exploring these programs and communities, writers can access both professional and peer feedback within diverse groups that encourage growth and constructive critique on their manuscripts. Combining these resources will enhance a manuscript's development from multiple perspectives.
In his exploration for valuable feedback on his manuscripts, Kyle Massa, a contributor who writes speculative fiction, blogs, non-fiction, and occasional tributes to coffee, found a writing group that had a computer programmer as a member. With this diverse group, Massa's 'first draft' received criticisms and suggestions from the beta reader, helping him to refine and 'lifestyle' the character in question, making it more realistic and avoiding stereotypes, thanks to technology and the programmer's insight.
