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YOUR BABY IS UGLY
By Lee Paulson

What do you mean my jug-eared, cross-eyed, patchy-haired baby is ugly?  Conceived late at night, in labor for months, and delivered from my personal computer.  That's the writing group's dilemma.  Do you strive for honest feedback from your peers?  Or is a verbal pat on the back your goal?  A successful writing group should achieve a balance between sending you home humming a happy tune or banging your head on the steering wheel.
During one "Ask-a-Pro" seminar, I asked a well known writer as to his opinion on the value of writing groups.  His judgement was mixed—sort of like the Supreme Court split decisions.  A group can smooth the passage to a final product or be a pack of beavers damming the story flow.
My writing group is a happy happening, the essence of its success is distilled from the following guidelines:
Professional Teacher:  The person in charge must not only know the writing craft but be able to communicate it to the members.
Talent Balance:  A published superstar who wants an admiring audience will stifle the growth of others in the group.  Conversely, a rank amateur can't be allowed to free load on the group talent.  A winning writing group is a team.  Not a collection of individuals.
Criticize the work, not the person:  Mutual respect for honest evaluation helps everyone grow.  When the words shine, say it.  When they fall short, say it—the words are being judged, not the individual.  Keep things in perspective, your story is a cup of water in a sea of writing, not the last sip of water in barren sands.
Have fun:  Do your part to make it a positive, worthwhile and meaningful experience for every member. Ponying up a dozen chocolate chip cookies for writing "talking heads" dialogue is a better way to motivate improvement than any cutting remark.
Following the guidelines won’t guarantee a successful group, but it will improve the odds. Writing groups are not in business to create jewelry with endless polishing of rare gems. The customer is waiting to read your story.  They can’t do this until you finish.  It's your story, made better by the thoughtful advice of your peers.  Now, do you really think my baby is ugly?

© 2006 Lee Paulson, All Rights Reserved

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