Applause Group or Writer's Group?

Ever been in an applause group?  You know what I mean ~  a group of folks who love everything you write.  You read; they applaud.

Let's not underestimate the value of such a group.  God knows we need encouragement.  If your grandma's not around to tell you how great you are, it can be tough pressing on page after page in that silent vacuum of self-doubt with inertia peering in.

If you're writing for that only, for the atta boy's and the feel good, there's nothing better than predictable applause.

But if you aspire to a wider audience, you no doubt hear another faint but persistant call...for the kind of feedback that not only encourages you to keep writing, but also offers insights into what you've got on the page.

If you find you're in an applause group and yearning for more, of course you can go in search of another group.  But you might also consider some gentle prods for the group who already loves you. 

Here is a starter for eliciting deeper conversations about your writing:

Before you read, give your group a task that will help you.  

• Ask the group to listen for something specific, for example, action verbs versus passive verbs. 
• Ask them to notice if your writing demonstrates emotion instead of telling the reader how to feel. (show v. tell)
• Ask them to point out anything vague or leaving an unanswered question.

In short, ask your group for what you need ~ real feedback! 

You may be surprised how quickly their comments move up a notch, especially if you show your appreciation for their efforts and respond in kind.  It's also helpful to read the same passage at your next meeting, showing them how their input helped improve your work.

Onward and upward Dream Writers!