Writer's Groups: Critique Circle.com

Don't be a lonely writer. Why? Lone Ranger writers can't look at their work objectively. They clutch their manuscripts in fear of a negative word, which means they'll never submit the project they've poured their heart into. That definitely lowers the chances of publication.

Joining a critique group makes for a stronger writer. A writer who hones his craft. Who learns to take criticism, and discovers how to analyze the work of others. Writers in critique groups are training for the day their words will land in the hands of agents, editors, . . . and readers.

Critique Circle is one option for writers looking for an online group. With over 2500 members of the free site, each submission of your work will garner between seven and ten critiques.

If you're just beginning to see the need for a critique group, the site has links to all the training you need to be an excellent critique group member. Like How to Cope With Critiquing, and How To Critique Fiction.

I believe it's worth it to join Critique Circle just for the amazing free tools they offer members. There's a storyboarding tool to help you plan your story. Writing exercises and writing prompts to get your brain moving. Progress meters to keep track of your word count. A fantastic outlining workshop, plus a name generator, and submission tracker.

Of course, the site maintains an active forum for members to talk about everything to do with writing. But there's also a page of links that kept me busy for a while. There are too many to list here, but you'll just have to check the links out for yourself.

And if this group isn't the perfect one for you, don't worry. There are lots more.