I joined a discord server back this summer after the Flights of Foundry con I attended. It has been refreshing to hear from other writers (most of them being actual writers and not aspiring like myself) but I have critiqued and received critiques from several members of the group, which was the main thing I wanted to get out of the con. Well I was recently invited to join a small “local” writing group that meets approximately monthly and our first meeting was just this week. I had a story ready for readers (flash, about 1100 words) so I decided to just jump in. Thats the best way to do it, right?
So, i’ve put in my time reading the other samples: one poem, two YA fantasy book chapters (one very early, one quite late I think) and I did my best to provide good feedback from someone who a) doesn’t really like poetry and b) doesn’t really like fantasy. But I like learning about craft and the evening zoom session was super helpful for me.
I am good at taking criticism. I’ve had a lot of rejections of my writing in the past from work and I don’t take it personally. Plus, I know I am at the beginning of my journey and so anything I can get will help. I have a lot of thoughts about improving my story but it was generally well received… just need to take it to the next level now.
And… we are meeting again in 2 weeks. Fortunately, I think I already know what story I’m going to post for that session.