Joining an Online Writer’s Group?
For best results, learn this math formula first
If you’ve ever taken a photography class, you’ve heard of the Rule of Thirds — a guiding principal shutterbugs use to frame a subject so it can be optimally experienced.
I teach creative writing workshops for an independent writing center that uses a fractional framing device of the same name to give our students an organizing structure for processing the feedback they receive from peers.
As quarantine has driven a lot of new and aspiring writers to their keyboards, I’m seeing a lot of interest in online critique groups. Peer review can be an invaluable source of help and inspiration — as long as writers know how to view the feedback. An imbalanced look at feedback can give writers a skewed and inaccurate perception of their work — worse, it can squelch the ambitions of budding writers all together.
So, just in case you’re new. Just in case you need a reminder. Just in case you’re a toxic workshop survivor oh-so-bravely re-entering the fray — here’s a breakdown of the Rule of Thirds for Writer’s Groups:
1/3 of the feedback will be incredible
You’ll find that just-right word that eluded you. You’ll have that ah-ha moment about what’s missing in that scene you’ve been staring at for days. I don’t need to say much about this type of feedback. It’s exactly what you hoped for and everything you dreamed of. It’s why you joined the group in the first place. So let’s focus on the other 2/3 of what you’ll hear.
1/3 of the feedback will be garbage
Toss it. Don’t assume everyone in the critique group knows more than you. You know your story and your voice. Don’t let anyone else tell you who you should be as a writer. Your topics, your opinions, your intentions — are just that — yours. Period. Nod politely, and doodle in your notebook. Forget this this part ever happened.
1/3 of the feedback will be misunderstood
The critiquer meant well, but doesn’t know your genre. The critiquee (you) might not have heard correctly, could have missed the point or even (gasp!) been too close to/invested on/protective of the work to be ready to receive the comments. It’s ok. Really. Just move on.
The full picture
Keep in mind that this same breakdown applies to the feedback you give other writers. Yes, that means the other writers in the group are doodling through about a third of the carefully considered comments you offer them.
Also remember that in the heat of the workshop, no one is capable of distinguishing which feedback falls into what one-third category. It’s best to treat the entire collection of comments as an old school Polaroid and let it develop for a hot minute (read: sleep on it) before you try to see the full picture.
