"Two weeks ago we had a fun conversation about critique groups and what to watch out for when scouting for a new one — flawed formats and flawed people in particular.
"A few of you responded by asking about forming your own critique group and how to do it the right way.
"I don’t want to imply that I think there’s a wrong way. Different groups serve different needs.
"Some critique
groups are more about socializing with other writers than they are about getting quality feedback. And that’s cool. I’ve never been a big believer in the whole writers-are-hermits thing, or that writers are socially inept/awkward by nature and without some occasional interaction a writer will die at his or her computer desk and not be found until rats have eaten off his/her face.
"But a little companionship with some like-minded people is good for anyone. So if your group wants nothing more than to gather for some food and drink and talk, you’ll get no hassle from me.
"But if I were going to form a critique group for writers whose main objective is to improve their work, here are a few guidelines I would try to set."
