By Dana G. Severson

Writing can be like living on an island. You spend months traipsing through a maze of your own design, tracking the movements of its inhabitants, all of whom hadn't a name or voice until you searched them out. And suddenly, you're there, uncovering some piece of some puzzle you never knew existed, let alone was ever missing. There've been times I've been so entrenched in a project that I was startled by a voice that didn't come from inside my head. A writer's life doesn't have to be a solitary one. There are a number of outlets for us creative types to take advantage of.

A writers' group is a community of fellow writers who get together to review and offer feedback on each other's work. A writers' group can be a valuable endeavor for some, and they may oftentimes find an improvement in their skill and technique.

How do you set about finding a writer's group in your area? It all depends on what you're looking for. More often than not, you should be able to find a local group that meets regularly. Some are a mixed bag of writers, while others focus on a specific genre or type of writing. I participate in a casual group where the members are either playwrights or screenwriters. I find it more beneficial to meet with scribes that work in a related field. They understand the format you're working in, problems you might encounter and difficulties of the business.

If you don't want or have the opportunity to meet face to face with other writers, you can also take advantage online communities. This is a reliable alternative for a lot of people. Whatever your venture, from novels to poetry to plays to lyrics, there should be a group in your specific arena.

Once you've decided to participate in a certain writers' group, you'll need to listen to your gut. Not all groups are for all people. Feel free to shop around, both in person and online, and audit a group prior to joining. Usually, within the first meeting, you can tell if the group is a good fit for you. You may or may not like the personalities, format, the writing levels and feedback of the existing members. All are legitimate reasons to seek membership in a specific group. I prefer a more casual format with a diverse group of writers, both seasoned and beginner, in my field. Having a good mix works well for me. I'm able to offer advice to those with less experience, learn from those who have more, and receive feedback from a wide range of readers.

It's also important to keep in mind that all groups are not created equal. Just because it meets a certain criteria for you doesn't automatically make it a good group. You want honest feedback that is objective and constructive. There are a number of groups out there that are so nice you'll never receive an ounce of criticism. You may like everyone in it but the conditions aren't beneficial or useful for anyone. If the social aspect, though valuable in creating a solid, lasting network in the community, outweighs the creative, you're in a bad group.

On the flipside, there are those factions that are just plain vicious. They seem to take pleasure in bashing everyone's work, no matter the quality. Though honest feedback can feel a bit cruel at times, there's a difference between constructive and malicious. Pay close attention to the group dynamic. Does everyone hate everyone else's work? Or are their comments thoughtful and practical? You're not just being sensitive if there's a flurry of barbs flying around. Trust me; no one's ego can take that much abuse. If you're happy and feel supported, it'll show in your work.

However, don't confuse honest feedback with someone not liking you or your writing. Constructive criticism is just that. It's given to improve your craft, not deter you from doing it. Don't let it get you off balance. Good groups will always be filled with advice and suggestions. Listen to what they have to say and write it all down. Even if you don't agree with something someone has to say, you might find, at a later date, that there's a great deal of truth to it. But don't defend yourself; they're not commenting on you, they're commenting on your work. Isn't that really the purpose of taking part in something like this?

Another identifying factor in the quality of a group is its requirement in participation. If a group never asks its members to bring in a certain amount of work from session to session, you're not in a very industrious crowd. Sometimes writing groups attract more than just writers. I've been critiqued by people who're just pretending to be masters of the written word. It's shocking to hear what they have to say. Now, I'm not someone who believes in exclusivity when it comes to an organization but I want those around me to believe in the group's collective goal. If it's being published, I hope that those around me want to be published. If it's being produced, I hope that those around me want to be produced. People who bring nothing to the table aren't taking what you do seriously. Your time can be better spent elsewhere.

Much like writing itself, your experience with a writers' group will be filled with ups and downs. You need to be selective in what groups you join, test them out on a trial basis, and get a feel for what they have to offer. Just remember, no matter the critique, no matter the obstacle, to continue writing. Best of luck! And keep putting pen to paper (or finger to key).

Dana Severson is a writer and artist in the Twin Cities area.His writing credits include Prime Arthur, A Good Ten Acres, and The Truth in History.You can reach him online www.danaseverson.com