Why Finding the Right Critique Group is MAGIC

WHY FINDING THE RIGHT CRITIQUE GROUP IS MAGIC

Finding your critique group!

When I first started pursuing my dream of writing and illustrating children’s books, conference after conference presenters would talk about the importance of finding a critique group. But…finding a right fit critique group is not as easy as it seems. It took time, a lot of hard work, and prayer before I finally found my critique group.

For our first meeting I was so excited and nervous, but mostly excited. I could not believe I was meeting with published authors and illustrators! For a book lover and teacher, I was meeting with MY Rock Stars. I remember showing up to the first meeting with printed manuscripts and shaky hands. We met in person twice before the pandemic started and we could no longer meet. Then several months later an author suggested we start meeting over zoom.

And that is when the MAGIC happened…

We decided to meet weekly to discuss ideas and critique manuscripts or illustrations. Every week we showed up for each other. We offered support, honest opinions, and we pushed each other to have better stories. And every week we grew not only in our craft but in friendship.

These wonderful women are now some of my dearest and closest friends. Every week we show up and every week we support each other not only with our writing but in life’s adventures.

We now call ourselves STUDIO 5.5. Above is the logo I drew for our group. Our weekly two hour meeting fills me up with inspiration, determination, and momentum.

So if you are are still looking for your critique group, keep searching. Because once you find Your Creative People, MAGIC will happen.

Thank you again for stopping by!

With Best Wishes,

Ashley