The Perfect Crit Group

Writers are usually solitary beings. We love to sit for hours and put imagination on paper. Outwardly, we give the appearance of a being social. We go to events, smile at the appropriate times, laugh when we should, and try not to get that deer-in-the-headlights look when someone asks about our books. Inwardly, though, it's hard to converse with complete strangers. We allow only a few to really get to know us, because, let's face it, we are a strange bunch.

And so, when that first draft is finished where can we go?

From left to right: Chi, Izzie, Cali, and Dizz

Friends and family support us no matter what, but when it comes to feedback we need people who understand the craft. It is critical to have an inner circle of fellow writers that will inspect the storyline, sniff out plot holes, and find inconsistent traits with our beloved characters.

To add to the difficulty, few people truly understand a writers heart, which is fraught with doubt. Finding individuals with the ability to tear down the work while building the writer is rare. I'm so fortunate to have a crazy troupe of funny souls that are warm, engaging, and a weird combo of brutal honesty and kindness. And, believe it or not, I found them all on twitter.

We've talked, tweeted, texted, and messaged for a few years now, but this past weekend we surprised Izzie for her birthday and went to Nashville for our first writers conference. The weekend was an adventure, to say the least. Heartfelt conversations were had by all,  and we talked shop for hours. I can't imagine what writing would be like without Izzie, Cali, and Dizz, and I'm so blessed to call them my friends.