How to Go to a Feedback Group as a Newbie
Walking into your first writers’ feedback group can feel like stepping onto a stage in front of a silent audience. Your palms sweat, your heart races, and your mind wonders if your story is ready to see the light of day. Don’t worry because EVERY writer in that room has been exactly where you are. Feedback groups can be one of the most valuable tools in your writing journey, helping you grow faster and write stronger. Here’s how to make the most of it.
1. Go In With Curiosity, Not Defensiveness
When you’re new, it’s easy to feel like every critique is a judgment on your talent. It’s not. Feedback is data. It tells you how readers experience your work. Listen to patterns, not one-off comments. If three people are confused about the same part, that’s worth revisiting. If one person just doesn’t like fantasy, that’s about them, not you.
2. Know What You Want
Before you share, ask yourself what kind of feedback would help you most. Are you looking for thoughts on your plot structure? Character motivation? Pacing? If you tell the group, “I’m mostly worried about whether this scene feels believable,” they’ll focus their energy where you need it most and you’ll get more useful feedback.
3. Read and Respond Thoughtfully
You’ll get as much from giving feedback as from receiving it. When you critique others, you sharpen your eye for what works and what doesn’t, And these are lessons that circle back into your own writing. Be kind but honest. Point out what’s strong as well as what could improve. “I loved this description” is as valuable as “I got lost in this dialogue.”
4. Take Notes and Take Your Time
You won’t be able to absorb everything in the moment. Jot down notes as people speak. Later, revisit them with a calmer mind. Don’t rush to revise immediately. Let the comments settle; sometimes, clarity arrives a few days later. Remember: your story, your choice.
5. Respect the Circle
Feedback groups thrive on trust. Show up prepared, on time, and open-minded. Keep confidentiality about what’s shared in the group so that it stays in the group. A supportive environment encourages everyone to take creative risks.
6. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
The goal isn’t to be flawless. It’s to improve, draft by draft. Every piece you bring is another step toward mastering your craft. The writers around you aren’t competitors; they’re companions on the same winding path.
7. Use the three-second rule
The three-second rule is a wonderful way to do something whether it is chores, writing, hitting the gym, or anything else. You tell yourself that you are going to do something after you count to three. Once that three seconds is up, you start moving. If you're worried or scared about going to a feedback group meeting, follow the three-second rule. Once you're in the car or signing onto the Zoom call, it is go time.
Final Thoughts
The first meeting may feel intimidating, but soon you’ll wonder how you ever wrote without this community. Pennwriters groups are full of generous, insightful people who understand the ups and downs of the writing life. All you have to do is show up with your words, your curiosity, and your courage.
Welcome to the circle. Your writing journey just got a little stronger.
Have any other suggestions for new members wanting to look into our feedback groups? Share your ideas here or on our Facebook page.