Critique Groups

I am writing two novels. One is a middle grade (mg) apocalyptical thingy and the other is a romance. I spend time randomly on each, but more on my mg book because I submitted it to my critique group.

They sure do know how to call out all the holes in my writing. The honest feedback is so good at making me concentrate harder. Now when I write, I think I write...I mean I write, with more conviction. I religiously kill the helping verbs, the "Really's" and the "Justs". Often they fight back, when a sentence really needs them, but most have to go.

I also belong to a children's book critique group. The valuable insight they offer makes me a better writer. It gives me a goal to work towards each month.

Stories still run rapid between my left and right brain. Belonging to these groups is directing them towards my pen.