I'm going to weigh in on the side that says critique partners or critique groups are very important if a writer is going to grow their craft. Without the advice, support and help offered by my critique partner I would never have been published by Harlequin.
The main thing my critique group does for me is to keep me accountable to keep writing in a very busy world where distractions are rampant. When we meet there's an expectation that everyone will bring something new and three weeks goes by very quickly.
If I'm not sure what I'm going to write next, then I can bounce ideas off of the group. Brainstorming is very helpful exercise at different points in the evolution of the story. Yeah, you can brainstorm on your own but your critique group has heard your story, and they are aware of nuances, and subplots-ideas that are already woven into your creative process that you may not have brought full circle or fleshed out enough.
The third most important thing my critique group does for me is give me an opportunity to read my story aloud. Some authors say that they read most of their novel aloud to themselves. I challenge that technique. It's just not the same to read your work in progress in the safety of your office. Put it out there--if putting your work out in public is the goal. Make sure that you read it aloud for an audience. There's no better way to discover the rough spots, the flaws, and to enjoy those golden moments when you’ve really nailed it.
And the last reason to join a group to group is the exchange of information. There's so much information out there about writing and publishing that one the writer can't possibly absorb it all, but a group of writers can share pertinent information and bounce ideas for marketing, and publishing, blogs, and all the other new widgets available. You can share articles and even ‘assign’ writing exercises so everyone grows in their craft.
Some people get a negative taste of critique and they want to quit. Believe me, I understand. I've been there. I've thought that a piece of writing was something amazing and polished, and I've been seriously hurt by feedback that pointed out the many flaws. Writing is intensely personal and it can feel like someone is reaching deep inside of you guts, wrenching them out, and leaving you bleeding on the floor.
Get over it.
Writing is like exercising or anything that you practice on a regular basis. If there's no pain at all, there's typically no gain. If you're already a perfect writer then definitely don’t go for a critique group.
And don't forget the wine and comradery that should always be available at your critique group. Gripe, commiserate, share your dreams and goals, and always help each other. Be as positive as you can, keeping the other writer’s goals in mind when you are giving them feedback. Serious writers who really want to sell might need more constructive, deeper criticism while someone writing memoirs wouldn't need much. And now my friends feel free to offer your own critique . . .
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