Writing is a solitary activity. I sit alone at my computer, staring at the screen until I force myself to tap out the words. But once the words are written, the story ‘complete’, the loneliness of writing ends. I almost always collaborate with others in some way before my writing goes public. I run ideas past friends and family members. Editors read it, make suggestions and changes. Proofreaders check it line by line.
My most important collaboration is with my critique group.
Once a month, I meet with a talented group of women and we take turns reading and commenting on each other’s work. Thanks to them, my writing is smoother, more polished, and more interesting than it would be if it were just me reading and re-reading it.
Being in a critique group is work, and it could be seen as time taken away from my writing. Each month three people submit up to 4000 words for critique, two weeks in advance. We read, read again, write down our thoughts, read one more time. At the meeting, we take turns commenting, discussing, sometimes arguing.
This collaboration is worth every minute of the time it takes. Not only do I get invaluable critique on my work, but I learn from critiquing others’ work, and I get to reap the benefits of their knowledge. I didn’t take part in the Whistler Writer-in-Residence program last year, but thanks to critique group members who did, I shared in their learning. I reciprocated by sharing what I learned at sessions I attended at the Whistler Writers and Readers Festival.
Our formula seems to be working. We’ve worked together for ten years now, and we’ve moved from a loose affiliation of scribes to a dedicated, accomplished group of professional writers. Collectively, we’ve published ten books, seven short films, twenty-four short stories and articles, and won sixteen awards and nominations. More importantly, our thoughtful collaboration has created a supportive, trusting environment in which we can take risks with our writing as well as celebrating each other’s success.
Sara Leach is the author of five books for children, including the newly released Warm Up. She will be reading at the Whistler Writers Festival Literary Cabaret on October 17th, and will present Writing for Young Readers and a writing workshop for young writers on Saturday October 18th.
Events
Reading Event 2: Opening Night Literary Cabaret: Mary MacDonald, Katherena Vermette, Kevan Anthony Cameron (Scruffmouth), Steven Galloway, Grant Lawrence, Audrey Thomas, Vincent Lam, Genni Gunn, Kim Moritsugu, and Sara Leach. Collaboration of music and readings. Moderator: Stephen Vogler