No Whining!
Yes, we've all seen this bumper sticker, but what does this mean in context to a Fargo Writers gathering?
Before we get to this, let us say one thing: we understand that writing is one of the most personal, frightening and daring things one can do as a creative person. You are, in essence, laying a piece of yourself out in front of a group of strangers... people who are there to criticize (and, occasionally, compliment!) this part of you.
That being said, we also know that in order to improve one's writing, the writer needs honesty. If we wanted nothing but praise for our work, then we'd only show it to family members, right?
In order to improve our writing, we all must accept that when we agree to show our work at a Fargo Writers meeting, we must be fully prepared to be criticized-- that is the only way we can improve.
Too many of us have been in writing groups where all we hear are luke-warm and mediocre "praise," with no real criticism. If you want to improve, you must steel yourself to this, and be prepared to hear criticism as well as compliments. In other words.......
