Crit Groups
We here at Face the Page are fortunate to have found one another and meshed as well as we have. With a little initiative and perseverance, you'll be able to find your own crit group, too.

Join a Ready-Made Group
Probably the easiest way to find a crit group is to join a national writer's organization like Romance Writers of America (RWA) and find the local chapter in your area. Local chapters meet regularly, and most have break-out crit groups that meet once a week.

Start Your Own
This is a bit trickier but definitely doable. Start by pinning up a notice at a local coffeehouse or college campus or any place you suspect writers hang out (look for laptops and Neos). It may take some weeding out the serious writers from the not-so-serious writers before you find the right balance. My suggestion would be to keep it smalla—about a half dozen people or so—and meet in a public place to start off with.

Away From a Larger Group
I'll tell you a secret—this is how Face the Page was formed. If you belong to a larger group and you find, because of the number of people involved, that you aren't getting what you need to improve as a writer, pull aside another member whom you think is a great and serious writer and discuss forming your own group. It's best to keep things discreet in this situation to avoid hurting anyone's feelings, but remember that you need to do what's best for YOU.

How to Know if You've Found the Right One
This may take a while. The important thing is to trust your instincts and don't be afraid to ask for what you want. A crit group should challenge, support and encourage you. Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I feel inspired when I leave?
• Am I able to see where I can edit to make my writing stronger?
• Is my writing improving with each session?