Finishing the Critique Process with Joy!

This is the day that the Lord has made,
let us rejoice and be glad in it!   Psalm 118.24

Over the weekend I submitted the final chapter (epilogue) to my critique group! It is a big accomplishment for me, one several months in the making. Once the final critiques are in, I’ll work on getting the polished draft to my editor for a last read-through. Then it’s query time.

I’ve already written about what I’ve learned from my critique partners. But today, with the final chapters in their inboxes, I’m most thankful for the friendships that I’ve found with these women. Every single on of them are talented writers who have shared skills and resources with me, making me a better writer. We’ve shared more than that, though. We’ve gifted each other patience, encouragement, and understanding when the process slowed during times of writer’s block, fatigue, lack of inspiration or confidence.

We are also sisters in Christ. We pray for one another. We’ve offered prayers of thanksgiving for family members who’ve accepted Jesus into their hearts, prayers of hope and endurance for ministries we’re involved in, and prayers for healing and restored hope for those who’ve experienced tragedy. These shared experiences trump any shared skill or suggested edits. I have no doubt we’ll continue to celebrate small and big victories along each of our writing journeys, as well as in our lives.

I want to take the opportunity today to thank my critique partners for their genuine care for my work, thoughtful suggestions, and for sharing of themselves with me. I treasure you all and look forward to what the Lord has in store for our little group!

Holly Michael
Mikal Dawn
Shawna Young
Amy Wozniak