Every writer needs a critique group for encouragement, feedback, motivation, and inspiration. When we write, we know what we mean. And without a diverse critique group, we have no way of knowing possible reader misunderstandings that would leave us saying "That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all" (with apologies to J. Alfred Prufrock).

I think a writer's group is to a writer what the organized church is to a Christ-follower. It's imperfect, but it's community. And we need community to be the best we can be. (I prefer organized religion, for all its weaknesses, to disorganized religion, but I digress...)

My belief in the value of writing in community is why I contributed to Word Weavers, a new book from Eva Marie Everson and Janice Elsheimer. It's the story of a successful writers' critique group that tells readers how to form and maintain one of their own. I didn't get a dime for my contribution, nor did I expect one. Nor will I make one from mentioning it here. I tell you that not so you can punch my martyr card, but so you know I have no conflict of interest when I say " I seriously think every writer needs a critique group, and this book will help you get there."