Published by the Writing Cooperative, a Medium publication, 9-29-20 Writing is a lonely business. Your only companion is a keyboard. But a good writing critique group can counter that isolation with guidance, support, motivation, and resources: Craft guidance, such as shared advice on books, workshops, seminars, retreats, and podcasts,Emotional support, like celebrating your wins and soothing your defeats after writing rejections, books going out of print, editors leaving, and publishers folding,Motivation for growth, meaning affording regularly scheduled meetings, and perhaps writing prompts, contests, and other incentives,Industry resources, including submission contacts, networking opportunities, and websites for navigating the industry. As an author of children’s