Peeky Blinders

Maybe I’m alone in this, but I sometimes don’t know the impact of an idea until I’ve shared it with someone else. I think there are some things that you have to say out loud before you can tell their actual worth.

I don’t mean shouting your ideas in the vacuum of space. Or to your own reflection in a mirror. I mean sharing your ideas with a living, breathing person who will react and respond in the moment.

Until then, I think the brain (my brain) has blinders on. I see things in a limited light. I can’t see beyond the Overton Window.

For instance, have you ever typed up a text or email and thought pretty highly of yourself until you hit send? Then, like a lightning strike, your entire perspective on the matter shifts and you’re filled with intense anxiety and dread?

It happens to me on occasion. And I’m amazed each time that I couldn’t see that new perspective before.

I think there’s something about sharing that ups the stakes of words and ideas (and actions). Further, I think our brains react to actual consequences in unpredictable ways. So our ability to predict how an audience will respond is limited.

This is why we read important emails to trusted friend or colleague before hitting send. This is why standup comedians test out new material in small venues.

And this is why writing groups and beta readers are so valuable. They give us space to say things out loud. To up the stakes. To test the waters.

I’m lucky to be part of a writing group. And I’m lucky to have some great beta readers. Their input (though hard to hear at times) is immensely valuable.

Writing groups tend to read our work in small increments as we write. They give immediate and focused feedback. What’s more, we get to read and critique their work too. So we can learn from their efforts and from our attempts to articulate problems and solutions.

Beta readers tend to read our work as a whole—once we’ve completed a draft. They often give global feedback that the writing group can’t see.

Probably the most important thing, though, is the relationships you build. The fun you have. The friends you make.

These are invaluable.

Have you ever been in a writing group? How did you get involved with it? What is your experience?