In addition to an active imagination, writing well requires patience, effort, and a healthy dose of criticism from other writers. The Beijing Writer's Group meets weekly at The Bookworm in pursuit of this goal. Writers bring four to five copies of their work, submit it to the group to read, then sit silently as the others debate their copy. Rough, yes. Effective? You bet.

Writer and group member Barbara Coila tells us more.

CW: What kinds of writing do you do?
Barbara Coila: I write science fiction and fantasy short stories, nonfiction articles for websites and magazines and the occasional short script or poetry. I’m also about halfway finished writing my first novel, a science fiction adventure story involving rocket ships, romance and revenge.

Has the group helped you improve your writing?
It’s definitely helped me improve my writing. We have such a diverse group that often people find things I never would have noticed or give me a different perspective as to how potential readers will see my work.

Is it difficult to keep quiet while others are critiquing your work?
I don’t really have too much problem with that part. We run the group so that after everyone has read the piece, the author pretends to disappear while everyone else talks about it as honestly as possible.

As a fellow writer, are there any guilt-pangs when you make a negative criticism of someone else’s work?
Sometimes it’s tough to critique, especially when you can tell that the person really put a lot into the piece. I try to remember that we’re all here to learn and grow as writers. Being honest is the best way to help another writer do that. Also, I try to give an example or suggestion of how to improve the work, not just say I didn’t like something.

What: Beijing Writer's Group

When: Mondays, 7:30pm

Where: The Bookworm

Contact: books@beijingbookworm.com