In taking inventory of myself in light of the emphasis of importance by the Ace of Mentors I have to say that at one time I had a network of several individuals who I could count on to provide critical view - a workshop type approach to my work and I would reciprocate. There was not a formal structure to this but it worked. We had a writing group in common, however it was not the group as such that participated in this but a couple of individuals.
I can be pretty self critical and I don't mind others providing constructive criticism as well. In fact there are an abundance of people I could share work to and they would tend to respond with nice flowery responses. Saying, "Oh, I like that" doesn't work for me. If you truly like something tell me why you like it, but if something isn't working for you I want to know that and maybe why or what about it sucks.
I have missed this exchange of work and discussion. The Ace of Mentors is reminding me just how critical this is to artists. We look at our work with a very narrow vision. Others can give us alternative perspectives. I'm not saying that in the past I have always made changes because of another's shared assessment, but if I haven't, the decision has been made with at least the knowledge of other perspectives. To stick with something in a case like this means I have at least chosen to do so after examining more/other possibilities.
My resolve over the next couple of months is to seek one or more poets that would consider swapping material to workshop. Either in person or on line.
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