Writing is an individual thing. But that's just me.

Jon, every writer is different. Question: Do you have others read your pages and you read theirs? If so, that is what I would call a writers group, even if it's only 3-4 people.

I've been in a group or two and it's always more about anything but reading each others stuff. I've tried a partner a few times, and it never gelled. Then I've been in a few online boards like Zoetrope, which is one I found the most valuable during my first few years. But you have to take those reviews with a grain of salt. If more than one reviewer hits the same point, you think OK, maybe there's something to that. The Blacklist is the only place right now that I feel reviewers give me worthwhile feedback. For one, they are industry readers. But also, their reviews are comprehensive and they always hit on the obvious weak points that need attention. [Though I've found them too value judgmental at times. But that may be because the story didn't fully work to begin with.] Also an anonymous reviewer makes a lot of sense. They have to be free from feeling they are hurting feelings, and writers need that honest insensitive feedback. When we suck we need to be told so and why. So groups that reciprocate reviews is a great concept in theory. But I think it's hard to find people who get you and can give meaningful, worthwhile feedback, free of niceties. Even so, in the end it all comes down to the individual writer (unless you have a partner). And in that regard GITS is something I've also found valuable in helping to find and hone my own voice, by digging into the HOW of how others do it. Not that I've accomplished that yet. Perhaps writers groups generally have their own sets of rules and agenda. I don't like rules. If it's about reciprocating reviews and nothing else, that's a good starting point. But the minute you add on other stuff, forget it. I don't have the time.

Thanks, Jon, for those additional comments. Perhaps I've got a rose-colored perspective on writing groups because there have been so many good ones which have emerged from the online classes I teach [I always encourage folks to form groups at the end of each class session]. Now that I think about it, when they do workshops with me, they learn week by week how to engage in constructive critiques, so can carry that knowledge and experience with them in writing groups. Glad to hear your comments re GITS. The HOW part of it is a big point for me. Witness all of the interviews, On Writing, Screenwriting 101 quotes focusing on process. We can learn from the practices of others, especially those who have succeeded. Adopt and adapt their methods and mind-sets. Because as you note, the goal is to develop your OWN voice. Keep at it, Jon. You sound like you're doing what you need to do. Here's some creative juju for you: KAWHOMBAWHHOOOOOOOOSH!!!