Thanks for the advice.

Yes Deb, I've been there and it is a tricky one. Of course you can always say you need to get fresh eyes on your writing and go elsewhere, but if the expectation is that you'll still be over-providing for your critique partner, that isn't a solution. You may have to have the hard conversation that starts, "I think our writing projects would benefit from new alliances. I really value how far we've come together, but in some ways I think I may be holding you back by doing too much for you. And I think my writing is in a place where I would benefit from deeper connections in my genre." Good luck to you!

Thanks Fae—I like to write novels about difficult subjects as well, so it must be deeply ingrained! How beautiful that you struggled with those losses—clearly, they were valuable to you. I hope you'll be able to find new compadres to move your writing forward.

Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing your experience. Ironic that you kept it going past its natural expiration date when it sounds like everyone felt the same way. Many novels are driven by the inability to broach difficult subjects—it's universal.

I have a feeling that in most groups, someone key will just start making excuses as to why they can't come, again and again, and eventually others will perceive the lack of group commitment. Your approach was more honest, I believe, even if cautious.

There are many writers who have to watch what kind of fuel they put in their tank while writing, Wendy—you're definitely not alone in that. Some have strong defenses against other voices; other barriers are more permeable. Thanks so much for being a loyal member of the WITS community!