It can be hard to find a great critique group, but it usually works out well when  

• You trust the organizer
• The group has clear goals and a clear timeline
• Everyone is writing the same thing (in this case: short stories)
• The group has a clear code of conduct and an active leader.

WHY CRITIQUE?

Writing can be a lonely business. It is almost impossible to read your own story and know if it is any good. A fresh set of eyes really helps.

If we’re too critical, we might cut out our best lines, when we revise. Or we become discouraged and give up on our writing for months, weeks, or years.

What a waste of time!

Sometimes we're too generous with a story that has flaws, and send it out before it's ready, earning unnecessary rejections or poor reviews.

EVERYBODY NEEDS FEEDBACK

• I am a beta reader for a novelist who just won her genre's highest prize. She still sends new chapters to her readers whenever she is writing new books.
• I read for a friend who has two novels published and starred reviews in Kirkus.
• I always give my stories to trusted readers before I send them to anyone else.

Trusted critique partners can help you:

• See what's working in your story and what still needs a little work.
• Crowdsource solutions and further resources for whatever issue you're having.
• Gain a new appreciation of the strengths and uniqueness in your writing.