The old saying is true. You do reap what you sow. This goes for your writing group as well. You can reap some wonderful benefits from being a part of a writing group, but there are some things you should remember to get the most of your experience.

The cardinal rule of writing groups is: be willing to put as much into the group as you're hoping to get out of it. With that in mind, and the following ideas as guidelines, you'll be able to gain much benefit from your group experience.

- Be an active participant. That includes being positive and friendly, and interacting with other members of the group. It's the best way to develop a rapport with your fellow writers and to make yourself an integral part of the circle.

- Be prepared. Come to group meetings with something you're serious about working on. Have enough respect for yourself and your fellow writers to proofread your work before you bring it so you can clean up typos and other easily fixable problems.

- Fulfill group requirements. Many writing groups have certain requirements and deadlines. Some groups require members to bring a new piece of writing, workshop-ready, to each group meeting. Others have monthly requirements such as writing projects and critiques of the work of other group members. Some ask members to bring enough copies of their work so that everyone can have a hard copy to read from. Whatever your group's requirements, be prepared to meet them as best you're able.

- Be committed. That means being committed to yourself as well as your group. Whatever your writing goals, commit yourself to them. That commitment will take you a long way toward reaping the benefits of your writing group.

- Use the barter system. Give a crit, get a crit is a good rule to follow within a writing group. In other words, if you want something, why not offer something in return. If you're asking the group for in-depth critiques, be prepared to exchange each critique you receive for one in return.

- Don't hesitate to open your mouth. Are you looking for feedback on a specific issue? Perhaps there's a group member who has a knack for a subject you often struggle with and you'd like to have their help. Maybe you have a market in mind and want another set of eyes to look over your manuscript before you submit it. Whatever the case, go ahead and ask. This is the point of a writing group, and often members are willing to go the extra mile if you just ask nicely.

- Be open to constructive criticism. This is a tough one. Sometimes the feedback you'll get in a writing group can be hard to hear. It can also be incredibly useful, and sometimes the key to making great strides in moving your writing skills forward. Listen, ask questions, and most importantly, don't be defensive. Take constructive criticism in the manner it's meant to be taken in, which sometimes means taking it with a grain of salt.

- Don't believe everything you hear. In other words, as helpful as criticism can be, it can also be harmful. A wonderful creative writing instructor once gave me this advice. Listen to criticism. Weigh it carefully. Take what you can use and discard anything that doesn't ring true. It's your writing and only you can ultimately decide what's best for it. It's solid advice. Constructive criticism can be wonderful, but remember that it's also, in part, opinion. You'll need to decide how best to use it.

Remember, writing groups are wonderful tools for a writer. They offer support and encouragement, vital feedback, and a sense of camaraderie often missing in a writer's life. If you sow your seeds well, you'll reap priceless rewards from your writing group.