How useful is a critique group? Very!! Especially if you are a beginner writer. I belong to one and enjoy it immensly. Try one out and see how it improves your writing. Just remember the rules:
1. Don’t argue. Even if you are trying to justify what you are saying don’t get upset.
2. If more than one person says a comment about your manuscript than there could be a rewrite in your future.
3. Own your work. People will have advice and so forth but you are the one who has to like it in the end.
4. Have fun! It is good to get out in the community especially for writers because we work alone.
I hope this helps. 🙂
writersobsession
Writing Tips for Beginners 
Great advice for all writers, Jessica. Thanks for stopping by my blog today. What a pleasant surprise!
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It is nice to meet a fellow member of SCBWI. Keep on plugging away.
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