Bring Copies
The general rule for writing group is to bring around five copies of your writing, typed, and double-spaced. This will be the most beneficial to you because then your readers can make comments in the margins, help with grammar/spelling without wasting discussion time, and act as a reference during that discussion time. Since you get to take it home, it can also remind you of what was discussed in group and give you a bit of ego-stroking when needed!

Listen Carefully
We have other people read your manuscript so that you can catch on to awkward phrasing, challenging places, and other little mistakes. Read along with the audience. Is your writing really saying what you want it to say?

Stay Positive
Those of us in the writing group have promised to be honest with you, and want to do our best to make you a better writer. Along with our constructive criticism, though, take the positive comments seriously as well!

Don't Apologize
Everyone writes for different reasons, and we all come from different backgrounds. Your writing is an art, no matter how good or clever or marketable it is or not. We know that this is a draft; you don't need to apologize for your art.

Don't Argue
It's hard enough to make comments about a piece, but when an author argues the point with a commenter, it scares them away. Ask clarifying questions, but understand that they're trying to help, not to hinder.

Grains of Salt
Everyone knows something about writing, so it's helpful to listen to all comments that you receive. The final decision on your story is yours alone, though. Think about what they've suggested, then decide when you're ready. If needed, take a break from your work for a little while before going back to it to remain objective. A lot of critiques are just personal preference, anyway, but don't immediately reject ideas just because they hurt.

Ask Questions
If there is a particular part in your piece that you are worried about, ask about it! Feel free to ask for your group's opinions on such-and-such character, or if the wording was clear here. We are here to help.