What Makes a Critique Group Work?
I have been a member of the Callaway County Writers Group for several years now. Three, maybe? It's a good group - we meet once a month, host contests, publish an anthology, and go hog wild for NaNoWriMo. But it just wasn't serving the purpose that I needed served. In talking to some others, we discovered that there was a small core group of us that wanted an active critique group. There are 4 of us. We email our short stories/chapters to each other during the week, then meet on Saturday mornings at a local coffee shop. There, we explore our writing, share our critiques, and work out ways to improve each specific story. This has been wonderful for me. I am accountable to someone. I have to write. I have to read. And having a small group of women to support me is making a huge difference.
But, admittedly, I am not getting everything I should get out of this group. I need to commit to this group, make writing a priority, and honor the commitment to my group (and myself).
If you are writing, but feel that you are ready for the next step - how do you form a critique group?
* Find other writers. Look at existing groups - your library is a great resource (and don't forget to talk to the librarian!). A critique group is a specific group, but you should expose yourself to a broader swath of writers to really push yourself. You can also check online, and can join groups such as Sisters in Crime or Romance Writers of America.
* Find a location. Coffee shops are a natural choice for writers. There's nothing like overpriced, highly caffeinated drinks to kick-start your creativity! A local bookstore or library can also serve as a meeting place.
* Limit your size. Be flexible here, but I recommend that you keep the group small. Our group of four seems to be about perfect. The required reading is reasonable, and the group is small enough we can make sure everyone is getting what they want out of the group.
* Set the ground rules. What if someone "joins" your group, but doesn't ever offer critiques? Is meeting attendance required? How will you trade manuscripts? How long can the manuscript be? How often will you meet? Are there any special considerations, such as an erotica writer or a slasher horror writer? Genres should be discussed right off the bat, to avoid any hurt feelings or offense taken.
* Jump in and DO IT!!
And now I need to go read the manuscripts for tomorrow's meeting . . . Have a good weekend!
Happy Critiquing,
Elle
But, admittedly, I am not getting everything I should get out of this group. I need to commit to this group, make writing a priority, and honor the commitment to my group (and myself).
If you are writing, but feel that you are ready for the next step - how do you form a critique group?
* Find other writers. Look at existing groups - your library is a great resource (and don't forget to talk to the librarian!). A critique group is a specific group, but you should expose yourself to a broader swath of writers to really push yourself. You can also check online, and can join groups such as Sisters in Crime or Romance Writers of America.
* Find a location. Coffee shops are a natural choice for writers. There's nothing like overpriced, highly caffeinated drinks to kick-start your creativity! A local bookstore or library can also serve as a meeting place.
* Limit your size. Be flexible here, but I recommend that you keep the group small. Our group of four seems to be about perfect. The required reading is reasonable, and the group is small enough we can make sure everyone is getting what they want out of the group.
* Set the ground rules. What if someone "joins" your group, but doesn't ever offer critiques? Is meeting attendance required? How will you trade manuscripts? How long can the manuscript be? How often will you meet? Are there any special considerations, such as an erotica writer or a slasher horror writer? Genres should be discussed right off the bat, to avoid any hurt feelings or offense taken.
* Jump in and DO IT!!
And now I need to go read the manuscripts for tomorrow's meeting . . . Have a good weekend!
Happy Critiquing,
Elle
Hi Elle,
I'll probably see you at a critique session, but unfortunately not this week, I have to be out of town. But look forward to seeing you next week.
Oh, I added you to my blogroll.
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I belonged to a group for a number of years and left before it fizzled out. One of the main reasons I think it ended up dying was lack of focus. It tried to accommodate everyone which was impossible.
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