Saturday, January 19, 2008

how Writers Critique Groups work

In my last entry, I spoke about the Writers Critique Group I am hoping to be a part of.
 
In the comments section myrdog asked:  How does the group work and whose work do you critique?
 
Good question!  I'll explain a little about Writers Critique Groups, as I know there are those of you who would like to be published someday.
 
A critique group works when a small group of writers get together.  This could be perhaps four to ten writers.  In some groups, the writers range from beginner to professional (published).  At a meeting (often monthly), one of the members of the group (whose turn has been predetermined) reads a piece of his work aloud.  This work could be the next piece of the book he is working on, the next magazine article he would like to see published or a sample of his poetry, for example.
 
Members then take turns critiquing.  The group often doesn't exist for line by line editing, such as where to put commas.  But instead, constructive criticism is given concerning the overall piece of writing that the member is reading that day.  Perhaps the critiquing members, for example, may point out what can make the work clearer or more interesting to an audience.  If your piece is fictional, than characters, plots, and what is working and not working in your story may be discussed with you.   
    
At the next meeting somebody else's work is critiqued.  Some groups have the writer send his sample of literature to other members a week before the next group so all members will have had time to read it before group.
 
After pondering seriously, if you think you would like to join a local Writers Critique Group, you may have to do a little hunting to find one.  To find a group, first see if there is a Writer's Group in your town or nearby.  They are often listed in the newspaper.  Most local Writer's Groups sponsor Writers Critique Groups as an outgrowth of themselves.  You could also call your local library, large bookstore or local college; they may know where writing groups meet. 
 
If there are no Writer Critique Groups in your area consider starting one!  While googling I found this article:  How to start a Writer's Critique Group.  This seems like a pretty hardball group, but will give you some guidelines!
 
I also found three books on starting Writers Critique Groups.  They are:
 
 
I hope this entry was helpful.  
 
If joining a group is not for you, that's okay too.  Whatever works for you is what's best.  
 
If you have a dream to be published someday, I hope you follow your dreams! 
 
Love you all, Krissy :) 

11 comments:

  1. thanks Krissy for explaining this!! I love how you handled this; WTG!!!!!!!!!

    I think it would be an awesome experience to be part of!!

    betty

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  2. I have taken courses on creative writing and that is how we did. Everybody got a copy of your work to read and the next week when we met they critiqued it. Then the teacher discussed it. I really enjoyed my classes but found that some people wouldn't be honest in their  thoughts. Tried to please everyone. It is hard to find writing classes  here where I live now. I attended classes in Montgomery and in Denver at Aurora College. I don't write anymore. But I think I would if I took classes. I can't write fiction, there always has to be some truth in it. What do you write?

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  3. Hey I think that is a wonderful idea for someone who writes regularly as a hobby or a career. That is an excellent for anyone to improve with their writing skills. Have fun! -missy http://journals.aol.com/ma24179/MISSYZSTUFF

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  4. good luck with it krissy

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  5. Writers Groups are a great way to keep yourself 'accountable' and moving along. No one wants to show up with nothing to share, so even if you don't feel like writing (which is a common ailment of writers) you know you'll be facing a group of people and thats pretty motivating.
    Good luck with your group and more importantly your writing!!
    Rebecca

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  6. that sounds very interesting
    hugs
    Sherry

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  7. I want to write a book!  LOL

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  8. It sounds like a good idea :o)

    Jenny

    http://journals.aol.co.uk/Jmoqueen/MyLife

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  9. ((((((((((((((((((KRISSY))))))))))))))))))I hope it all works out.Have a nice week ahead.

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  10. that sounds cool it helps you to write a proper and good book basically.

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  11. Sounds fascinating, Krissy!  I'm hoping and praying that all your dreams come true with this.  I'd love to see you get published.  Love, Chris

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