 |
Critique Groups - The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
What do people expect when they join a writing group? The list of anticipated benefits includes friendship, constructive criticism, support, encouragement, help with editing, inspiration, and advice on everything from plotting to possible markets. These expectations may or may not be met. The members of any group will come from diverse backgrounds, and will have diverse skills, knowledge and personalities. They may not be able to give you the kind of help you're hoping for. You need to leave a meeting feeling that you have benefited from the experience. If you often go home feeling discouraged and seriously thinking about giving up writing, then this is not the group for you. Certainly not everyone comes away from a group meeting feeling happy with the way things have turned out. It is not necessarily anyone's fault that this is so. Quite simply, different people have different needs. - Some writers are very earnest about their writing career, and they want meetings that get down to business. They usually have specific problems or questions they want to work on. They often have a self-imposed deadline to finish a novel - and they feel time spent chatting about anything but writing is time wasted.
- Others are quite content to work on a series of short exercises to hone their craft, and enjoy getting to know the other people in their group. To these people, the social aspects of the meetings are just as important as the writing.
There's a place for both types of groups, as well as others in between. Conflict arises when you have those that want to get on with the job and those who are happy to potter along and chat, attending the same meetings. What can you do to make sure everyone is satisfied?You could try splitting the group into two. This can be done in two ways: Begin a meeting with the entire group present for any general business, market news and so on. After the first 15-30 minutes, divide into two or more work groups, depending on the size and needs of the group.Split into two different groups that meet at different venues. Both groups could get together occasionally to swap notes. Some leaders of 'splinter' groups, formed because of different needs within groups, recommend that you make the membership requirements very clear before new members join. If, for example, you decide that you want only members who are (1) actively engaged in writing a novel for a certain age group or category; (2) are prepared to bring along at least 1000 words for critiquing to each meeting and (3) are prepared to bring along enough printed copies for each member, then make this clear from the start. A number of groups have a 'try before you buy' policy: would-be members may attend one or two meetings to observe before they make up their minds.In General: Beginning writers need a supportive, friendly atmosphere to hone their skills and learn to give and receive constructive criticism. They often need help with the basics: dialogue, plotting, motivation, and show-don't-tell. They blossom in an atmosphere of caring and sharing. More experienced writers may have just one or two weak areas on which they need to work. Often, they are well into a novel, or may be editing it ready to send to a publisher. Some may have been published before, perhaps in other genres. they don't want (or can't afford) to spend time constantly going back over the basics. They want to work on their own novels, not short exercises and drills. Some DOs and DON'Ts for Critique Groups: DO.... - Critique the work in terms of its intended market. The writer wants an evaluation of the work as it is presented, not criticism about his or her choice of genre or category.
- Praise what works as well as what doesn't. Be specific. Rather than: 'I thought their encounter at the shopping mall worked well', say "You really heightened the suspense when John spotted Kieran at the mall and realised he'd been followed'. And be diplomatic - not: 'I didn't like the scene in the old castle' but 'I was really enjoying the story until the scene in the old castle - at that point John started to seem a bit of a bully. Is there some way you could lighten it a little?'
- Bring copies, if possible, of the pages you intend to read to the group. It's a lot easier to pinpoint why something 'doesn't sound quite right' if you see it on the page.
- Share the time fairly. You may have to nominate a time-keeper - especially if one member of the group consistently takes more time than he or she should.
- Use the 'sandwich' technique - open with a positive comment, give suggestions for improvement, then finish with encouraging words. Helpful advice wrapped in encouragement and praise! Be honest, but be kind.
DON'T....- Don't argue with those offering advice. Advice is there for you to listen to and act on only if you want to. It's a waste of time to defend your work. Remember, what you hear is an opinion, not a demand to rewrite. As a rule of thumb: if everyone picks on different things, change only what makes sense to you. If everyone criticises the same thing, you probably do need to work on that aspect.
- Don't present your opinion in terms of 'that's wrong, this is right'. Offer alternatives; evaluate strengths and weaknesses; raise questions.
- Don't lose patience with those who don't seem to be 'getting the message', when the group has pointed out the same weaknesses several times. Instead, look for different ways to rephrase the same advice. People often take a while to 'click' with some aspect of the craft.
A Very Important 'DON'T'DON'T leave all the work up to one person. Not only is it unfair, it can result in the eventual disintegration of the group. Take a close look: is your group coordinator becoming burnt out from doing all the encouraging, all the encouraging, all the preparation and bringing along all the ideas? Consider these options: - Elect a coordinator to be the contact person for mail and new members, but nominate a different chairperson for each meeting.
- Allot tasks to members (or ask for volunteers, if some members lack confidence) for future meetings. Spend a meeting brainstorming future workshop topics. Use people's strengths - if someone writes great dialogue, ask that person to run a workshop or to devise group exercises on that topic.
- Discuss ways in which your meetings can be more fun; more inspiring; more helpful.
- Schedule a short session every three or four meetings to discuss existing meeting procedure, and to air any concerns about the direction of the group.
- Arrange occasional joint meetings with other writing groups in the area or in a nearby town.
(c) Copyright Marg McAlisterMarg McAlister has published magazine articles, short stories, books for children, ezines, promotional material, sales letters and web content. She has written 5 distance education courses on writing, and her online help for writers is popular all over the world. Sign up for her regular writers' tipsheet at http://www.writing4success.com/
MORE RESOURCES:
|
Writing's on the wall for McNabbESPNBy Ashley Fox | ESPN.com There is one franchise that would seem to be a perfect fit for Donovan McNabb, a place where he knows the system, the personnel, the expectations and the playbook, and he wouldn't have to mentor anybody.and more » |
|
Lisa Rinna on writing a book about sexCNN"The Big Fun Sexy Sex Book" is a fun and innovative guide to rejuvenating your sex life and libido, co-written with renowned sex therapist Ian Kerner (who writes about sex on CNN's medical news blog, The Chart). The vivacious 48-year-old actress is ...and more » |
ABC News (blog) |
Mexican Writer Carlos Fuentes Dies at 83Wall Street Journal (blog)By Jose de Cordoba MEXICO CITY – Carlos Fuentes, Mexico's most famous writer, and a world-known public intellectual, died Tuesday, depriving the nation of its most internationally recognized voice. Mr. Fuentes, a novelist, poet, diplomat, critic, ...In Writing, Fuentes Shed Light On Poverty, InequalityNPRCarlos Fuentes, Mexican Novelist Who Inspired Latin American Writing, DiesABC News (blog)Mexican author Carlos Fuentes diesABC OnlineLos Angeles Times -Reuters -San Francisco Chronicleall 941 news articles » |
|
Short story writer takes home Sophie Kerr AwardThe Star DemocratManion, an English major from Clarksville, took the prize with her submission of four short stories she considers to be works in progress, and excerpts of her thesis on the role of letter writing in literature a study that drew from the novels of Jane ...and more » |
Google News
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
The Psychology Of Effortless Writing
I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions.
7 Devastating Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Writing engaging articles and energizing ad copy takes more than just typing out what you want to say. By correcting these major mistakes, your copy will soar to newfound heights.
Becoming a Writer
The urge to write fiction seems God given for some, a learned skill for others.One thing is certain - it requires practice and a particular mindset.
Five Tips to Find More Time for Your Writing Life
When I asked new ezine subscribers, "What is your Number One writing question?" the answer came back loud and clear: "Time!"How do I find time to write? I'm busy all day -- and when I make some time, the phone rings or someone needs to see me right away.Here's how a coaching session -- or series of sessions -- might address these questions.
Learning to Question Your Elephant Child: Who, What, Where, When and Why
Having problems writing? I don't know why. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Jon Carroll writes up to five columns a week.
7 Reference Books for Your Desk
I hate to admit this, but I rarely get an original idea. That's bad for a writer.
Pairs/Groups Of Words Often Confused - Part 2 of 6
BAITED, BATEDBaited usually refers to traps or snares. When the reference is to someone who is hardly daring to breathe, the correct word is always bated:"She watched with bated breath.
Get Creative In The Great Outdoors
Summer's here and the time is write for dancing in the streets..
Put a Spin on Your Idea!
Eight or nine times out of ten, picking up and leafing through a magazine's or book's table of contents, you will find at least one or more articles or chapters that will catch your attention immediately. Never mind that that article or chapter's subject had been written about many times before.
Top Ten Writing Mistakes Made By New Childrens Writers
Okay. So I'm not David Letterman.
How To Cut the Clutter and Win Readers
Most of us hate housework.Nevertheless, even the most hopeless slobs amongst us would agree that we love having a clean, organised house.
How To Self-Publish Your Own Books, Manuals, Reports Or Newsletters
You can make a lot of money by writing and self-publishing your own material, if you are willing to write books, manuals, reports or newsletters that millions of people across the United States, and throughout the world for that matter, desperately want to buy.
Today, more than ever before, is the age of information.
Ten Ways to Get Cheap (and Free) Magazine Samples
1 - Join a reading or writing group. Ask members to bring in theiralready-read magazines and have an exchange.
Multiplying Sales As A Writer
Often, time is an enemy of writers. Sales seem slow andchecks too small.
Win More Clients, Projects and Freelance Jobs By Making Three Small Changes
I??ve spoken to hundreds of editors, employers, and project managers about how they choose a freelancer for a job. Whether they were reviewing job applications or considering project bids, they all had one thing in common.
9 More Writing Tips for Successful Email Marketing
A few months ago, I wrote a guide entitled: 101 Writing Tips for Successful Email Marketing. In fact, many COPY TIPS subscribers have a copy.
Increase Your Chances Of Winning Writing Contests
Winning writing contests can provide several advantages to writers. For starters it's a great way to get your name in print and in front of potential readers.
Why Manners Maketh the Freelance Writer
Lately I've been noticing an odd trend amongst the freelance writers who contact us every week: rudeness.First there was the writer who accepted a job found on our boards and forwarded the completed assignment to the employer with the words, "Project attached.
Eight Ways To Write Your Novel Faster
I asked several writers how long it took them to write a novel they wanted published. One woman writer made a frustrated face at me, a couple others just stared at me (their novel wasn't finished yet), and a few just stared.
The Struggle
Sometime one must coax the words out.Each day is a struggle to sit before the computer and produce-produce words that are appropriate, produce sentences that are logical, produce paragraphs that are focused, and produce a page that is relevant to the project-whether it is a poem, a short story, an article, an essay, or part of a novel.
|
