Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Critique Groups. In one? Want to start one?

I've heard some wonderful things about critique groups or writer circles or whatever else you want to call them. I've made connections with some fabulous fellow writers and we've swapped some work but I've have yet to be a part of a working, breathing network of writers as I'm up to my neck in my writing. So...if the agent reading my partial passes I'd like to get in a group to help me polish and refine my manuscript.

Anyone in a group? What are your thoughts and advice? How did you find each other?

Anyone not in a full group? Want to start one? I'm a super fast reader that isn't afraid to say it like it is but in a nice way and I'd love to help others on their journey to publication.

This is a little random but do published authors continue to work in these groups if they're pumping out sequels that need to be kept under wraps? Just curious!

Please share any and all thoughts you have on this topic.

10 comments:

lisa and laura said...

Not sure I'll be much help, but I'd love to see other's responses. We're in a crit group with 4 other writers, but it's been pretty quiet lately because most of them are busy sending out queries to agents.

Now that we have an agent we're a little unsure about how much we're allowed to share with our crit group, so I hope you get some good answers!!

Michelle D. Argyle said...

I belong to and online Critique Circle. Joining this group has been one of the greatest things I've ever done as a writer. If you want more information, send me an email to the address in my profile. I'll invite you into my forum if you join. :)

I think critique groups are great, but they aren't for everybody. Sounds like it might work for you, though!

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Yick, I didn't write that well in my last comment. I meant to say, I belong to an online critique group called Critique Circle. Obviously I need help typing. :)

You can find it here:

http://critiquecircle.com/

Nova said...

Hey Becky!

What a great idea! I'm in if you want start one. I haven't written much in the past week because of school however I think its about time to take the initiative and have someone else post their opinion on my work. Also being in a group may perhaps help motive my butt into some serious writing. I'm in girl! Let me know!

Nova said...

Oh yeah I also wanted to add that I'm really interested in reading some of your work. I read your blog everyday and enjoy looking forward to it!

Anonymous said...

Heck ya! That is such a great idea Becky! I would love to be in a critique group with you and other writers! Some of the ones I am in are just too broad and have a lack of personal touch. Def. keep me informed of this I would be all in!

Elana Johnson said...

I've been participating in crit groups for about 15 months. I started in one at Agent Query, but it grew, um, nasty, and I left.

I have a live group of awesome ladies that meets every other Thursday. Fun, fun, fun.

And I currently participate in two crit groups online, hosted at RallyStorm in private forums. I own one (it's an invite-only forum exclusively for YA writers) and I simply participate in another one. All of the authors in my online groups I met on the QueryTracker forum.

I've also been to Critique Circle (like Lady Glamis) and *ducks* I found it a little clique-ish for my taste. Like everyone there knew everyone else and I was intruding. I'm sure it was just my own personal issues getting in the way, but that's how I felt. So I haven't been back. Cuz let's face it, putting your work out for crit is hard enough, let alone feeling like you're not welcome. Yanno?

Anyway, that's my critique group experience. The reason I like them? They keep you writing. Keep you working. There is no slacking off when you know you have to post 15 pages by Friday. Right? What? Friday is tomorrow? *panic face*

Rebecca L Sutton said...

Thank you for the awesome feedback and to Nova and Sara who are ready to get on board starting our very own writing support group!

I'm still super curious about how it works once you're published. Anyone out there in cyber space have experience with this? Not that it's for me. See I have a friend who wants to know...haha
I only wish to be faced with this dilemna and at this stage am just curious.

Karen E. Hoover said...

I'm not published yet, but after meeting him a few times and attending a week-long class he taught, Brandon Sanderson invited me into his local critique group. It's small, but he lets us read (most) of his stuff as we're going. We didn't get to read the new Wheel of Time stuff he's continuing for Robert Jordan, but yes on his other stuff. Does that answer your question?

~Jamie said...

I would so definitely be interested in getting a little critique group together! It would be so fun! Email me if you have any spots!