This past Saturday, I met with my critique group. I’ve known most of these writers a good few years and so it was great to see all of them and catch up with them on their work.
One of the writers just signed a contract and she brought her LONG editorial letter. Another one is getting her illustrations back for her picture book. There are lot of great things going on with my group.
During one of my bookstore browses, I found an interesting craft book, The Writing and Critique Group Survival Guide by Becky Levine. There seems to be a lot of good advice on how to start a critique group, what kind of critique group is right for you, and learning how to receive feedback.
Critique groups are tricky because learning to critique I believe is something you get from experience. Also learning to take and listen to critiques can be something you get better with in time.
For the next two weeks, I’m going to share with you some of my critique group experiences and what I learned.
This week, I’m going to talk about what makes a good critique group (for me, at least):
Consists of published writers and aspiring writers. I love that the writers in my critique group are published and/or writing under contract. I learn from their experiences. But also having aspiring writers in your group can be beneficial as well. These emerging writers can look at work more as readers which is very important.
Writers who write in my genre. I’ve tried to be in critique groups where I was the only YA or MG writer and it was hard for the group to evaluate my work. It helps if you can find writers who write in the same genre. If you write mysteries, try to find mystery writers. Romance? Find romance writers. Sometimes having not to worry about explaining the nuances of the genre saves time and eliminates confusion.
Having a group leader or mediator. Sometimes this is usually the founder or even can be a writer mentor and/or teacher. It helps to have someone in charge of the session (if meeting in person). This is not a requirement if you’re working in a small group or with a partner, but having a critique leader helps to keep members on subject and makes the session go smoothly. This position can also be rotated if necessary.
Writers of good disposition. We all know that writers are “artists” but that doesn’t mean that they have to be “a**holes.” It helps if the writers in your group have a good personality and can take comments and critique on their work. This is why we meet with critique groups. To find ways to make our work stronger. Not to argue about it.
Next week, I’ll talk about how I approach critiques and then I’ll wrap up the following week with how I receive critique feedback.
Would love to hear from writers about their own critique group experiences and what they look for in a critique group.
Great post. I do not have a critique group. I have tried a couple and been the only one who wrote PB’s or else it just turned into a rant session. Maybe I will start my own.
Yes, Jeannine finding a good critique group is a process. Sometimes you do have to create your own.
I’ve been in online critique groups, but I like meeting in person better. I’m also interested in finding a critique partner to switch whole novels.
Sometimes for me it can be a problem submitting only chapters since I write novels—because you only have that piece for context. But it does help since my group meets consistently (weekly) so the other writers become familiar with my story as a whole.
Since you write PB’s, it will be easier for you to share you entire work.
Maybe you should explore you local SCBWI writing chapter and/or extension courses at universities. This is how I found the people in my writing group.
Good luck.
Very true! I have 2 crit buddies. They are both amazing – honest & helpful. I’ve become a much stronger writer thanks to them. :)
Jemi, critique partners are worth their weight in gold. Having writers who support you and provide quality feedback is essential for some writers to improve their craft.
Karen,
this is so useful, thank you! What you wrote made me think of receiving a critique at a conference, and the importance of listening and taking in.
I heard much about Becky’s book, but haven’t had a chance to read it yet…
Hi Nathalie:
I’m thinking this may be the next craft book that I buy. She has chapters in there that discuss how to implement critique feedback as well as how to offer it.
Karen,
How fun to get a google alert about my book being mentioned at your blog! I love what you’re saying about critique groups–my favorite line in your post: We all know that writers are “artists” but that doesn’t mean that they have to be “a**holes.” Absolutely! :)
Becky Levine
Hi Becky.
Thanks so much for dropping by and leaving a comment!
Your craft book seems like a good reference for writers looking to start and improve their critique groups.
I like the way you separate out the different genres and all the checklists. Definitely on my TBR list.
I agree that crit groups are a must. But I think it can come in all different shapes and sizes. It doesn’t have to be face to face or week to week. It can be sporadic, once your manuscript is done, or it can be chapter by chapter as you write. I’ve been in a not so good group, which I’m so glad ended. And I’ve been in terrific online ones. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to a face to face group.
Hi Laura, thanks for stopping by!
You definitely have to find what works for you. I’m glad you found a good online critique group. I would love to find an online partner to switch novels. I tried an online group with about 5 people but it sort flashed and burned.
For me, I like meeting face to face more for the writer comradeship plus the fact that they are good friends.
Thank you for a great message! I’ve been in my current crit group for about 5 years. We have a core group of writers that never leave (me included!) and then a variety of other writers that come and go. This can make the group feel a bit scattered at times when you are introducing newbie members to your already in progress work, but it also keeps the energy lively. Sometimes it’s too easy for long-time members to get into a crit rut and just say the same things over and over. Best of both worlds to have new members sliding through.
Your article was insightful and fun to read. Thank you so much!
-Birgitte
Hi Birgitte!
Thanks for stopping by.
That is another thing to manage with critique groups: turnover.
Sometimes bringing in new people is good because they can bring new perspective. Especially if you have members that are long timers.
But it can be a delicate balance. I find that finding the personality fit is a little tricky at times. New members may not always be a perfect match.