What Happens in Critique Group, Stays in Critique Group

In honor of the contest I’m offering (see previous post) I felt like writing about critique groups.

Critiques are interesting things. Especially when performed by friends and family. Your critique partners are suddenly incapable of being completely honest. “That’s wonderful, I wouldn’t change a thing!” or “That’s good. You’re a fabulous writer.” And my personal favorite “That’s the best thing you’ve written so far!” Usually all lies. At what point did people become afraid to tell the truth? Are they just afraid to hurt our feelings?

We can’t learn and improve that way. If you’re a writer, you must have thick skin. The industry is brutal. We all know this, so why is it so difficult for so many to be honest? Use the red pen liberally. (Let’s face it, a first draft especially warrants a lot of red dressing.)

Perhaps, you have not gathered a group capable of taking the “What happens in critique group stays in critique group” pledge. Good critique partners are essential to help you grow as a writer. You should be able to share your fears and bare your soul to these fellow muses. Hopefully, you will also share contest and author news, information about being involved in writer’s guilds, associations, and competitions as well as how to find the right agent and publisher for your work. You may even become inspired to try new things.

So, how do you find this dream group?

1.)    Take advantage of writers groups and conferences. If you arrive early to the meeting or hang out to talk at the end of them, you can usually find someone willing and interested in taking a look at your work. You can also find out who else might be open to forming a critique group.

2.)    Be open to critiquing for others, even when you have nothing of your own to share. One day you will want the favor returned. You will learn as much from what other writers do right and what they do wrong as you will from your own critiqued pieces.

3.)               Be willing to try multiple critique groups. It’s not a competition; you’re not cheating on anyone. Try both face-to-face group and online critique groups (become comfortable with the technology if you are not already – more publishers are taking electronic submissions only). This is also the best chance you have of finding the “perfect” critique partners for you.

4.)               Be willing to edit for mixed genres. Remember, the more eyes and views you can get, the better chance you have of completing a best seller. Besides, in the future you/other group members will inevitably switch goals or change schedules. The more critique partner options you have, the less time you will spend looking for help under a deadline.

5.)     Share what you learn and provide tips and encouragement when you critique for someone else. Writer’s value honesty and information.

Remember it’s important to find others to review your work. Family and friends, while more readily available, are not necessarily the best help. While it’s most definitely a good idea to get their opinions (assuming you have not already driven them crazy with your continuous “read this” plea) it’s best to get unbiased critiques from other writers who understand your craft.

New Year, New Contest

Most writers will tell you a critique group is a valuable asset. However, if you are like myself it's difficult to find time to form a regularly meeting group. Jobs, school, family and many other responsibilities intrude on our individual time. Any down time we achieve, we usually fill with much needed sleep or writing out the next idea we've had before we lose it. The critiques we are able to get on our work are usually performed by family and friends. We are left wishing we had at least one  unbiased edit of our work. Hence, the contest I am offering you.

I will critique (free of charge) the first 1000 words of a story for five lucky winners. The rules are simple: You must be a follower of this blog to be entered. If you mention this on your own site, you will be entered a second time.

Simply let me know if you want to be entered in this contest and if you blogged about it. The contest closes January 12 and I will announce the winners by January 15.

Thank you for your support and I look forward to reading your work. Happy writing!

7 Steps To Preparing A Writer's Retreat

I have been talking with some friends about starting a writer’s retreat. The consensus has been excitement, but also curiosity about how that might work. Most of them (including myself) have never been to a writer’s retreat. So how do you set one up? Below are seven steps to creating your ideal retreat.

1.)    Who will attend? - This depends on what you want and need in a retreat. Some people want a large group to draw more energy. I like the idea of gathering a small group of friends, three to ten people, for the day or weekend. It’s more personal.

2.)    Make a Budget – Once you know who or approximately how many will attend, you can plan expenses. Lodging, food and speaker’s fees are the most important considerations. (Personally, I don’t care to hire a speaker for a retreat. I go to conferences for that.) You will need to decide how to split the costs evenly between attendees. Also, someone invariably has to cancel at the last minute so decide ahead of time (and make sure the attendees are aware) if you will have a return on your money policy.

3.)    Planning Location – I prefer a calm setting, perhaps at my family’s cabin at the lake, but any environment that will allow you to escape your routine environment is beneficial. Be aware of what your location will provide: outlets for various technology, work space, seating, and food - and what you need or will be allowed to bring yourself.

4.)    Creating the schedule - If you keep the group small, you can tailor your schedule to specific needs. You may want a single day retreat or if you all have the time, an entire weekend or (in writer’s Heaven) a whole week. If you are planning a large gathering, you may want to have speakers, break-out sessions, critique times etc. Either way, be sure you leave time for writer’s to brainstorm, plot and critique together as well as solitary time. The first talk, class or workshop should provide an overview of the schedule and what you hope to accomplish, even if it has been discussed beforehand. From that point, alternate between group and individual time. This gives the writer a chance to digest and begin implementing tips offered.

5.)    Tools needed – In our technologically driven society, it’s rare for someone to leave home without a cell phone. That usually includes photo, video or internet capability. However, a true retreat means cutting yourself off from everyday distractions to indulge in your writing. So determine beforehand what will be provided, what attendees need to bring with them and even what you want to ban from the retreat. Some writers prefer to hand write their notes, drafts or perform edits; just as many prefer to do all of their work on their laptop. Internet connection is useful for research, but like the cell phone, it can become a bigger distraction than an aide. A printer may be desired as well. I prefer to leave the printer out of the retreat because you eat into your group time waiting for books to be printed out. Consider asking your attendees to print their work before coming unless you plan to allow large amounts of individual time. You also need wires, charger, extra batteries and everything necessary to ensure the technology is always working. A TV and DVD player may also be desired. Books and ebooks might be available for inspiration and examples, but don’t get sucked into reading and forget to write. An alarm clock or timer can help you stay on schedule. Comfortable clothes are a must!

6.)    Leave time for fun – Nothing keeps the creative juices flowing like time with friends that share your passion. I have heard of some retreats that offer time at a spa, massages, shopping, dinners out etc. Obviously, the amount of time and options you have available will be determined by the length and size of the retreat. A few friends getting together for the day might just enjoy a leisurely lunch together.

7.)    When it’s over - Maybe you’ll find a group of writers you click with so well that you have to see them every year or several times a year. Follow up. Ensure that the new professional relationships are nurtured through emails, blogs or a website. A week or so after the retreat, seek feedback. Ask each participant what made the retreat great and for any suggestions to make future retreats even better.

Retreats are meant to be a relaxing time of creativity and accomplishment. By planning ahead, you’ll save time and ensure success for everyone involved.

New Year's Poem

Mark the beginning - a new start of time,

Where dreams can emerge and talents shine.

Leave behind all your worries and stress,

Goals are born to be put to the test.

Align responsibilities and raise your hopes,

Beg to succeed or the strength to cope.

With family and friends we hold dear,

We join to celebrate a new year.

I pray to our Savior in Heaven,

You all have a Happy 2011.

Please feel free to share your own New Year Poems or wishes!

Why Do You Write?

I fell in love with writing at the age of ten when my cousin and I were playing school. I was the student and she was the teacher – that time. My writing assignment for her became the first of many. I was hooked, in love with the writing process.

I’ve written a lot of fiction and poetry, but (until recently and with the exception of one poem) I’ve only tried to publish my newspaper articles. I suppose in many ways my writing is a personal experience. I was writing for me, for my enjoyment, for my personal expression. Some of my pieces are similar to diary entries since they express emotions or circumstances I experienced at the time.

When asking others, I usually hear two answers to the question “Why do you write?” The “It’s-in-my-soul type” (which I have always been a part) claim they write to express themselves and enjoy the creative process. That’s honest and to-the-point. These writers can be happy journaling for themselves or just to share with friends.

The second group says “I want to be published or paid to write” (which I am now a part – I figure if I enjoy writing so much, why not get paid for it?). If this is you, it’s not that tough. Modern technology allows easy publication with blogs, websites, or self-publishing your books.

However, if you want a legitimate or well-known publisher to pick up your work, you may have to write about topics that bore you. I’ve done this before. Some will tell you it’s a sell out, but hey, it’s a paycheck and a credit on your resume’. Unless you’re very lucky, you’ll never make millions of dollars writing, but many can make a decent living doing so.

If money is more important to you than the byline or author credit, or if you are the shy writer who doesn’t want the attention, consider ghost writing. Many authors will actually pay you more than they get for the piece to write it for them. They do this because they don’t have time or the inclination to write the required pieces for their editor. The reason the author will offer to pay you more than they will get for the piece (and believe me, you will have to sign a confidentiality clause contract) is because they are protecting their name and credibility. You might be surprised how many “popular” authors today employ ghost writers.

During this time of making resolutions, I see many writers committing to write, submit or publish a specific amount of their work. They are so worried about the quantity, I wonder if they will lose quality and I can’t help but ask them “Why do you write?”

Celebrating Christmas

The presents have been opened, leftovers stored in the icebox, family and friends are heading home, and my kids are snuggled in bed. It’s Christmas, a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and the greatest gift ever given. This has always been my favorite time of year. The nostalgia of family traditions and joy of beginning new ones made this year truly special.

My twenty-month-old is starting to get it. She loves the lights and ornaments (mostly because her big sister loves them) and she had no trouble figuring out how to open her gifts. She loves to see Santa, or Cause as she calls him since she doesn’t say the “L” sound, but she has no interest in sitting in his lap. She loves the baby dolls, stuffed animals and books she received.

 My three-year-old is a girly girl. She painted her own nails with the new polish her aunt gave her (she actually did a very good job) and then she took turns wearing her new jewelry, clothes and shoes – many wardrobe changes take place in this house.  The new kitchenette from her Grandmother was a huge favorite.

The girls took turns on the new slide we bought them. They must have spent several hours on that one present alone. Celebrating Christmas through the eyes of small children is such a wonder. I feel so very blessed to have my husband and daughters. I can’t imagine life without them. The gift of many special moments warmed my heart this weekend.

I hope you enjoyed a wonderful day filled with love, family and friendship. Merry Christmas!

Inspiring Authors