The other four lovely gals (a.k.a. superheroes) in the group are Kelly, Victoria, Nisa and Mary. They might not appreciate being compared to Sailor Moon, but hey, this is my blog, and I can do what I want to! (Including ending sentences with prepositions. Zing!) As for which writer I'm comparing to which evil fighting goddess, well, I'll let you all fight it out. (I call dibs on Venus!--'cause, you know, I look so good in orange miniskirts.)
This is my first time in a writing group, and I have high hopes! Any suggestions for a first-time dabbler in critique groups?
Great blog - I love all the comics and color! Congrats on your new critique group. It's a smart move.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Book Dreaming. :-)
I belong to a writers guild and a critique group, and I was nervous at first. But it's been so helpful. Beyond words helpful! My advice would be (and I know you already are, but) to be encouraging no matter what. Because the first time a stranger picks apart your work you're tempted to take it personally. But it's always easier to pick out what's wrong with someone else's work. That's why we go to writing groups...let THEM find our mistakes.
ReplyDeleteThere's so many different ways to critique, too. Pointing out grammar things you see, asking for clarification on wording is a good one - they may not realize their pacing is off, or maybe they forgot to introduce a character properly and he's suddenly talking...so many things to keep an eye out on. Look for words that are used too often...etc. With a group that size, each person will be able to find different things, making the critique well rounded. This was way too much typing, and probably not even what you wanted to know, but those are the things we seem to do at our groups, and I had no idea what to expect before hand. Speaking of, I have writers guild in 30 minutes! Have fun!
Kristin, I was commenting on your blog just as you were commenting on mine! How ironic! That is EXACTLY the kind of advice I am looking for. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWestmintster in Fulton, MO?
ReplyDeleteI strongly considered going there (my uncle's school).
Thanks for following!
Hey I like being compared to anything that looks good in a miniskirt. I'm out of it - don't know who these girls are but dibs on the dark-haired one in red. I look good in red.
ReplyDeleteI've never been in a writing group but hope to join one someday. I hope they offer you good critiques and the inspiration to keep writing!
ReplyDeleteAh! I love Sailor Moon! I call dibs on the one with short blue hair!
ReplyDeleteI've been in my crit group for about 5 years. They are great and very supportive. I think it's wonderful you found a bunch of women like that. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Tiana!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to stop by and say thanks for following! I love the Sailor Moon reference. What fun! Good luck with your new group! I haven't belonged to one in many years, but it was such a wonderful experience. You'll glean much wisdom and have a lot of fun doing it!
Happy Thursday and very nice to "meet" you!
Jen
I LOVE my writing group. My one bit of advice is to remember that everyone will have different styles...don't try to force yours on them. Do more asking than telling. :)
ReplyDeletehey, cool blog... feel free to check out mine and follow at girlsofhope.blogspot.com
ReplyDeletelibbyx
OMG I love sailor moon! sad right? considering Im at least.....25 ;)
ReplyDeleteSailor Moon?? I love her! Fighting evil by moonlight...
ReplyDeleteOne rule my critique group has is that you can't interrupt when your piece is being critiqued--just listen (explain later). And for the ones giving the critique, say the positive first and be constructive in the negative. It's their baby after all!
I'm just trying to figure out how you know so much about sailor moon....
ReplyDeleteAwesome pic :o) I think a good thing to remember is not to take it personally and also, you are the last word, you don't have to change everything someone says... other than that, those are the couple things I've learned. Good Luck, I love being part of a writing group :o)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad for you. The only critique group I have access to here in small town USA is made up of aged christian romance writers (I write mysteries), and although they are nice and supportive, they're not really into my stuff. So I get most of my critquing help from individuals I've come in contact with in on-line forums, or from my own blog. I'd really like to be part of a group though.
ReplyDeleteJonathon, there's a lot you never knew about me ;) Especially since I think you were in Guam when I got into that initially.
ReplyDeleteDL, my group is purely online. We met through blogging, and we email all our critiques. I bet you could do the same thing. Just do a blog post about how you want to join a group and see if anyone else is interested. I'd exchange my novel with yours, but since mine is a YA romantic fantasy, I'm not really sure if it would be your thing.
First let me wish you every success and happiness with your new critiques group. I myself am terrified of these sort of groups for fear I'd be rubbish at it and be forced out by those who know better.
ReplyDeleteIt is for that reason I'm looking for an editor less chance of public shame and all that.
Warm regards,
Simone
Congratulations on joining a group of "Superheroes." LOL
ReplyDeleteMy only advice for a critique group echoes Karen's above. Remember that everyone has their own style. Don't fall into the trap of saying how you would write someone else's story. And don't take advice that doesn't work for you.
Writing group...how exciting. I so plan on joining/finding one of those...soon. : )
ReplyDeleteI always want to join a crit group, and then I remember that while I love receiving critques, I am terrible at giving them-- really, terrible!
ReplyDeleteI can't stop thinking that I might hurt the person's feelings, even though I know perfectly well that they actually WANT me to tell them how to improve.
I can do it via email to total strangers, though...spending some time on Evil Editor proved that.
Hmmm, guess it's just the face-to-face critique I can't bear. Sheesh. What a wuss.
Anyway, good luck with your group!!
And I got the follow link up in my sidebar finally :-) thanks for reminding me
Congratulations....Super heros hehe
ReplyDeleteWow, I haven't thought about Sailor Moon in a long time. I feel old :D
ReplyDeleteI love my critique group. They are invaluable. My best piece of advice would be to tell them exactly what you want. If you want general feedback, tell them that. If you want specifics, say so. If you want them to be brutal, let them know--and also that you won't take it personally. And definitely encourage each other because that's one of the best things about writing groups!
congrats on your group. hope it's everything you need and then some. thanks for stopping by my blog and following. best of luck!
ReplyDeletejeannie
The Character Therapist
Congrats on your new critique group
ReplyDeleteWork from home India