How to Run a Crit Session...my only-slightly-experienced tips

Ok.  So last week I talked about “How to Start a Critique Group.”  You have cast the net and gathered together some writers, you’ve set a time and a date.  Now what?  You might be thinking, “oh crap.  I’ve never done this before and now I am the ‘leader’.  Eeeek!”   Well, here are some tips on how to proceed.

Before the session...

·          Remind.  I usually send out an email the week before the Crit Session to remind folks that the date is coming up.  I just like to make sure I am still on people’s radars.  I would hate to get forgotten because a great episode of Glee was on.  Its also a good way to remind them to get those manuscripts ready to be read the following week.

·         Confirm and RSVP.  Two days before the session I send out an email asking for an RSVP.  This is in important for a couple of different reasons.  A)  The space we meet in reserves tables for us…I need to know how much space we need based on how many people are coming.  B)  I will then be able to let the writers know how many copies of their manuscript they need to bring to the session.  That way we can avoid wasting paper.

o   Once the writers RSVP, I let the group know who is coming and it is up to each individual writer as to whether or not they want to send out manuscripts beforehand.  Some find it helpful to have time to critique before the session, especially if you are dealing with more long-form writing such as novels.  Picture Books make it easier to read on the spot.  For novels, you might even ask for the manuscripts a week beforehand so your group can better prepare.

At the session…

·         I would not recommend more than 5-6 people per group.  That does not mean you have to limit how many people are in attendance, it just means that you might have to break the group in to smaller groups.  The last session I ran had 11 people in attendance.  We broke up in to two groups.

·         Everyone should be critiqued by everyone.  If we have to have more than one group, I ask the writers of each group to get critiques to those in the other group within a week after the session.  It helps everyone still feel like a community and get to know eachother’s writing styles.  Also, each session, mix up the groups so people get to know everyone.

·         Reading Manuscripts.  There are many approaches to this.  In my group we have been taking time to read each manuscript silently to ourselves and then critique.  We then read another manuscript and then critique.  Other groups read manuscripts aloud.  There are pros and cons to each approach.

o   Reading manuscripts silently.  I chose this approach because I wanted the manuscript to be treated as it would be if it came across the desk of an agent or editor.  Basically it has to “hold up” on paper.  This has worked for my group so far.

o   Having author read manuscript aloud.  There is great benefit to reading your work aloud…and everyone should have this as part of their writing process.  To feel how the words formulate in the mouth and the ease or unease with which the language flows in very helpful to a writer.

o   Having another member of the group read the manuscript aloud.  Again, it is so helpful to the author to have their work read…but it also allows the author to just listen to observe.

This is all just preference.  I would recommend trying it one way and then maybe trying it another to see what works for your group, maybe even change it up a bit from session to session.

·         How to give criticism.  After a manuscript is read, we take turns in the group giving our critique (at least 1 thing that worked and at least 1 way to improve upon).  And yes, you can ALWAYS find one thing that worked and one thing to improve!  To just say you loved the manuscript is not helpful to the author.  On the flip side, to just bombard the author with criticism is equally not as helpful.  Therefore, this is the approach I like to take.

·         How to take criticism.  While a work is being critiqued, the author is not allowed to respond.  Their job is to take notes and listen.  Remember, if you have to defend your work or make excuses, something is wrong.  Of course, you do not have to take the criticism to heart.  Some comments you will let roll off your back, others you will take into consideration.   But DO NOT defend your work.  If it wasn’t clear to the reader on paper, then it wasn’t clear. 

     After every member of the group critiques the piece, I then allow the author to ask for clarification or answer any questions that the readers might have had…but for the most part the author is quiet.

After the session...

·         I like to send a follow up email thanking those who made it out.

·         I also like to send the dates for the next two sessions.  Scheduling far enough in advance is helpful so people can clear their calendars.

A few more things to keep in mind…

·         Require a certain level of commitment.  In order for a Crit Group to succeed, I believe that the members must make the group somewhat of a priority.  This means that they need to attend regularly.  Since my group meets once a month, I require that members attend at least once every 3 months.  This way we can build a community of writers who’s goal is to support and encourage eachother.

·         I also cap the membership for the group.  I do not find it helpful to be always adding new faces to the mix.  My goal is to be a strong, consistent community.  Therefore, my group is only open to new members each January…and that is only if we deem it appropriate to add.

I hope these “tips” have gotten you thinking.  But remember this is only my approach, spoken from my experience.  You might have other opinions or approaches.  If so, I welcome you to comment below. 

Good luck!  Tell us about your Crit Group.  J 

And as always, Happy Writing!

Tune in Tomorrow...plus a Special Exciting Annoucement on Friday!

After a truly fabulous weekend at the SCBWI Conference in NYC, I am exhausted and a tad fried in the brain.  Therefore, I am going to delay today's post on "How to Run a Critique Group Session" til tomorrow.

Wednesday will be a Weigh In and then Friday I will be blogging about my conference experience.

Stay tuned!

Also, on Friday I will be making a special challenge announcement!  You're going to want to be in on this!  But you are going to have to wait...

Happy Writing!  See you tomorrow!

SCBWI Conference or Bust!

Well, the time has come. 

You know that feeling you have before the first day of school?   A  little "day before Christmas" with a dash more of dread?  That's how I feel today...the day before I attend my very first SCBWI conference in NYC. 

*Deep Breath*  I know this is going to be wonderful.  I have heard nothing but amazing stories about conferences of the past and how much people have "taken away from them".  However, I can't help but feel a little nervous.

I have never had a problem making friends or networking or simply making "small talk".  So, armed with my usual smile and "go get 'em" attitude and a box of several hundred business cards that bear that smiling face ...I am ready!  I think...

Here's where you come in.

There are so many of you out there in the blogosphere who have been to these conferences.  And although I am sure I will have many words/advice/feedback to give after this weekend (and I will blog about it, I promise) I was wondering...if you had to give ONE tip to a newbie on the day before conference...what would it be?

I welcome your tips in advance. 

Happy Writing and Conferencing to you all!

Wednesday Writers Weigh In: Do You Use Kid Critics?

I have been wondering....

Do you "workshop" your manuscript drafts by reading them aloud to children?  If so, who do you read to and how do you find it helpful? 

If you do NOT, tell us your reasoning for this.

Discuss.  :)

Don't forget to mark your calendars for World Read Aloud Day!

How to Start A Critique Group

As readers of this blog know, I am a HUGE supporter of Critique Groups and believe that every writer needs to have a group (of some capacity) they belong to.  I value my monthly Crit Group so much.  And yes, I organized it myself...so, I often get asked how I did that.  Therefore, here it is...

How to Start A Critique Group

 

1)  Decide what GENRE you want to focus on.  There are lots of different writers out there, and therefore lots of different types of groups.  The first step in creating a Critique Group is to know what kind of group you want or are looking for. 

• Rhyme vs Prose
• Picture Book
• Middle Grade
• Chapter Book
• YA novel
• Illustrators vs. Authors vs Author/Illustrators

At first you might feel inclined to cast the net wide and say you are open to any and all Children's Writers...but I am speaking from experience.  It is best to be specific from the onset.  This kind of uniformity it helpful for gathering those who "specialize" in a particular genre so that you can give the BEST most KNOWLEDGEABLE critiques possible.  Afterall, part of being a good artist is knowing what your strengths and weaknesses are.  It is also helpful for the pacing of your sessions...more on that later.

2)  Decide what TYPE of sessions you want to have.  Are you looking for a face-to-face group?  Or does "online" work best for you? 

The group I started was face-to-face, as I wanted to build a community.  I also live in NYC, so we have an abundance of writers in the area.  If you live in a more remote area or someplace where writers are not as abundant, you might choose online. 

However, online is a little trickier if you are looking to create a group with more than 2 people.  Email swaps get a little muddy with more than 2 people involved...so I would look into a forum that allows "conference" type sharing online.  I have to admit, I am not well-versed in this, but perhaps someone who is can share more in the comments section.

Also consider your own schedule.  If you cannot commit to meeting face-to-face because you have soooo much going on...then do not force it.  You can try online.  Commitment is A MUST for your group to work and flourish!  More on that later...

3)  Decide on HOW OFTEN you want your group to meet/swap.  People are busy.  Life happens.  So be honest with yourself and your expectations.  My recommendation is to start with once a month.  Remember, its best if your members are committed to attending each session.  When you meet more than once a month it can be difficult to maintain that commitment.  However, I do know there are groups that meet every week and that works for them and they are very successful...but at first, I would start out once a month.  It eases you in to it and gives plenty of time for revisions, etc in between. 

4)  Cast the net!  Find your PEEPS!  How?  First...make that SCBWI membership work for you.  (if you don't know who SCBWI ~ The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators~ are or you are not a member...become one!  It will be the best thing you did for yourself as a Children's Writer).  Contact your Regional Advisor and ask for a listing of members where you live.  I inquired of the NYC Metro Region and was sent an Excel document of members in the area who have requested Crit Groups.  Now, not every region will have such a list, but every region will have a member list.  Get it and send out an email introducing yourself and seeing who is interested in joining you in a Crit Group.
You can also attend any local SCBWI events and ask around.

Yes, you can post on Craigslist or on Facebook or other Social Media.  But I recommend reaching out to SCBWI.  You might find that is all you need.  That's what I did.  I'd actually be a little concerned about who would show up if I just posted on Craigslist...but again, you know your area.  I'm in NYC...so its a tad different.

Other places to post...your local library, college bulletin boards, coffee shops, book stores.  Be creative and cast that net!

5)  SCHEDULE.  Once you have people interested, schedule your first meeting and make it happen!  It can be kinda daunting to have that first meeting, but do it.  Stop talking about it and make it happen.  And remember, although it is nice to have many eyes look at your work, you only really need one other person to make a Crit Group.  Start there. 

I had 2 people (aside from me) show up at the first meeting.  This last month, we had 11 people.  Allow time to grow.  Be patient.

6)  Choose a LOCATION.  Choose a location that is central and easy to get to.  A library, bookshop, a coffee shop, diner, pub, etc.  Make sure there is space at the location.  This can be difficult.  The first location I chose was the cafe at Barnes and Noble.  It was crowded and hard to find enough chairs to place around the small table.

The next location we tried was a Starbucks.  Again, crowded...and incredibly LOUD, as the only spaces to sit were right below the speakers,  Trust me, its not easy trying to read manuscripts when Christmas music is blasting in your ears.

Now we meet at another coffee shop that reserves a large area for us each month.  Its also quieter.  So, do your research.  And don't be afraid to keep searching for that special place even after meetings have begun. 

You can have the meeting at your house...but that's up to you.  I know that works for some...but its not really my cup of tea.  Its a personal preference.

7)  Show up and HAVE FUN!  Building community and partnerships that work can be a challenge...but have fun with it.  Be honest with yourself and others.  Its not going to work for everyone.  Personalities might not gel.  Its like dating.  Allow people to come and go.  But remember, your main focus is your work.  You do not have to like everyone, you don't have to like all of their writing.  What is important is that you are all writers and dedicated to helping eachother be the best writer you can be.

 In that case, diversity is very important, if possible, in your group.  Men and women.  Young and older.  All ethnicities.  This won't happen right away.  But it is something to strive for.

I hope this was helpful.  Stay tuned for next Monday when I will discuss "How to Run a Crit Group Session". 

Happy Writing!

stay tuned til tomorrow: "How to Start Your Own Critique Group"

Hello.  I apologize, but today's post will have to be postponed til tomorrow.  I have been experiencing a really rough migraine since Friday and therefore can't seem to get my thoughts together for today.

Therefore, stay tuned til tomorrow when I discuss "How to Start Your Own Critique Group."

Happy Monday, everyone!

Things That Make Me Go "Hmmmmmm"

Its done.  My January manscript for the 12 x 12 in '12 Challenge is done.  Kinda.  I mean, I have the first draft and I am truly pleased with it.  And the sense of accomplishment from meeting the challenge is wonderful!  Thank you again to Julie Hedlund for this amazing opportunity and fantastic journey. 

That being said, I am a little perplexed and have hit a tad of a roadblock as a Picture Book author who is NOT an illustrator.

I took my January Manuscript to my monthly Critique Group this past Wednesday, and as always they had very helpful feedback and also some nice compliments on the piece.  It felt good to get some direction on areas that were giving me trouble and to have a focus for my revisions.  (By the way, if you are a writer and not already a part of a Crit Group....get one!  I started mine myself and I have to say, what I have gained has been priceless!)

Anyway, one of the hardest aspects of writing Picture Books that I most hear from authors is the struggle to tell the story while also leaving room for pictures and an illustrator's imagination and creative flair.  Some struggle with describing and telling too much so that the illustrator does not have room to "collaborate".  In fact, the very first manuscript I wrote got that very comment from an editor/friend of mine..."make sure to leave room for the illustrator's portion of the story."

I wrestled with this idea for so long.  I wrote and wrote, always trying to "leave room" for the illustrator.  When I finally got feedback that said, "Wow!  An illustrator would have so much fun with this project.  There is so much here to depict," I knew that I had finally somewhat achieved this.

Therefore, when I write manuscripts I try to keep them action-packed and fun on every page so that I can visualize them in my head...but not paint all of that visualizing with words.  So, sometimes it means leaving "space"for for an illustrator's ideas.  Does that make sense?  Still with me?

Let me provide an example....

My latest manuscript involves a crazy trip to the moon in a homemade rocketship of sorts.  I did keep this line brief, only stating that the protagonists "began to build with any items they could find."  In my writer's mind I was leaving an open enough space for an illustrator to really have fun with this. 

BUT...when I brought this manuscript to my Crit Group we spent a lot of time discussing  what these found items were that made up the rocketship and some even wrote on my manuscript that they wanted to see  or know what these items were.

Now enter a perplexed Marcie.  Should I add a line that lists perhaps 3 items and then leave the rest to the illustrator?  Do I list more and add this detail verbally?  Do I leave as is? 

When someone gives the feedback, "I want to see..." after reading a PB manuscript, does this mean that the author has done their job or not written enough?

Definitely something that makes this PB author go "hmmmmm......"

I would love to know what you all in the kidlit blogosphere have to say...