Writer's Wednesday: Forming a Critique Group

Some people think they can write something, never revise it, and others should still want to read it.


That's about the same thing as pooping on a platter and calling it art.


A critique group is extremely valuable to writers who want to improve their skills. However, a bad critique group can be devastating. If you're not a part of one that meets your needs, create your own.
  
Consider your ideal group.  In your utopia, how does it flow? Go ahead. Close your eyes and allow yourself to look around in your imagination. Experience the perfection.


Consider how you learn best.

• Do you prefer anonymity or one-on-one?
• Are you someone who needs to peel the layers of a critique to fully understand it? If so, then you probably need to be able to chat with your group.  On the other hand, if you can take written critiques and they make perfect sense to you, then an email arrangement might be more to your liking.  I've heard of critique buddies who've never met in person.  

• Do you want to know your writing companions well? 
• Membership will determine where you meet. If members are strangers, meet in a public place for safety's sake.  My favorite way to compile a group is to carefully select the members from among my friends and acquaintances--people I've carefully identified as having similar goals and energy of the group.  In that case, I prefer meeting in homes on a rotating basis.  It's cozier. Chairs are comfier. There's no time restraints. There's no eavesdroppers. Food and beverages flow.

Consider time.

• How much time can you dedicate to writing and critiquing?
  
• I believe that the most productive critique groups are those in which every member contributes each time.  I've participated in both kinds, and the feedback is different if someone isn't actively a part of the creating process of writing. It's a different zone.  If one isn't in that zone, then the criticism can be a bit detached.  However, since you're creating the group, make up your own rules. Maybe all the time you have to dedicate is once every three months.  That's still something.

• How often would you like to meet? 
• Once a month? Once a week?  Quarterly?   My favorite time is once a month.  If you and your potential critique buddies have loads of time and a deadline, then once a week can be exciting and productive, but most people exert a lot of energy just to meet once a month.

• How long would the meetings last? 
• Have an outline in mind.  If food is included, allow time for eating and socializing. Will you have guest speakers? Assign speaking/critique time. Will you have an information sharing time where members share contest information, agent updates, writing articles, etc.? Post the times so that everyone knows the agenda. Also, consider limiting the number of pages members can bring to be critiqued so that everyone gets equal time.  Sometimes, storytellers get easily off task and have the entire group laughing about situations that have nothing to do with the submissions.  In that case, set a timer for each entry. Bad blood can occur if someone gets the short end of the time stick because someone talked too much or brought an inordinate number of pages.

• How are the pieces submitted? 
• Should they be emailed ahead of time to allow readers to thoughtfully peruse the material at leisure?  Should copies be brought to the meeting and the piece read cold? Should the author read it aloud, should another member read it, or should everyone read it silently? All of these methods have been used successfully. Think about what works for you with time constraints and membership goals.

Consider feelings.

• What are the rules? 
• Even creative people need structure to thrive. At your first meeting or in the preliminary discussions, present some ground rules.  Criticism is not meant to rip apart a piece. It is meant to improve.  Knowing what one does right is as important as knowing what one does wrong. Try to first say what you like about the piece, what works, etc.  Follow up with the comments on what needs to be tweaked. Consider the different aspects of writing: plot, character, point of view, theme, setting, conflict, figurative language, pacing, etc. Allow the author to ask for specific feedback.  Sometimes that helps the critics gauge what the writer is striving for and whether or not it's attained.

• What will make people feel comfortable?  
• "Breaking bread" is a traditional way for people to connect. I've met in public places like Panera, Books A Million, Barnes and Noble, and Oklahoma City's Full Circle Bookstore. I've participated in potluck dinners and lunches at homes. I also meet with a group that has morning coffee/tea and sweets. The dessert is provided on a rotating basis. By no means am I a cook, but I enjoy food. And, for me, there's something about sharing my writing with people who are also willing to share sustenance. It's like an extra bond of trust is formed. Nourishing the body as well as the writing spirit works for me.

Congratulations on embarking on this endeavor. Ten years into the group I helped start, I realize that the benefits have been more than just writing. My critique partners have not only improved my work, but they've also improved my life--one meeting, one email, one phone call at a time. 
Good luck! 

What are your thoughts on critique groups? Do you have other suggestions?

Friday Favorite (on Sunday): tea with friends

 Since I moved two years ago, I've been on the hunt for a tea room, so I was delighted when my writing pal Sonia invited me to tea in Tulsa.  She brought her long-time friend Michelle who was visiting from Nashville, and I brought my Ange.

We all met in Tulsa at Dragonmoon Tea Company.  Apparently they have fabulous lunches, but they also serve afternoon tea by reservation. It's so worth it.  That afternoon we had the cozy little house all to ourselves.  Vladimir was our server.

Doesn't his name alone make you want to go?

Vladimir didn't flinch when I asked--in all my pregnant concern--if he would mind heating the deli meat and the chicken salad.  (Somehow I didn't feel like the annoying customer I do now as I write this.)  He simply told me that he understood and his wife had done the same thing. 

See? Wonderful. 

Plus, he shared that he never went to bed the night of the royal wedding. He just stayed up and watched it.  A sweet guy who loves tea and watched the royal wedding? Gotta love him.

The ladies and I enjoyed scrumptious yummies and delicious tea.  My favorite was the Versaille Lavendar Earl Gray.  Ange and Michelle seemed to enjoy the Dragonmoon. I'm not certain which Sonia preferred.  She's quite the tea expert, so I should find out.

Here's a pic of our tea tray.

Here's a pic of one of the adorable cakes.

Although I look ridiculous in this next picture, I wanted to show you my lovely tea companions.

If you're looking for a fun spot to gather with friends--new and old--check out Tulsa's Dragonmoon Tea Room.  If you're in the Tulsa area, give me a call. I'd love to meet you there!

Don't just take my word for it.  Check out this article. And this one.

Friday Favorites...on Sunday

Friday began early with the royal wedding. I'm trying to figure out when I'm going to bake scones, brew tea and watch all the recorded footage. As you know from Wednesday's post, I eagerly anticipated this wedding and, like the 2 billion watching around the globe, was happy to share in the couple's joyful day.

And who can deny it was anything but joyful? They looked so happy--as a couple should on their wedding day.

If I were planning a wedding ceremony--especially to a military man, I'd imitate the clothes.  The only man more handsome than one in a tux is one in uniform. The bridesmaids wearing white to match the bride was lovely. Some say that the bride should be the only one wearing white. Pshaw!

The Brits know how to rock a hat! I'm totally getting one. Who's with me?

Since I've studied so many royal weddings recently, as soon as I saw the bride, I said, "She looks like Grace Kelley!" Many commentators mentioned it throughout the day. Upon closer inspection, however, I notice the gowns aren't entirely similar.

Princess Grace and The Duchess of Cambridge

Perhaps the designer had something in mind. I read somewhere that Grace Kelley's dress style was chosen to make her appear more regal since she was merely an American actress.  Do you suppose the same intent of raising her status from commoner to royal went into the selection for Kate Middleton? If so, the move was unnecessary.

Her poise did that.

If you haven't had your fill of the royal wedding, check out this site for the royal photos.

I watched this the wedded bliss from a condo in Branson, MO. My parents, grandmother, hubby and son spent a long holiday weekend in the Ozarks. Our entire purpose for going was to give our son the opportunity to ride a real steam engine. Although he knew it wasn't really Thomas the Train, he loved it; although, I suspect he might have liked the popcorn more. And he learned a new word: caboose!

B&B with a cuppa tea

Bed and Breakfasts often leave me feeling as if I paid too much to stay at someone's dilapidated home just to eat a breakfast I don't have to cook.

Not anymore.

We found one that is posh. Downright posh, I tell you. The only reason I left was because my heart tugged in the direction of my toddler. Two Hearts Inn isn't cramped or old. That all-too-familiar musty smell of B&Bs lingered nowhere, and I never wondered if the pipes were up to code. Plus, the bed was comfy, not lumpy like so many of those kitty cat-smelling, Victorian over-decorated alternatives. After breakfast, I strolled down to a park area below my balcony and lounged for hours with a book and my computer.

And that's not even the best part.

Two Hearts Inn is connected to Inspirations Tea Room, which rivals most tea rooms in the country. I've been to Inspirations many times, but this week was the first time I had tea for two with my hubby. It was perfect.

If you plan to be in the Oklahoma City/Edmond area, definitely try out Two Hearts Inn and/or Inspirations Tea Room. You will not be disappointed.

Note: I swear I'm not related to the owners or getting paid. I'm just a fan of good things.

Glamour slumber party

The Pope County Library in Russellville, Arkansas, knows how to throw a party...a slumber party, that is.The youth are lucky to have Lauren Drittler as their enthusiastic young adult librarian.

Following a writing workshop, girls ages 10 and up hung out in the library in their jammies. I totally wish I'd brought mine. Believe me, if I'm invited to any other Glamour slumber parties, I'm wearing pajamas. Some of the girls had the most amazing slippers. Way fun.

The organizers did their homework. All of the activities were inspired by my novel Glamour. So, I started the evening by reading a story. Mine of course!

A fairy feast took my breath away.
In the center of the table stood a figurine of a girl looking down on four little fairies. Rita Chisum, who found it, thought that it was similar to Kat with the Fayes and Naturals. When I saw it, I thought They get my book. I was touched because I recognized it as inspired by a painting that I looked at on a daily basis as I wrote my book. The girls were in awe, too. The table was perfect. I overheard a few marvel at the sparkly mini cupcakes. The petits fours were adorable. Fruit and marshmallows and cheese abounded.
Plus, there was a chocolate fountain fit for a Faye Midsummer's Eve festival. Can you believe it? A chocolate fountain. It was so cleverly done and beautifully displayed. If you're ever in Russellville, you've got to check out Jan Townshend's Reflections tea room. If you do, you'll know what kind of delightful treats I'm talking about.

Because the moon and stars have so much to do with the story, Georgia Beavers gave an interactive astronomy presentation.

American Indian storytelling was a part of the evening, too. Below Jeannie Stone supervises a few of the girls as they make dreamcatchers.
And what slumber party is complete without a manicure? Terri Williamson joined the girls.
I met Jeannie Stone when I spoke at HAWK's writing conference last year. The weekend was her brain child, and she has lots of creative and energetic friends who care a lot about their community. Jeannie even thought of the tiniest detail. Check out the pins we're all wearing--they're fairies. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone. Thanks for the good times!

Terri Williamson, Rita Chisum, Lauren Drittler, moi, Jeannie Wichmann, Jan Townshend, Jeannie Stone.

Journal: tea party

I mentioned my tea party yesterday. You've probably read or watched the cartoon version of Alice's Mad Hatter tea party in Wonderland. Perhaps you've been to a tearoom or shared a tea party with friends. Even if you haven't, imagine!

Here's a link to tea rooms near you as well as reviews.

Journal: Write about a tea party.

Baby Shower at Lady Mendl's Tea Salon

On July 19, our friends in the area surprised us in NYC with a baby shower for Max. It was exactly one month after some friends in OKC threw an impromptu one while I was in the state. I'm blessed to know such good people.

I wondered why my mom and Garrett thought it was a good idea to go into the city on the hottest day of the year so far when they'd been being so nurturing and protective otherwise. I think it was at least 95 degrees--and even though that's merely warm in Oklahoma, in New York that temperature is hot. Anyway, we tromped through Chinatown and then Garrett wanted to go to Union Square. Since he likes hanging out in parks, I didn't think anything of it. Besides, a Babies R Us across the street shone like a beacon because I knew they were bathroom friendly to moms-to-be. And, more importantly, the store had air conditioning.

Afterward, Garrett encouraged us to walk a certain direction and I saw my friends Stephanie and Alison chatting it up on the sidewalk. I momentarily thought, "Wow. Small world." Then I saw Colleen, Josh, Paul and baby Ellery with gift bags in tow. They yelled, "Surprise! It's your baby shower!"We then strolled to The Inn at Irving Place, which is an inn that also houses Lady Mendl's Tea Salon. Yes, Lady Mendl's! None of them knew it, but this place was bookmarked on my computer long before we even moved here. I've wanted to go but figured it wasn't going to happen. Luckily, my friends know I'm a sucker for a tea party, and Stephanie had discovered it in her research.

I was delighted! The flowers were gorgeous. The tea was delish. We sat down for a five course high tea and even the boys enjoyed themselves. I thoroughly reveled in my food, knowing that I wasn't eating anything that would hurt the baby thanks to Alison. My husband claims she should be a pregnancy consultant because she knows so many details. For example, did you know that mousse is made with raw eggs? Sad, but true.

Here's a pic of the final course that most of them (not I) were too full to touch after consuming all of the other goodies.

It was a perfect afternoon.