A Word from Critique Group Coordinator,

Jennifer Hurlburt  

 

Are you considering joining a CWC Critique Group?  

These groups can be a wonderful way to share your project with your fellow writers, see your work through fresh eyes, and receive valuable feedback. These groups also help writers stay on track and continue writing, providing encouragement and accountability.  

 

Critique groups typically meet every month, with members either bringing work to share at each meeting, or (if the work is longer) sharing work in advance of the meeting and using the meeting time to provide feedback. These meetings are independent of our regular  meetings, but we do ask all writers participating in critique groups to be current CWC members,

Right now, there are 15 active critique groups meeting in bookstores, coffee shops, libraries, restaurants and private homes throughout the greater Charlotte region, with more groups being formed all the time. The following active critique groups are accepting new members now:
Short Story (South Park area/meets in the evening)
Novel/Short Story (South Park area/meets during the day)
Humor/Mixed Genre (South Charlotte/meets in the evening)
Screenwriting (TBD)

There will be more chairs than tables in Room 214, because this is a dynamic process. We want you to move around and engage with writers in your chosen genre. It's a little like dating, you have to put yourself out there. Practice your elevator pitch so you can quickly explain your project when asked. Talk about what you expect from this potential writerly relationship and listen to what others hope to gain from you. Think about how each writer complements the other. In this back and forth, we hope you find one--or a group of writers you believe will help you hone your work. Writers of like mind you can encourage and those you feel will gently challenge you.    

 

In order to have the most positive experience as you seek a critique group, think about what you are hoping to get out of a critique group prior to October's meeting. It is very important to be clear with your critique group about what you would like to gain. While some writers want intense, line-by-line analysis of their work, others simply hope to learn how readers are reacting emotionally to their story.

 

Consider these questions :  

• What type of feedback are you looking for? 

• How much time are you able to give to reading the work of your group members, so that you may provide valuable feedback to them?

• Would you prefer a group that meets during the day, or in the evening?

• Do you require a group that meets within a short distance of your home?

• Or are you willing to drive across town, or travel I-485 or up/down Interstates 85 or 77?
   

See you on October 15th
for our exciting Critique Group Night!