Not only is the Bookies Critique Group a way to get excellent constructive feedback on your work, but it’s also a great way to force yourself to sit down and write, because, let’s be honest, if writers are anything, they are masters of avoidance and procrastination (or is it just me? LOL). The slight anxiety of sharing your writing with others can be a great motivator on its own, but, when done with a group of people as eclectically experienced as the Bookies, you can’t help but strive to get those pages written, because you know, by the end of the meeting, your story will have improved and you will have grown as a writer.
Upcoming Meetings
What is a typical meeting like?
The writer brings several copies of their work along with a pen. 4 copies is a good starting number. Contact Desi if you want an updated member count before each meeting. However, both libraries have printing available for a nominal fee if more copies are needed.
The writer provides context for their submission and reads their work aloud. While they read aloud, other members are marking notes on the provided copies. Some writers find it helpful to specify what type of feedback they’re looking for. For instance, if it is a rough draft, they may only want to know how the dialogue sounds or if the tension in the scene feels exciting.
While some writers have a line editor’s brain and can easily spot grammatical errors, if the writer doesn’t specify they want their grammar critiqued, don’t critique their grammar unless it is a repeated mistake. The reason for this is that writers attend critique groups to get impressions on their stories, not their grammar.
What if I get a critique I don’t agree with?
We’ve all been there. Maybe the critique misses the point. Maybe you don’t agree with their suggestion. The most important thing to remember about critiques is that they are “take it or leave it”. Most of the time, you can disregard critiques you don’t agree with. But maybe you don’t agree with it, but you don’t quite get what they mean. In that case, asking “Can you provide more context/reasoning behind your critique?” will let the critiquer explain without causing personal feelings to come into play.
If you feel that you’re being bullied, please contact the president with your concerns.