I rarely express my opinions about belonging to a critique group. That's not true, either.
I have strong feelings about critique groups and have been known to express them freely. As my mom used to say, "Now we're cooking with some grease."
If you would like to read an essay I wrote about some of my critique group experiences, hop on over to WOW's The Muffin Blog, where I'm guest blogger today.
My Essay "Take Your Clothes Off and Other Critique Group Advice" is posted there. Leave a comment if you like, and please leave your clothes on.
Will hop over! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Karen,
DeleteThanks! Hope you enjoy.
Donna
Been to WOW already this morning. Good job! Sound advice. We had guild meeting last night and the group is coming along! Our critique sessions are better thanks to lovely input from Veda Jones among others. New people are coming! Some older members are returing to attend a few meetings. Nice when established people remember to help others come along. You are so good at that...a hand out to others. Thanks for all your positive views!
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia,
DeleteThanks for visiting the WOW blog and leaving a comment.
Your Joplin group is fantastic! Every year during the MWG Conference, the Joplin writers win big!
What you write about established people helping others is so true. Veda is a gem--and so are you!
Donna
Great essay! I was wondering if you already have a post about how your critique group works. How long you meet, how you run the meeting (with 15 people!). How much of your ms you share each time. Nuts and bolts, if you will. If not, I would appreciate any suggestions as I am thinking of putting together a group that is geared towards publishing. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Jewel,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words.
Your question prompts me to write about how our critique group works. I'll post about that topic later this month.
And if you're thinking about starting a critique group, go for it!
Donna
I've been there, commented, saw I screwed up, and added another comment with the correction. It was a great post, Erma...uh, I mean Donna.
ReplyDeleteHi Sioux,
DeleteThanks for leaving a comment, but don't worry about making a mistake.
I made a HUGE one this morning.
I posted a link on the OWL Facebook page to WOW blog, but instead of typing that my essay was on the Women on Writing blog, I typed Women on Women. Yikes! Talk about embarrassed.
Donna
Great essay about Critique Groups. I'm going to go take my clothes off and write now :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa,
DeleteThanks. Hehehehehe.
I tried to comment on the other site, but it wouldn't let me. Anyway, great essay! Having awesome critique partners is vital.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol,
DeleteThanks for stopping by the Wow Blog and for your kind words. Sorry you were unable to leave a comment, and what you write about critique partners is so true.
Donna
LOVE the title for your essay - it really is like that, isn't it. Taking risks is so hard - but without them, we never really get the chance to grow!
ReplyDeleteHi Jemi,
DeleteThanks. You are right about taking risks!
Donna
That's cool to get published on WOW, Donna. I'll head over to read the post. Critique groups are one of my favorite things (because I just happen to belong to one of the good ones).
ReplyDeleteHi Pat,
DeleteThanks. Good to hear you are in a good group.
Donna
I tried to leave a comment on the other site but the word verification thing was broken or not visible so I'll leave my comment here.
ReplyDeleteI'm so jealous that you have a wonderful critique group. I live so far away from other writers that I can't meet in person. However, I would love to find those that would like to share work with me.
Hi Clarissa,
DeleteSorry you couldn't leave a reply. I had that problem earlier, so I hit the edit button after the word verification and was able to post a comment that way.
Donna
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your article, Donna, and it's all so true.
ReplyDeleteGreat article Donna. That's so funny about the clothes!
ReplyDeleteHi Tammy and Lynn,
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm glad you both liked my article.
Donna
Hi Donna! Just read it and left a LONG comment! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Becky,
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'll check it out.
Donna
Followed you here from EBWW. Congratulations!! Loved your winning entry, and the closer was perfect.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to meeting you in Dayton.