My Essay "Take Your Clothes Off and Other Critique Group Advice" is Posted on The WOW Blog

I never dispense unsolicitated advice about critique groups. Um. That's not true.

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.

Writing Naked and An Open Mic Night from High Hill Press

Yesterday I queried an editor at WOW! Women on Writing. Some time ago I wrote an essay after I read a critique group member's comments on the top of the first page of something I wrote. The title of the essay I queried the WOW editor about is "Take Your Clothes Off and Other Critique Group Advice." In my essay I share ten pieces of critique group advice (some sweet, some strange) that I've received over the years.

I was pleasantly surprised yesterday afternoon when I received an almost immediate response accepting the essay and asking for a bio photo. Anyway, my essay is scheduled to appear on the WOW! Blog's Friday Speak Out on March 9. I'll post a reminder closer to the date.

If you are from the metro St. Louis area and want to hear some wonderful writers read from their works, stop by the Sage Book Store tomorrow evening, Friday, February 3. High Hill Press is sponsoring the event, in cooperation with Sage Books, an independent bookstore located in the Frenchtown District of St. Charles at 1128 North 2nd Street; St. Charles, MO 63301. The fun begins begins at 7:00 p.m.and ends around 9:00, or whenever they kick us out.

Hope to see you there!

Thoughts on Writing: Critique Groups

If someone asked me to name the factor that has affected my writing most, hands down it would be belonging to a good critique group.

Over the years I've belonged to several groups and I've benefitted from each one in some way. Belonging to a good critique group has helped me become a better writer and has helped me get published, but most of all, I've made life-long friends.

During the day on New Year's Eve, Bill Mueller, a member of our weekly group, received a phone call from an editor at Writer's Digest. A story Bill read at critique group last year won second place out of more than 1700 entries in the crime fiction short story contest. Bill is an award-winning and accomplished writer whose work needs little improvement. When he read his story--I believe in two sessions--it was about 99-percent there. Our group made minimal suggestions. In the WD contest, Bill won big bucks, several books, and recognition on the WD website and in their magazine. How's that for a critique group success story?

If you're wondering what this Christmas-day photo below of my grandkiddos--who are about to take a ride on my brother's tandem bike--has to do with belonging to a critique group, here's what: 

Both involve teamwork and trust.

Someone has to take the lead. While critique group members can help, the writer is in control.

Like a first draft, you need to take a test drive before you start.

A bad partner (or group) can mess you up.

A good partner (or group) can help you get to your destination quicker and safely.

When you fall, you have someone to pick you up.

When you get to the finish line, you have someone to cheer you.

It's fun!

If anyone has thoughts on the benefits of a good critique group, please share them in the comments. I'd love to hear them.

Critique Group Adventures and Mysteries of the Ozarks (Volume IV)

Tuesday's critique group at the Rendezvous Cafe in O'Fallon is always an adventure, but some days it's more exciting than others.

Today was memorable.

Lou Turner, Nick Nixon, and Marcia Gaye gave updates on their trek last weekend to the Ozarks Creative Writers' Conference in Eureak Springs, Arkansas.

Lou is on the OCW board and was instrumental in planning and organizing the conference.

Nick performed to stellar reviews by attendees and an extra special review by keynote speaker David Morrell. 

Marcia was a big winner at the awards ceremony.

At critique group today we had five readings. As always, readings and critiques are learning experiences.

Lou also hand-delivered my copies of Mysteries of the Ozarks (Volume IV), edited by Ellen Gray Massey from Ozark Writers, Inc., and published by High Hill Press. 

My story "The Night the Circus Came to Town" is included in the anthology, along with about two dozen other stories. I can't wait to read them all. 

Last Saturday I received a check from Ellen for my story. Today one critique member asked if she could buy a copy, and of course I sold her one at a huge discount. I'm not going to get rich like this, but it is a rewarding experience to see my words in print and know others will read them too.

Holding a book in my hands that contains one of my stories is a rush. It's a feeling that never grows old.

Notes from Critique Group - The Light Bringer and Other Bright Spots

Yesterday was an exciting day at our Coffee and Critique group. Our usual Tuesday spot at Rendezvous Cafe in O'Fallon, MO was hopping. With 17 of us there it was hard to keep up with what was going on. Good thing I had my nifty timer to keep us on track--sort of--well at least I tried.

We had a few special visitors. I didn't announce our first two guests beforehand to keep it a surprise.

I invited Lake Saint Louis Police Officers Chris Diguiseppi and Mike Force to drop by and talk to us about their new book, THE LIGHT BRINGER. Chris and Mike belonged to our Coffee and Critique group a few years ago when we met on Tuesday evenings at B&N. After we changed locations and went to a days-only schedule, they weren't able to continue coming, and we've missed them a lot.

Thankfully, they continued writing their book, THE LIGHT BRINGER. Yesterday they gave me a copy of their book, which I will review in the next couple weeks. I will also interview Chris and Mike about their publication journey. They had very kind words about how our group helped them in the early stages of their writing. If you get a chance, visit their website and view their book trailer. It is awesome.

Our other special surprise guest was Doyle Suit's youngest granddaughter, Jacqueline. Talk about a doll! She is a lovely ten-year old with a beautiful smile and a quick mind. She and Doyle joined several of us for lunch. It was lots of fun!

Also yesterday Alice Muschany--whom we like to call our own Chicken Soup Queen, with six stories and counting--gave me a copy of A CUP OF COMFORT FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS, which includes her poignant story, "Hidden Treasures." This coming October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I will interview Alice and give away a copy of the book with her story in it.

Stay tuned. On Friday I'll post more announcements about coming events you won't want to miss.

THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett At Movie Theaters Today!

About a year ago, one of my writing friends (Becky Povich) raved during our critique group session about a book she'd read. She was so enthusiastic about the book she brought it the following week and said, "You've got to read this."

I did, and I'm thankful to Becky for loaning me her copy of THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett. After I finished it she passed it on to another woman in our group. Becky is so generous!

Back to the book. As a writer, Kathryn Stockett's journey to publication is inspiring. It took her five years to write the book. She received more than 45 rejections from agents before having her novel published by Amy Einhorn Books in 2009.

THE HELP has been translated into 40 languages, has sold more than three million copies, and has been on the New York Times bestseller list for two years.

Talk about an inspiration!

A few of our critique group members have talked about the book, and just about everyone in both Bunco groups I belong to--my old neighborhood one and the one I sub for with my former co-workers--have talked about reading the book and planning to see the movie.

I mistakenly thought the movie opened last Friday, and my sister and I were set to go until I looked at the movie schedule and discovered it doesn't open until today. So, I plan to see THE HELP in the next day or so.

If you haven't read THE HELP, here's a link to a synopsis of the story. If you see the movie, please let me know what you think.

That's What Friends Are For

At critique group on Tuesday a couple writing friends shared some good news I thought I'd pass along.

Drum roll, please . . . ! ! !

Marcia Gaye (our very own famous Marcia Gaye, not the other one) had a poem of hers included in the Top Fifty contest in connection with Writer's Digest. The judge/blog master is their poetry columnist and editor of Poets Market. His April Poem a Day challenge received more than 5,000 poems with more than 1,000 making the cut to the final judges. From that group he chose the best 50, and Marcia was in that top 50. Although we don't critique poetry, we do encourage poets, and according to Marcia, "being in our group is such a good push for me."

Claudia Shelton received two major awards for her romance novels:

*Courage and Azaleas took First Place in Mainstream w/Romantic Elements from Finally A Bride Contest sponsored by OKRWA (Oklahoma Romance Writers of America).
*Please Be Careful was awarded Second Place in Romantic Mystery/Suspense Contemporary Series (Unpublished) for the Daphne Du Maurier Award sponsored by KOD (Kiss of Death Chapter, Romance Writers of America).

While announcing her good news on Tuesday, Claudia thanked our critique group for helping her improve her manuscripts. She also spoke about how encouraging our critique group has been to her and her writing.

Now, that's what friends are for!

To wrap up today's post, I welcome my newest follower, Conda V. Douglas I hope you will stop by often, Conda, and feel free to leave comments. Please check out her blog when you get a chance.

That's all for today. Hope you're staying cool in this hot July weather.

Goldilocks, Golden Locks, Happy Monkeys and Critique Groups

For over a week I've been working on an article for a newsletter about what makes a good critique group.

Over the years I've belonged to a few crit groups, but I wanted to get perspectives from other writers about their groups. To gain some insight I queried a cross-section of writers and asked for feedback.

I expected to hear back from maybe a handful of writers, but was pleasantly surprised to receive e-mails from more than a dozen!

Alice, who belongs to Coffee and Critique (C&C), a critique group I co-founded with Lou Turner, compared finding our group with the Goldilocks fairy tale. Some previous groups Alice had belonged too gave her nothing but compliments, another was brutal, but our group points out sterengths as well as weaknesses in her works. In Alice's words, our group is "not too soft ... not too hard ... but just right." I love her analogy.

Another writer who responded is Lisa, who lives in New York and belongs to a group called The Happy Monkeys. Even though I don't know why the group is called The Happy Monkeys, and Lisa didn't explain how they got their name (it's a long story, she wrote), Lisa's group sounds great. Lisa wrote that her group works because the members will tell her when something is wonderful and will also tell her when something needs work.

A common element among several responses I received is that writers want honest feedback given in a tactful manner. As far as receiving critiques--have a thick skin and be able to take it gracefully.

Which brings me to my second project--a short story I'm working on for a Western anthology.

The main character is Bridie (short for Bridget) O'Shea, a teenage girl who gets tricked into leaving Missouri and finds herself working at a "Joy House" in Indian Territory.

The short story has four characters. One of them is a fictional U. S. Army Colonel who visits Bridie. The story is pure fiction, but the colonel's character is based on an actual historical figure.

The setting is in the 1870s in Indian Territory. The colonel is particular about is appearance ---especially his long golden locks.

I did a lot of research, including the time, setting--especially the details about the colonel. I decided not to name his character, but given the context and with all the clues and historical references I included, I felt certain members of my critique group would "get" his identity. For the most part they did.

Last week I read the first five pages. Most folks figured out the colonel was based on George Armstrong Custer.

Yesterday I read the last five pages. Someone who wasn't present last week thought I needed to name the character or folks wouldn't know who he was. My response was something akin to "Well, then they'd be stupid."

Did I actually say that? Yep. It just slipped out. So much for having a thick skin or receiving critiques gracefully. I apologized afterwards, but still . . .

Someone else commented there are too many characters in the story. But, hey, I only have four characters!

Someone else commented one of the character names sounded Mexican and not Indian. Did they miss the part in the story where Custer spent time in the Mexican War?

My lesson in all of this is no matter how much research I've done and how well I know my characters and story--if the reader doesn't get it, he isn't stupid, I haven't done my job.

No matter how much I've learned about belonging to a critique group, receiving feedback gracefully and having a thick skin--I've still got a lot to learn.

Lessons from My Critique Group

The talent and wisdom of my critique group members amazes and humbles me. Our group meets every Tuesday at a local coffee shop/wine bar to read and critique one another's works.

Either Lou Turner (CEO/Editor of High Hill Press) or I "run" the group by calling on readers and trying to get things moving, although the group runs mostly on auto-pilot. Sometimes things get messy; sometimes people get testy, but we all respect one another, and mostly we all learn.

Occasionally, like last Tuesday, we are treated to a song by Nick Nixon, a local country-western legend and an amazing singer/songwriter who is working on his memoir.

Generally I don't read; I offer comments, suggestions, and encouragement, but lately I've been trying to bring something to read once or twice a month. Last Tuesday I brought a flash fiction piece I thought was ready to be mailed off to a contest--and would, no doubt, be a winner. How wrong I was!

Here's what I learned (or re-learned) this week:

* Even though I've polished, reviewed, rewritten, and revised my manuscript, comments from my group always make it better.

* Respect. I try to treat all members of the group with respect, even when our writing style or sensibilities are vastly different.

* Everyone in the group brings something to the table. A few of our members grew up on farms, so if my setting is on a farm, I get advice from built-in experts. Nick explained the difference between "Haw, Haw." and "Come up," commands for a horse. One member is an expert (and uber-fast) copy editor. Alice always manages to find double words, misplaced modifiers, and spelling mistakes. She also will run off copies for you if your printer is on the fritz if your e-mail your ms to her in advance. Lou has a lot of contacts in the publishing industry, including editors, agents, and bestselling writers. When Lou talks about structure, plot, or what she thinks makes a piece marketable, I value her advice. All other members have their own special areas of expertise, which are too long to mention here.

* Listen. Sometimes it's a comment from a writer who doesn't always say a lot that is spot-on. The quiet ones are usually deep thinkers whose advice on character motivation, theme, or literary merit offer fresh perspectives.

*Read the marked-up copies. Not all suggestions from the group are spoken, so I make sure to read all comments written on the copies.

* Check your ego at the door. This has been a long-standing saying at our critique group. Sometimes I need a reminder because no matter how good I think my writing is, an insightful suggestion can help.

* Use what works and discard what does not. I've learned to be selective in which suggestions I incorporate into my final manuscript.

* Stay true to my vision and vioce. Many comments are valid, but if they change my voice or vision for the piece, while I'm grateful for their suggestions, I stay true to my voice.

* Always say "Thank you." Although I try to remember to do this after each critique, it doesn't hurt to say it more often.

I'm sure there's more I learned this week, but that's all I can think of for now.

Yesterday I mailed off my critique-checked flash fiction piece. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Even if it doesn't win, I know it's a much improved story.

Oh, and Happy July! Can you believe the year is already half-way over? Time to revisit my writing goals and check out my progress.

Amazing Short Fiction Contest from The Write Helper

My friend Amy Harke-Moore over at the Write Helper has an Amazing Short Fiction Contest going on until the end of July. For a $5 fee (per story, up to three) entrants have a chance to win $100, $50, or $25. Entries also receive a free critique, if requested. Optional line edits are also available for a small fee. Amazing!

In addition to all the extras Amy offers in her contest, what, you may ask, is an amazing story? According to the Write Helper website, an amazing story grabs at the throat, tugs at the heart strings, uses beautiful words with a lyrical quality, and is told by a master storyteller.

Word limit is 4,000. The contest deadline is July 31.

For complete details, visit the Write Helper website.

Full disclosure: Amy and I have been friends for over a dozen years, since we met at a critique group called Liars Ink in St. Peters, MO. We now belong to different critique groups, but we are founding members (along with Margo Dill, Lou Turner and David Lee Kirkland) of Saturday Writers. Amy is an award-winning and a multi-published writer whose work has appeared in The Writer, The MacGuffin, Chicago Quarterly Review, Grit, Permafrost, and others.

So, if you have an amazing story or can write one by July 31, here's your chance. Good luck!

Critique Suggestion: Don't Mess with Voice

My weekly critique group meets on Tuesdays at the Rendezvous Cafe and Wine Bar on Main Street in O'Fallon, MO. We are a mixed bag of writers including novelists, short story writers, memoirists, essayists, journalists, columnists, and what have I missed? Poets--actually we don't critique poetry, but we have critiqued song lyrics.

Everyone in our group brings something to the table--one even occasionally brings his guitar. Some are strong on plot, others on characterization, grammar, structure, etc. While we use our individual strengths to try to make suggestions to improve each other's works, one thing we stress is: Don't mess with voice. Most, but not all, heed this suggestion.

A few weeks ago one writer suggested another's work wouldn't sound as good if someone else read it. Interesting observation. So the following week we asked writers to have someone else read their work. We discovered that although some of the rough spots were highlighted when another writer read someone else's work, writers with distinct and strong voices still shined through, warts and all, no matter who read.

While we're on the topic of voice, this morning I read an excellent post on literary agent Nathan Bransford's blog on "How to Craft a Great Voice." His post brought out some great points. If you get a chance, check it out.

I believe a writer's voice is a unique gift, akin to grace; it's something we are blessed with and a gift we should cherish. What are your thoughts? What do you think about Voice? Let your voices be heard.

Advice from Agent Cherry Weiner

Yesterday at critique group, we had a special visitor--literary agent Cherry Weiner. I met Cherry about eight years ago at an OWL meeting in Branson.

Cherry represents some of my writing friends including Dusty Richards and Lou Turner. The photo on the left is of Lou, Cherry, and me, taken by Bea Siros after lunch. Note to self: lay off the fatty foods, lace up those tennis shoes, and start walking.

Anyway, Cherry's plane arrived from NYC late yesterday morning, and Lou brought her straight to our critique group at the Rendezvous Cafe in O'Fallon. Cherry is visiting with Lou and another client before taking off to be a speaker at a conference.

We were just about finished with critiques when they arrived, but Cherry patiently listened to us critique one manuscript, followed by a reading and critique of a second. I didn't take notes, but here are a few comments I remember about what she had to say:

* In a critique group, it is important that someone else read your work. That way the focus will be on the writing rather than the reading.

* Grammar, punctuation, spelling and anything technical must be perfect before submitting. An agent or editor does not have time to correct your mistakes. Chances are if your manuscript or query letter have mistakes in the opening, they will automatically get placed in the NO pile. If you aren't proficient in grammar, etc. find someone who is, and don't rely on spell check.

* Less is more. Details add to the story, but too many details, unnecessary details and repetition slow down the work.

* Endings are important. Watch the endings of chapters, paragraphs--even sentences. The example used was: "The next day Frank was gone and so were his clothes." Revise to: "The next day Frank was gone."

* It's about the writing and the story. When asked the question, "What are you looking for?" Cherry answered, "Whatever I can sell." She added that the market for Westerns is soft, even for established writers. Her advice was to write a great book.

Cherry will be in OKC at OWFI this weekend speaking on a panel and taking pitches from attendees. If you're headed that way, good luck, and if you talk to Cherry, tell her Lou's friend Donna says "Hi!" And if you see Lou, tell her I said "Hi!" too.

Seven Reasons NOT to Join a Critique Group

Today's forecast for St. Peters: Partly cloudy, high 39, low 17. Brrr. . . guess I better cover my potted pansies on the front porch tonight.


If you read last week's posts, you might remember my seven reasons to join a critique group.

Gee, I never thought that would be controversial, but apparently it is. On his blog, Midlist Writer, fellow-Missourian Sean McLachlan, a freelance writer specializing in history and travel, has gone snarky on me and posted his seven reasons NOT to join a critique group.

Sean's reasons are quite funny--and many of them ring true--in fact, even though I've never met Sean before, I think we may have belonged to the same critique group at one time or another. If you get a chance, check out his blog to read his seven reasons NOT to join a critique group. While you're there, check out the impressive list of books he has written.

In Sean's own words: "Just to be snarky, I blogged about seven reasons NOT to join a critique group. You can see them at:http://midlistwriter.blogspot.com/2008/11/seven-reasons-for-not-joining-critique.html"

Quick reminder: There's still time to enter to win a copy of A Cup of Comfort for Women, which includes my story, "Julie's Gift." Costs nothing but an e-mail to enter. Shoot an e-mail by Thanskgiving Day, Nov 27, to me at dvolkenannt@charter.net with Julie's Gift in the title. Be sure to include your name and mailing address (so I'll know where to send the book in case you win).

Jodi Webb of Pottsville, PA, the winner of A Cup of Comfort for Military Families, has already received her copy of the book and finished reading it. Jodi wrote that she is going to donate her copy, along with several other books, in a care package she's sending to local soldiers serving overseas. What a generous and thoughtful way for Jodi to share her good fortune!

Speaking of contests, be sure and check out yesterday's blog, including the comments from Connie Anderson, co-founder of the Armchair Interviews, which is sponsoring the Thanksgiving Short Story Contest.

Top 7 Reasons to Join a Critique Group?

Today's forecast for St. Peters: Mostly cloudy, high 65 degrees, chance of rain this evening.

Hope my review yesterday of THE KILLING CIRCLE by Andrew Pyper about a deadly critique circle hasn't scared you off.

If you're still game, here are my:

Top 7 Reasons for Joining a Critique Group:*

*Why 7? Why not!

7. You like to read your works-in-progress in front of others and enjoy listening to others read their works-in-progress to you.
6. You enjoy having your words ripped to shreds in public and returning the favor to your critique group friends. (just kidding)
5. You like hanging out with weird people (just kidding--oops, well, maybe not)
4. Commas and semicolons make you sweat, so you hope someone in the critique group will explain them to you.
3. There's nothing to watch on TV except reruns
2. You have a break between bowling league and softball season

And the number one reason for joining a critique group

1. Unlike your family, friends, or co-workers, members of your critique group won't cover their ears and run away when you start to talk about your manuscript.

Kidding aside, if you want to learn more about the critique group I belong to (Coffee and Critique) visit the blogsite. Tricia Grissom has done an excellent job creating and maintaining the site, which includes markets, writing tips, and her ideas on running a critique group. http://coffeeandcritique.blogspot.com/

Tomorrow I will announce the winner in the Cup of Comfort for Military Families book contest. If you haven't entered yet, you still have time. Just send an e-mail by midnight tonight to me at dvolkenannt@charter.net with "Welcome Home" in the subject line. Include your name, mailing address, and e-mail address.

Book Notes - THE KILLING CIRCLE by Andrew Pyper

Today's forecast in St. Peters: Overcast, chance of rain, high 59 degrees.

First, thanks to everyone who visited yesterday and e-mailed names of veterans they want to honor. I amended yesterday's post and added the veterans' names, along with a few personal stories.

Several people have already entered my "Welcome Home" contest to win a copy of A Cup of Comfort for Military Families. If you missed yesterday's post and want to enter, there's still time. E-mail dvolkenannt@charter.net with your name and address. Put "Welcome Home" in the subject line. I will select the winner on Thursday and post the name on Friday.

Now back to this week's discussion about critique groups.

Last month I reviewed a thriller for Bookreporter.com called THE KILLING CIRCLE by Canadian author Andrew Pyper. The novel is about a critique group with a twist--a deadly twist.

The main character is Patrick Rush, a burned-out journalist and single father who recently lost his wife. The book opens in 2007 with a chilling description of the abduction of Patrick's son, Sam. But that's not where the real story begins.

Rewind to 2003. Shortly after his wife's death. Patrick has hit bottom. He turns to the bottle, self-pity, and bad behavior. Along with his grief, he is overwhelmed with a desire to write a novel. To spark his creativity, he joins a creative writing group where participants are invited to "tell the stories of their lives."

Conrad White, an exiled writer and the group's facilitator, insists on calling the group a circle. The circle meets in a dark room in the Kensington Circle section of Toronto. For weeks, Patrick listens to the odd mix of writers, with their unusual lives and strange stories, read their works-in-progress. While they tell the stories of their lives, Patrick realizes he has no story to tell. Yet, he is particularly enthralled by the story of "The Sandman" told by Angela, and he secretly records her words while she reads. Meanwhile in Toronto, a murderer is on the loose, and the killer's grizly handiwork hits close to Patrick's home and is strikingly similar to the events in "The Sandman."

If you've ever belonged to a critique group or writing circle, you will find this book haunting. If you still belong to a critique group after reading THE KILLING CIRCLE, you might look at your group members in a very different light. Ambition, jealousy, greed, romance, theft, murder--a wicked combination for any group of writers.

Hope I haven't scared you from joining a critique group. Tomorrow's post will discuss reasons you should join one.

Monday's Market - A Cup of Comfort

Today's weather forecast for St. Peters: Foggy and cold. Expected high 49 degrees.

A Cup of Comfort is a market I've been fortunate enough to be published in three times. In fact, just last Friday I received my contributor copies of "Welcome Home," which appears in A Cup of Comfort for Military Families.

My experience with editor Colleen Sell is that she's flexible, open to new writers, and responsive to answering questions. Payment is $100, plus a contributor's copy. Right now, they're looking for submissions for Dog Lovers II (deadline Dec 15) and A Grieving Heart (Feb 1), plus a few other anthologies. Check out the website for complete guidelines and announcements. Here's a link to their site. http://www.cupofcomfort.com/share.htm

Okay, but I promised to talk about critique groups this week, so what does A Cup of Comfort have to do with critique groups?

Here's what: Three members of Coffee and Critique, the critique group I now belong to, have been published in Cup of Comfort books just this year. In addition to my own acceptance, Pat Wahler has a story in A Cup of Comfort for Cat Lovers, and Alice Muschany has one in A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors.

Here's why I think our critique group helped us all get published: Critique groups can be great places to get your work ready to submit for publication or a contest. They are also helpful places to discuss writing and work on improving your craft. After Alice, Pat, and I wrote our stories, we made copies and brought our drafts (or e-mailed them) to our Coffee and Critique group. There, the stories were read out loud. Members offered comments, asked questions, made editing suggestions, or made notes on their copies. Then we took our written-on copies home and polished them, e-mailed if we needed clarification, and revised until the stories were ready to submit. Of course, it's always up to the writer which comments she choses to use, but if several people point out the same fault or have similar questions about something that was read, it may need a second look.

In a nutshell, that's how our group operates, and it seems to be working. If you don't belong to a critique group, you might find one at your local library, college, coffee shop, or book store (ours meets at a Barnes and Noble). If there isn't one around, why not start one of your own or search for an on-line group? And good luck!

Tomorrow, in honor of Veterans' Day, I'll talk about memories of veterans who have a special place in my heart and announce a contest to win a copy of A Cup of Comfort for Military Families, which has my true story "Welcome Home" in it.