CRITIQUE GROUPS
SSWC has four operating critique groups. There are three relating to fiction and one for non-fiction. Some of these groups are working at an optimum number of participants, however it is possible to attend the meetings as a guest to see how they operate. Current group members will help you establish a group if you would like to do so.
If you would like to attend a critique group meeting, please email the contacts listed below. We will line you up for the next meeting.
Critique groups operate in several ways. A typical monthly critique group meeting might involve reviewing successive parts (say two or three chapters) of several of the participants works. The authors send each participant an electronic copy of the work. Members then review the work for punctuation, spelling, factual information, consistency of content, plot, characterization, tension and structure. It isn’t all criticism. It is important to point out, for instance, where the writer has done a good job at dialogue, or keeping us interested, or perhaps just in the way a thought was expressed. Those who have had their work reviewed think that they feedback they have received is invaluable. The critique group is really the heart of a writing club.
New critique groups forming
We are trying to form a new SciFi/Fantasy genre-specific critique group and would like any and all interested folks to contact Wes Turner with their availability and interest. At this point we anticipate meeting in the evening once a month on the second Tuesday, but change is always an option. We have yet to determine a meeting location, although keeping near the fairly-centrally-located library is always good. We look forward to your replies.
Also, several members are intent on forming a critique group for query letters. Sign-up sheets will be distributed at the September meeting.
Current SSWC critique groups
Fiction Writer’s Critique Group Number 1
This group meets the third Wednesday of each month at the member’s homes, on a rotating basis. Meeting is at 7pm. This group, in its four year existence, has reviewed a substantial number of full length novels, several short stories, a screenplay and a memoir. Genres have included action, mystery, fantasy, intrigue, paranormal romance and humor. This group is at an optimum size and at present is not able to accept new members. Contact is Tom Hessler txhessler@comcast.net.
Fiction Writer’s Critique Group Number 2
This group meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at one location and has five members. In operation about four years, it has reviewed many short stories, novels, memoirs, science fiction, and young adult fiction. Over the years, visitors have joined the group to see how a critique group operates. Contact is Mort Rumberg mortrumberg1@earthlink.net
Non-fiction Critique Group
The Non-fiction group normally meets the fourth Saturday of each month. The group reports that it only has four members and could accept more. I’m not sure what they have reviewed. Contact is John Powell marchel@jme.com
RESCU Critique Group (Stands for: Royal Elite Supreme Critique Unit). This group deals mainly in fiction, including science-fiction, fantasy, adventure, and short stories. However, one journal is also being reviewed. This group meets at Borders on Fair Oaks Blvd, the third Sunday of the month. This group is at optimum size and is not able to accept members at this time. Contact Sherri Dortch lostinwilton@aol.com
