Today’s Writers’ Tip: Are Critique Groups Valuable?

ARE CRITIQUE GROUPS VALUABLE?

Some members of the Susquehanna Valley Writers Group, Selinsgrove, PA

Absolutely, undeniably yes. My local critique group has helped make me the writer I am.

One of the most valuable tools you’ll ever have in your writing career is a local critique group comprised of other writers.

Some groups meet once a week; others meet once a month. The choice is for the group to make. Some groups meet in the members’ homes; others meet at libraries, bookstores, or cafes with quiet corners. Again, the choice is the group’s.

If you don’t belong to a local critique group, make it a priority to join one. If you aren’t sure there even is one, then determine to start one yourself.

So, how do you get the word out that you are interested in a critique group, either joining or starting?
1. Ask for information at your library or bookstore. If they know of no critique group, prepare an 8 1/2 x 11 poster and ask if you can post it. Put your name, phone number, and email address on the poster.
2. Mount posters in your local grocery stores and mini-marts.
3. Place a free ad in your local “service” newspaper, the one that allows you to buy and sell without paying for an ad.
4. Call other local authors you know and ask about a critique group. If they aren’t members of any, encourage them to help you start one. You really only need three or four other writers to start, and not all need to represent the same genre. Six to eight members are ideal if you plan to meet for two or three hours at a time.

So, there you have it. Get busy with that critique group. If you become accountable to someone for your writing on a regular basis, you will write more often, and you’ll write better!

(Next time: The Guidelines for a Successful Critique Group)

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MY FIRST BOOK IN THE TOMMI POCKETS TRILOGY IS AVAILABLE!

TOMMI POCKETS

A TWEEN HISTORICAL FICTION TAKING PLACE IN THE 1950s

Tommi Leland wishes she was a boy. But why?

https://amzn.to/2Zkx48L

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10 Reasons Why You Should Attend a Writers’ Conference

TEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND A WRITERS’ CONFERENCE

              Two 2017 MCWC Faculty Members: Torry Martin + Carol Wedeven

1. Your family loves what you’ve written, but now you’ll get the full scoop from editors and agents of how good your manuscript really is (or isn’t).
2. You’ll learn how to properly submit your work to a publisher.
3. You’ll discover that your high school English needs A LOT of brushing up.
4. Words like “genre,” “royalty publishing,” “submission,” and “elevator pitch” will finally have meaning.
5. You’ll have the opportunity to talk shop with best-selling authors.
6. You’ll be able to attend dozens of workshops that will teach you all aspects of the writing/publishing business.
7. You’ll be able to purchase “how-to-write” books at a reduced price that will help you hone your craft.
8. You’ll be able to meet the editor or agent of your choice to show your work.
9. You’ll make new writer friends who will encourage you by email or phone.
10. You’ll leave with the determination to revise, revise, revise and get your work published.

Faculty Member:
Artist Dave Weiss

 

We just had a terrific week at the Montrose Christian Writers Conference. I’m sorry if you weren’t able to join us. Take a peek at what you missed and make plans to attend next year.

http://www.montrosebible.org/OurEvents/tabid/113/page_550/1/eventid_550/58/Default.aspx

Marsha, Director

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Get Your Work Published!

DO YOU NEED HELP TO GET YOUR WORK PUBLISHED?

COME TO THE MONTROSE CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE, MONTROSE, PA

July 17^th – 22^nd

Thinking of self-publishing your book? Award-winning author Michelle Lazurek will have a continuing afternoon series for you to learn the ups and downs of doing it yourself.

Having trouble understanding all those little icons in the Microsoft WORD menu at the top of your documents? How do you insert a picture? Bullet points? A footnote? Author/illustrator Brenda K. Hendricks will explain in depth how to use WORD as you write your manuscript.

Working on a tween or teen novel? Author Marti Pieper and best-selling author Karen Whiting will show you exactly what you need to do to get that manuscript published.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Needing an agent? Hartline Literary Agent Jim Hart will tell you how to get that agent.

Writing some short pieces or feature/news articles? Authors Patti Souder and Kathy Ide and best-selling author Jeanette Windle will share what needs to be done to get that short work published.

These are only a few of the 40+ afternoon workshops and seminars offered at this year’s Montrose Christian Writers Conference. Check out all the details (including a registration form) at http://www.montrosebible.org/OurEvents/tabid/113/page_550/1/eventid_550/58/Default.aspx  

We’d love to see you there!

Marsha

Director MCWC 2016

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