Each critique table is scheduled for 1 1/2 hours. If eight (8) participants signed up, we should comfortably have 10 minutes for the reading and critique of each manuscript. Practice before you come to the table for a “read” that takes half your allotted time. And please have 8 copies of your manuscript so your peers might give you an honest, hand-written critique!
While you’re passing out the copies of your manuscript, BRIEFLY tell us who you are, where you’re from, and whether or not you belong to a writers group. Tell this group what you want from them: 1) a hard critique for something almost ready market; or 2) a brainstormer—“This is an early draft, where do you think it is going and what am I doing right/wrong to get it there?” Other than that, the rule is to “cut the crap and read … and pass the chocolate!” (This according to Bearlodge Writers!)
Be considerate and respectful of the opinions of others, whether reading or offering critique. If you are critiquing, find something nice to say about the manuscript at hand. Is it well written? Does it tell an interesting story? Is it in good manuscript form? Did one character stand out above others? There is good in everything—teach yourself to find the good and make someone’s day!
If other critique tables are close, please keep your voice down so as not to interfere with what’s being discussed by other participants.
Make friends, make contacts. Consider a critique partnership with someone you’ve met at the table. Don’t belong to a writers critique group? Go home and start one! If you do belong to such a group, institute something you’ve learned here and let us know how it works for your group.
We will be asking for a participant at each table to also serve as a group moderator. We will provide a script to make facilitation easy! Thank you to everyone participating!