I Met Real Human Writers!
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| Blogobot says resistance is futile image by sacura via sxc.hu |
I mean, I believe you are all
human too, but I have only met you virtually. The possibility lurks you are a
cyborg/robot thing sent from the future where I never publish the really
amazing book I have inside me. You are hell bent on helping me get it published so the resulting alternate universe is freaking
awesome!
Have I mentioned reading the Hunger Games this week has consumed me and
confused my sense of reality? It also threw
my posting schedule out of whack. I'm bummed she wasn't the heroine I imagined. No, she was a real person instead. I imagine that's why the story is so good. But I digress...
Yes, I met with a writing group
at my local library! There were 7 of us.
A variety of genres sat around the
table- poetry, steampunk, mommyism, memoir, children's. We introduced ourselves, and the moderator
shared information about upcoming events.
I had no idea so many writing events took place within a drive from
me. I am so happy to be in with the in
crowd.
We also read pieces and offered
critique (which has been a hot topic lately- here and here.) I have
done critiques before, but they have been online. Before hitting send I had time to think twice and review the
feedback in total.
These readers were fleshy. And
right across from me. And it was happening
right now. I hope I did okay - offering
solid insights and not looking like a jerk.
I suppose if my library card gets revoked, I will know I missed the mark.
The $20 for babysitting officially killed my $10 writer budget, but I plan to attend again. Maybe I can even get to know the librarians through
this group. I find providing a professional
introduction challenging when I am in charge of the two children running
through the racks yelling and spilling goldfish (that they must have found
somewhere because clearly I wouldn’t bring food to the library.)
So what I want to know is: do you
adjust your critique when you are in person?
LOL! that is so funny Laurie! You did great with your critiques and I really hope you return, I know it must be hard finding good childcare though. How old are your kids? I find interactions with other writers to be immensely helpful and I always come away feeling energized.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was exciting to be in the room with other writers. Kids are 2 & 4 - so hopefully I can find a daytime sitter (you wouldn't be able to hear any critique with a 2-year-old running around.)
DeleteI'm happy for you that you got together with other writers. I need to do that soon.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have a little award plus questions for you over at my blog. :)
Plus a LOT of questions! :) Thank you for the Liebster Award!
DeleteIn person critiques are hard, but awesome. My group started out a bit timid, but we've learned along the way who needs what. Last week I told the group to do their worst to a piece I've been struggling with. They gave it to me and I loved it, because I know I'll have a better MS as a result.
ReplyDeleteEach person does need to receive feedback a certain way. I suppose it just takes time to learn what will help each person. It is also helpful to ask for what you want so you can use what you get.
DeleteHello Lauri! I'm coming to you via Children's Writer with Jennifer Young. I've not had the privilege to be part of a face to face critique group. I've connected with a group through the 12 x 12 PB community. When I get the nerve, I'll see what Atlanta has to offer. Have major fun with your group.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam and congrats on your Liebster! I would imagine in Atlanta you could find lots of crit groups. Mine just formed in the area, so I had to hop on it. You can try the SCBWI forums too to love for groups.
DeleteI''ve never had an experience with a live critique group. I'm curious to see which one you prefer. I would imagine that you'd get more honest and detailed feedback via online. I know I feel safe to critique behind a screen rather than in person. Of course, I try to be sensitive too. But with a live critique group, there is more in depth discussions that could take place- explanations and clarifications, etc.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I noticed was rather than being a reader who reads at their own pace and rhythm, I was listening to someone read the story with their pace, their emotion, and their stresses. So I found myself reacting to more than was on the paper.
DeleteI like in-person critiques because it's a discussion; you can ask for clarifications, suggest potential solutions, and get to the heart of why something is or is not working for the reviewer. I find that journey fascinating and invaluable.
ReplyDeleteYes, there was more discussion which made it easier for me as the critiquer to get my point across. But I'm not sure if it was easier for the receivers of the feedback. I guess you have to be ready to hear the critique or at least jot down the feedback to save for the time when you are ready to hear it.
DeleteIn the groups I've been in, the critique-ee would get a written review as well as oral feedback. (The stories were sent out to group members a couple of weeks in advance.) It was the best of both worlds, I think.
DeleteGood for you, Lauri! You've got to make time for yourself, and for yourself as a writer.
ReplyDeleteY'know that is how it felt. Rather than sneaking away to jot down something on the laptop, I was doing something on my own in time that was all my own. It felt great!
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