SE Witschorke recently posted:
Hi! I am a YA author and am curious about how your group came together. Do you all live near one another or are you all over the country? I had a critique group but feel that they took me as far as they could and now I am looking for a new one but don’t know exactly how to find one as I’d like the next one to be online instead of face-to-face. I am a member of SCBWI.
I figure that others might be curious as well, so I’m answering in a blog post instead of the comments section.
The members of MiG Writers all live in different locations. I can’t speak for the others (perhaps they’ll post their own answers), but I’ve never met any of them in person.
I discovered MiG Writers through the SCBWI discussion boards; there’s a section specifically for people seeking critique groups and group openings.
I feel pretty lucky to be part of this group. I’ve been trying different critique groups for years now, looking for the right fit. I found some were too praise-heavy (not enough constructive critique) and some too destructive (nasty critique without being constructive, ego-politics). Some focused more on picture books rather than MG/YA novels. Some had critique schedule commitments that were too intense/light for my schedule. Sometimes there was too great a contrast between writing/publication experience of most members and my own. Some were good for a while, but then the membership changed or lost interest.
It’s been really tough finding the right group, and I was overjoyed to find MiG Writers. I’m finding that I learn just as much from critiquing the other members’ work as I do from their critiques of my own work. We also have a great chemistry, and support each other in general, not just our writing.
I drew the cartoon above to illustrate how I feel about the group comraderie. We each work in our own little office spaces, but it’s great to be able to virtually meet online with kindred spirits, discussing our writing and sharing tips as well as non-writing news. There are actually six members in our group, by the way, but the sixth prefers to stay anonymous right now.
I chose an online critique group rather than face-to-face because I lack the time for an in-person critique group in my life right now. Critiquing online also has the advantage of enabling me to get everyone’s comments in written form. I do hope to meet the others in person someday, though!
It takes time to do two critiques a week, but it’s SO been worth it.
For those out there still looking for the right critique group (online or offline), here are some useful resources:
Writing Critique Groups from The-writers-craft.com
Are Critique Groups Right For You? by Su Wright
Writing Tip: Finding the Right Critique Group from HipWriterMama
Critique Groups and Critiquing by Collyn Justus
Join A Critique Group to Get Your Writing Moving by W. Terry Whalin
Finding The Right Critique Group: 12 articles on the topic via Helium
How to Pick the Right Critique Group or Workshop by Angie Smibert
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Debbie thank you so much! It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to be in a cartoon. You fulfilled a lifelong dream! I’m officially thrilled.
I haven’t met any of my crit partners face to face yet. We’re international, which is an aspect I love. It gives me a better perspective, I think. I love Rochester NY but it’s valuable to me to have critiques from people with different experiences. And I think we’ll get a chance to meet someday!
Well, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m expecting an invite to your book launches…
Like Debbie, I find it easier to belong to an online critique group at this point in my life. I also enjoy writing critiques — I’m able to think carefully about what I want to say and, yes, revise my critique before I offer it, to make sure I’m making myself clear or striking the right tone.
I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this group!
I’m in a cartoon! This is too exciting. I love it Debbie. It makes me wish we could really get together and chat about our writing with chocolate and coffee. Sigh….
But having this group is amazing and perfect for my life right now. I live in Korea and have two little ones at home so working with a online group allows me to take time for my critique buddies without having to get a babysitter!
Critiquing opens my eyes to different writing styles and shows me what works and what doesn’t. My fellow writers are always pushing me and stretching me beyond what I would have done on my own. I’m always amazed at the difference my work is after its passed through MiG Writers.
But most importantly, I’ve found our group to be encouraging and supportive.
Love the cartoon. I think Christine is the one to the far left.
You’re right Kim! By the way, Debbie, my daughter says your cartoon me really looks like me. I agree.
Thanks for the link! Your critique group sounds fantastic.