How to Start a Critique Group

A Critique Group can be a Writer's Lifeline.

Apr 29, 2009 Stephanie Williams

Writing can be a particularly solitary career so if the area doesn't already have an established critique group then why not start a new one!

The first step to take when starting a new critique group is to ascertain where to locate other members. Using already established writing forums like Wordpool, You Write On and Facebook is a good way of attracting the attention of people in the area.

Place posters and leaflets in the local library and bookshops. Leave contact details and let people know if the planned critique group will be dedicated to a specific genre of writing – just to ensure that the people who attend are right for the group. For instance, if the idea is to focus on children’s writers then make sure that this is clearly established in the advertisement.

Finding a Venue

Once there is enough interest in the group to organize a first meeting it will be necessary to find the right kind of space to host the critique groups. This can be extremely difficult and aim to find somewhere which will allow the use of a space free of charge if possible.

A number of the larger bookstores have events spaces or seating areas which they are more than happy to utilise for critique groups. If a bookshop will agree to allow use of a space they will probably also agree to advertising the meeting as well. Waterstones are extremely helpful in this regard and if a meeting is being held at one of their stores they will agree to advertise it on their website as an up and coming event.

The First Meeting

So the members and space is organised! What’s next? The first meeting!

A first meeting can be an exciting and daunting experience. Rather than rushing straight into critiquing it can be useful to get to know the other members better and to establish what they are looking for from the group. Ask the members to bring along examples of their work so that they can introduce themselves, give a little biography and perhaps share one of their favourite pieces of writing.

It can be a good ice breaker to ask the members to bring along their favourite book, then they can explain why it is their favourite and perhaps book swap with other members as a way of getting to know each other’s tastes a little better.

At the first meeting bring along a register so that new people to the group can leave their email address and contact details , that way when the next meeting is arranged there is already a contact list created.

Next time……. How to Critique Someone’s Work!

The copyright of the article How to Start a Critique Group in Writing Fiction is owned by Stephanie Williams. Permission to republish How to Start a Critique Group in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Comments

May 4, 2009 10:01 AM

Dulcinea Norton-Smith :

Great article. It gives me a new appreciation of how involved it is to organize a critique group. Looking forward to the next instalment
Dulcie

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