Category Archives: Critique Groups
Angela Looks Back: Why We Must Invest If We Want a Writing Career
One thing I am terrible at is taking the time to glance back. You know, pause and think about how far I’ve come on this writing journey of mine. Usually my gaze is fixed ahead on whatever is next and … Continue reading
Want To Grow As A Writer? Transform Your Critique Group
My mentor Art Arthur, a successful Hollywood screenwriter for five decades, once told me, “There are four kinds of Hollywood producers: the ones that say, ‘Here’s what I don’t like about your script,’ the ones that say, ‘Here’s what I … Continue reading
Want to Become a Successful Writer? Develop Your Intuition
There’s not a writer alive who doesn’t know what an Internal Editor is. He’s the guy in your head who sits back, half-loaded with gin, and snarks, “You’re not writing THAT are you?” and, “Wow…this character is your worst one … Continue reading
Is a Writers’ Association Right For You?
I’m happy to welcome writer S.E. White to the blog today, who is taking a look at the value of writing associations. One of the best things about my job as a presenter is getting to work with the amazing … Continue reading
Six Rules that Keep Critique Partnerships Golden
A long time ago, two enthusiastic yet green writers met on an online critiquing site called The Critique Circle. They wrote stories riddled with hollow characters and cliched plots, but that didn’t stop them from becoming fast friends. Through practice, … Continue reading
Mastering Words: Ways to Evolve as a Writer
Each day, we seek to put our best foot forward. We shower, dress for the day’s activities, style our hair. We plan, organize, gather our things, and check the mirror before leaving, making sure to pluck stray fluff off our … Continue reading
Using a Critique Checklist, or, How Not to Look Like a Twit
When writers ask me for advice, the first thing I emphasize is the importance of finding a critique group or partners. These support systems are invaluable for adding the objectivity we lack and helping us see where our work needs … Continue reading
Margie Lawson Extravaganza (Part 2!)
When I found out the awesome and talented Melinda Collins was headed off to Colorado to attend Margie Lawson’s Immersion Master Class, I absolutely had to convince her to swing by and tell us about the experience afterward. Of course, … Continue reading
Random Acts of Kindness Day 3: Win even MORE!
WOOT! Day three of celebrating Random Acts of Kindness in the writing community! As I mentioned yesterday, the Industry is showing their own RAOK spirit and appreciation for writers by offering some amazing RAOK gifts for you to win. Yesterday, … Continue reading
Face-to-Face Writing Groups
I tried a face-to-face writing group once. It consisted of a couple of very talented poets, an aspiring journalist, and a nice lady who was working on a family cookbook. All lovely people, but none of them seeking publication for … Continue reading