It's over.
After a lengthy relationship (almost a year?), the members of my critique group have decided to go their separate ways.
This is in no way due to a falling out or irreconcilable differences. We're just heading in various directions and have different needs at the moment. One writes YA and wants to connect with other YA authors. One just has a different style of critiquing and wants to find like-minded critters. And one just doesn't have a whole lot to submit right now (but her crits were much appreciated!). Like I said, we're just not able to meet the needs of the other members. And that's okay.
As one member pointed out, we're not burning any bridges. We're still here to call on if one of us runs into a bind or needs an extra pair of eyes. We'll still connect on Facebook and our blogs. We'll make every effort to meet up at the ACFW conference in September. We're still friends, for goodness sake. Just not official critique partners.
It hurts a little, but it's all good.
Now I'm on the hunt for another critique partner or two (or six). My agent is coordinating a critique group consisting of other authors he represents. I may look into that. Preferably, I'd love someone who writes (or at least enjoys reading) the same genre I do.
So we'll see what happens. In the meantime, thanks to Nicole, Val, and Patricia (and Heidi - who left a month or so ago) for the helpful critiques and advice you've given me. You all brought something different to the table and I can't tell you how much I've appreciated your feedback. Can't wait to see what God will do through each of you and looking forward to seeing your books on the shelves someday!
Now a question for those of you who are currently involved in critique groups: How did you connect with your group and how do you make it work?
9 comments:
*mwah* :)
That's so great that you are parting friends. I admire that you had such a successful group. I have been wanting to start a writing/critique group for some time, but don't know where to start. I don't know many people in my area that write.
On to some new things for your group member. Blessings.
Oh how bittersweet. It's hard to move on, but then again it's sweet to look forward to the new things that God has in store too. I never could find a critique group on my own. So I prayed about it and created one! I contacted my regional SCBWI director for a list of members in my area. Then I contacted them one by one. We've been meeting for over four months and they are such a blessing! I would love to do the same thing with ACFW too one day. I wish you all the best and hope you can re-connect soon!
I have a local group in town but cannot make the meetings, so I keep an eye on what's happening on their forum. I also connect with a few writers online, which is a huge blessing.
Happy weekend,
Karen
Wish I had a local writing group to connect with, Lynda, but so far, no go. I do love reading and connecting with other writers online. Otherwise, it can be a very lonely time out there. I would really love to meet writers who sell freelance stories online. That is a whole new area I known nothing about, but would love to learn about. Sincerely, Susan from writingstraightfromtheheart.blogspot.com
I don't have an actual critique group, mostly because there aren't many writers in my area, and most of them don't speak or write in English ;)
I do have a handful of friends who I'll send my writing to for feedback and suggestions, and they do the same. It's a nice relationship, because we're there when we need each other, and we often help each other out of our writerly problems :)
I should have mentioned that the crit group was only online - we found each other through ACFW. I have one good writing friend locally who writes mostly for children and we've proofed for each other but don't regularly exchange crits. I've never been a part of a local critique or writers group. I actually prefer the online groups, especially members of ACFW because I feel more of a common ground.
:-)
Im a new member of ACFW. How would I get started with a group from there?
Hello Lynda! So nice to see you. I've often thought of you and the many FW friends I made early in my writing career. I'd love to talk with you. Also, if you are looking for a crit partner let me know. I remember swapping with you a few times and if I remember correctly, we both have that same sarcastic humor. :) Wendy L. Decker
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