Wednesday, August 30, 2017

An Invitation For Serious Writers





I've mentioned my online writing critique group multiple times here. Today, I'm issuing an invitation to anyone who is serious about their writing and looking for a fair and honest crit group. My group, writers and critters, has some openings.

The group is international and for women only. Sorry, gentlemen. To be considered, a writer will need to send a writing sample and a short bio telling about writing background and general info. The moderator will share this with the group members who will then vote Yes or No on accepting the applicant.

Sound daunting? It isn't. This is not a group for beginning writers so it helps us determine the level of writing and if we think the person would be a good fit in the group. Having been published is a plus but not a requirement.

We shorten our name to 'wac' and members are given a few minimum requirements.

  • Submit two pieces of writing per month (maximum of 2500 words, less is fine)
  • Do two critiques for each submission you make
We cover a variety of kinds of writing:  poetry, short stories, kidlit, personal essays, memoir, novels and nonfiction articles. 

Our critiques are fair and honest and meant to help, never to hurt. That said, it is not always easy to accept criticism of our work but it's what helps us grow as a writer. It's what helps us polish our work so that is has a greater chance of being accepted by a publisher. 

Let me add that I learn a lot about writing by reading the critiques made by members on other peoples' submissions. I am also grateful for the help others have given me over the years. It still amazes me what 'other eyes' see that the writer does not. 

A group like ours with submission and critique requirements does take time, so please do consider that. The amount of email can be overwhelming at first, but we all soon learn how to handle it. You don't need to read every submission or every critique. You do what works for you. 

Our moderator is Joyce Finn, an experienced writer who keeps us on an even keel with love and humor. Joyce sent the following:

“Writersandcritters, in existence since 2004, is an international women-only group for serious working writers intent on honing their craft for publication. We have admission and monthly participation requirements.   Critiques are aimed at strengthening short fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and all other writing forms.  If you're serious about your writing, we may be the group for you.”

If you are interested, send me your name and email address in the comments section found at the end of this post. It will come directly to me and will not be published. I will send it on to Joyce Finn and she will contact you directly. If you think you can manage the requirements and would like to benefit from the help a group like this gives, please consider applying.

About the photo at the top of today's post:  That is a view of the Potomac River where we hold our conferences. Oh yes, this group does meet face to face every 18 months to 2 years in a lovely state park close to Washington, D.C. Those who have attended rate it A+ for many reasons.

If you have any questions, send through the comments section. Remember that all comments come to me directly and then I choose whether or not to publish on the site. If you prefer it be private, specify same. 


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