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ADVANCED FICTION CRITIQUE GROUP FACILITATOR: Roger Robbins, 336-629-1872, uwharrieroger@earthlink.net MEETING TIME: Contact facilitator for more information. This critique meets the third Thursday of each month, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., at the Sternberger Center in Greensboro. It is an open group, meaning that we accept new members. Advanced Fiction Critique Group members write and critique any sort of fiction, whether short stories or novels. Each member has the same goal: to improve our own writing and to help our fellow members improve theirs. We are honest in our critiques and completely supportive of each other as we nurture out writing talents. Advanced Fiction is an "open" critique group, but is only appropriate for people who write regularly, are seriously interested in improving their writing, and are willing and able to create and receive comprehensive written critiques. Members are expected to attend meetings regularly (although we're not fanatic about this), attack their own writing actively, and take the time to do thoughtful, helpful written critiques of other members' work, according to a set format. Being in this group takes time. It will not feel good to writers who prefer to give or receive, "That was nice," feedback. Prospective members are welcome to attend for a month or two to get a feel for how the group works. Continued membership will be at the discretion of the group facilitator. We do not ever plan to become a large group, but we do hope to attract a few more like-minded writers.
Since we began meeting at the begining of 2007, there have been three consistent members: Judy Glazier, Graham Gersdorff, and Amy Wilson. Here are their comments on the group. 1. What is the main purpose of the Advanced Fiction Critique group? Graham - Learning to give and receive thoughtful and detailed critiques. Amy - This is a critique and support group for those who are serious about improving their own writing and helping others do the same. Judy - Our focus is on encouraging our fellow writers and learning by critiquing each others’ work.
Amy - Provide concise helpful feedback on others’ writing, and present your own work to be critiqued. Judy - Members must respect the process we use. This includes using a set format for critiques and listening quietly and with an open mind while the critiques are being presented. Graham - Submit work regularly (although not necessarily monthly), and review work submitted by other members, according to the specified format. 3. What do you think of the oral and written critiques you get on your work? Graham - The oral critiques at the meetings give me a sense of how my writing comes across to the readers. Often, what I think I’ve conveyed is not what was received. After the oral critiques, we leave time for discussion, which allows me to ask for clarification concerning readers’ comments. The written critiques, which we read at home, usually include points not made during the oral critiques, and expand on those that were brought up. Amy - The benefit to the oral critiques is that you get to hear the readers explain your work in their words. You see face to face how your writing affects them. The written critiques are also great reference tools while editing or writing new work. You really see trends in your writing. Judy - During the oral critiques, you see where your writing "got to" the reader, whether in a good or bad way. These critiques are 10 minutes or less, and then you have a chance to ask a few follow up questions, if you need to. The written critiques provide more detail, down to comments on specific sentences and words.
Judy - I learn a tremendous amount about my own writing from doing critiques on others’ work. Spotting problems becomes a habit. In fact, in reading published fiction, I frequently find myself muttering, "Now, there’s something that would have benefited from a good critique group!" I also appreciate good writing all the more, knowing how difficult it is to get it right. Amy - In doing a written critique, you get down to technical basics of good writing, which helps you notice the same problems in your own work. In the oral presentation, having to verbalize your impressions often clarifies your thoughts. Graham - While dissecting someone else’s work, I’m forced to think about the main elements of fiction: plot, characters, setting and theme. Being conscious of these helps me better appreciate any fiction, and also makes me more aware of how they operate within my own writing. I feel that my writing is improved by studying and analyzing the works of others.
Graham - The Advanced Fiction group is different from other groups (both in and out of WGOT) because of the emphasis on following a specific, detailed critique format. In other groups, the critiques usually consisted of little more than, "I liked you story," or "I didn’t understand your story," followed by two or three miscellaneous subjective comments that were usually not helpful in pinpointing the problems. I appreciate that there is less emphasis on "being nice" and more emphasis on thoughtful, accurate and constructive feedback. I want my writing to improve and this group has helped me do that, unlike other groups. Judy - Although we are very supportive of each other, this is not a social group. We’re there to work, and we work hard. We are willing to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly in each other’s work, which is sometimes not the case in other groups.
Amy - This group is difficult. It’s hard to find the time to critique other people’s work and it’s difficult knowing that sometimes I’m taking shots at something very important to them. It’s hard to balance out the need for honesty with the need for constructive criticism and a desire to be encouraging. It’s also tough to see your own writing in a not-so-flattering light and to remember that you can’t connect with everyone or make everyone like your writing. Some aspects of being in the group are disheartening, but overall it’s improving my writing. The tough love provided by a good critique group is what you need if you’re dedicated to being a good writer.
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