Fantasy Crit Groups

[mm511]

So, all these LJ communities are great, but I'd like to join something a bit more regular. You know, the kind of workshops that have a small group of contributors; once a week, one person submits something, everyone critiques it, rinse and repeat. I like the thought of getting *required* feedback from some of the stuff I send

Comments

[chibibluebird]

Actually, if it's a novel you got it's probably best to exchange whole-novel critiques. Find a reviewer who gives good advice on Critters or OWW (or etc.) and arrange it with them. Critiques of single (high-numbered) chapters are hard to get and sometimes useless.

[mm511]

Yeah, that's a good point. It's partly why I like the idea of a structured, round-table sort of deal, like I have with this MuseItUp club, because you can send sequential chapters so that the critters follow the story. It appears, though, that sort of rigorous, small workshop is an endangered species on the Net, so I may have to settle for the more broadband approach of LJ and such.

Thanks, though. And thanks for the websites you linked in your other comment, too. :-)

[mult1pa55]

If you find that group, let me know! Many groups are populated with the well-meaning but fickle dilettante who likes the idea of being a writer better than the actual work of sitting down and writing. And that's not a criticism. I am guilty of this myself, but in the visual arts medium.

But seriously, let me know.

You might like www.critiquecircle.com. It's free, and so far the critiques I've gotten have been pretty useful.

[mult1pa55]

...Well, it's not really a criticism. ;p

[mm511]

I agree. Part of my problem is finding a mature group of people who are able to straddle the line between "I love everything about this!" and "Everything you wrote sucks so badly you should just shoot yourself!" It seems that people tend to one extreme when they critique, whereas I like a nice, happy medium. Very rarely have I ever encountered a piece, whether the author is a seasoned professional or a novice, that is entirely perfect or entirely worthless.

Couple that desire for the middle way to the relatively confusing realm of fantasy novels, at least for those who haven't read fantasy novels before, and you get a pretty difficult thing to search for.

If I do find anything, though, I'll be sure to let you know.