Comments | write_away: Fantasy Crit Groups

mm511 in write_away

Fantasy Crit Groups

Apr 17, 2007 16:23

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 ( Read more... )

user: mm511, type: question

Comments 13

lovelikeheaven April 17 2007, 20:50:22 UTC

if you'd like to create such a group, i'd love to join :)

mm511 April 17 2007, 21:05:20 UTC

Ha ha ha ha. I wish I could, but I doubt I'd be able to round up enough interest in it.

chibibluebird April 17 2007, 20:52:32 UTC

The best one is OWW but you have to pay after the first month. I do suggest you try it for that month, though. It's very good.

There's also http://groups.yahoo.com/group/owww/
but their critique requirements are pretty hardcore. (I think you need to keep a 6:1 ratio or something...)

I've also heard good things about hatrack and http://www.libertyhallwriters.org/
but I have not been a member so I can't recommend them.

mm511 April 17 2007, 21:16:28 UTC

As far as what I said in writingfeedback in my now-deleted post, I didn't appreciate the tone that guy took with me. I asked a simple question; he had no reason to be passive-aggressive and rude. You and I have spoke before through LJ, often critting each other's work. You should know I am neither insulting nor condescending unless the situation requires it. And I am always faux-cutesy.

chibibluebird April 17 2007, 21:32:52 UTC

Oh no problem. That place has been in a downward spiral for a long time. I guess I'm just prone to sympathise with the moderators as I've been there a long time and they've been helpful.

and =)

chibibluebird April 17 2007, 20:56:40 UTC

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 April 17 2007, 21:02:10 UTC

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 April 17 2007, 21:05:50 UTC

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 April 17 2007, 21:07:19 UTC

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

Thread 5

smeddley April 17 2007, 22:54:43 UTC

I see it thrice! But I shall comment here... just because ( ... )

kas_eala April 18 2007, 01:05:25 UTC

Let me know, too, if you find a group. I'm also a fantasy writer and working on novels. Sounds like a worthwhile search, and I agree with Smeddley, fantasy is granted some major knocks. Never pass up non-writers as critiquers, they are helpful.

mm511 April 18 2007, 01:26:03 UTC

Well, I started a group. Don't know how useful it'll be: depends on the quality and quantity of members we can get to join. I made a new post in the community about it. Check it out, if you'd like.