Critique Groups

With a statewide virtual critique event happening next Wednesday, June 17, it seems like a good time to talk about critiques (and if you want to join on June 17, make sure you sign up by June 16!).

Why join a critique group?

I'm sure many (most?) of you reading this have critique groups, have been in critique groups in the past, or at least already know the benefits of having one, but just in case, here's a few benefits that I've experienced. 

• Improving your writing: This might be the most obvious one, but hearing what works and doesn't work in my writing (and refining my own writing by commenting on what works and doesn't work in my critique partners' work) has improved my work. There's often a big difference between the first version my critique group sees and the version that I submit to agents/publishers. 
• Supporting each other: Having a group that I can regularly meet with and talk to about the joys and frustrations in my publishing journey helps me to keep going (and of course, I love celebrating with critique group members as they publish their work!).
• Accountability: Knowing that I said Iwould do something (submit to five agents, write a new picture book manuscript, etc.) before my next meeting helps motivate me. When there's no deadline, writing often ends up as the last thing (i.e., the thing that doesn't get done) for me.  

Advice on giving and getting critiques:

There's lots of advice available about giving critiques. SCBWI has some here. I think some of the most useful advice that has worked for me over the years includes:

• Use the sandwich method: Start with something good, say what isn't working, end with something good.
• Take what you need: Sometimes a specific piece of advice feels like it wouldn't work or would change what I was trying to do too much. If a piece of advice doesn't seem like it makes sense, think about what the person giving it may have meant. Even if their "fix" isn't the right one, knowing that something wasn't working in a certain spot may be helpful anyway even if the way you address it is different.
• Sit with advice for some time before revising. Sometimes there's something in me that rebels against some suggestions. I've found if I wait a day (or a few weeks) after getting the advice, the second time I read it, I understand better how I need to revise it (or what I might not need to revise). 

How can you find a critique group? 

Special resources for SCBWI premium members:

• SCBWI has more information on critique groups and a new feature for finding other members for your critique group.
• SCBWI-MI also has a Critique Group Connection. 
• Connecting with people that you meet at a shop talk or an in person or virtual SCBWI-MI critique event who you would like to work with again.

Why should I go to an SCBWI-MI critique group event if I'm already in a critique group?

Great question! Here's some reasons I like to attend these events:

• Fresh set of eyes: After my critique group has commented on the same picture manuscript several times and we think it is ready, I wonder if someone who hasn't seen it before would feel the same. I would like a new perspective.  Critique events are the perfect venue for that.
• Finding new group members: Sometimes group members have to leave a group for various meetings. At a critique event, you may meet SCBWI members who would be a good fit as an additional member for your group.
• Seeing how other people do it: Every critique group is run a little differently. Seeing how other people handle critique discussions may give you ideas for things you want to try in your own group.

Remember to sign up if you want to come next week!

Writing is a Team Sport By Cindy Williams Schrauben

In my mind, writing is a team sport. You might say, "No, authors are introverts. We work alone." While it’s true that writing can be a lonely profession, it doesn’t have to be. The kidlit community, and SCBWI in particular, is made up of giving individuals. Let them guide you, comfort you, teach you, and cheer you on. The options are endless.

Even athletes who participate in individual sports depend on support systems. Take Michael Phelps, for instance. He swam alone and his goal, in the end, was to stand atop the podium. As writers, our gold medal is that published book (ok, it’s a best-seller or Caldecott, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves). Do you think Phelps would have won 28 Olympic medals without reinforcements? No way. The necessary resources are available to us, as well. Seeking them out is the key.

How about Simone Biles? She has coaches who teach her techniques, help her to overcome fears, and push her day after day. We have coaches too, in the form of more experienced authors and other educators who teach classes, speak at conferences, and share tips online. If you are reading this, you are already benefitting from said coaches under the umbrella of SCBWI. Do athletes say… "I’m the one competing, I don’t need anyone else?" Of course not, and neither should we.

Instead of quitting when things get tough, athletes look up to mentors, soaking in the inspiration, acknowledging their weaknesses, and identifying their strengths. Do you have writing mentors? If not, seek them out. SCBWI is a global community with unlimited resources, both virtual and in-person. One such event that I will be taking advantage of next week is The Graphic Novel and Picture Book webinar with Jonathan Roth (see it and other options HERE). I met one of my mentors, Marcie Colleen at my first SCBWI event.

More often than not, Michael swam in solo races and Simone was alone on the mat. Still, they turned to teammates to lift him up. Who are your writing teammates? Do you have critique partners? If not, SCBWI-Mi offers a critique group connection service HERE to get you started. There are hundreds of online writing groups - find them. You can even lurk and learn without putting yourself out there. When you are more comfortable, participate in social media chats or go to an in-person SCBWI-Mi Shoptalk (see more HERE). 

When I embarked on this journey I didn’t have a clue how difficult it would be. Or how rewarding. Before my first book, This Could Be You was even an idea, I jumped right in and attended the SCBWI Annual Conference in New York City. To feel less alone, I started a newbie group. We met up and faced the overwhelming event together. 

While daring steps like this might not be for everyone, I still count those people as teammates, coaches and advocates twelve years later. I found my people and leaned on them! Learned from them! Commiserated with them! Knowing that you are not alone in an endeavor like this is priceless. SCBWI has taught me how to write, query, and submit to publishers. They have helped me learn how to do school visits and market myself. They have even provided opportunities like book festivals and their online showcase of school presenters HERE. 

I’ve lost count of the number of events I have attended, blogs I have read, and sessions I’ve watched, but I can tell you with all confidence that my books would not exist without the guidance of SCBWI.

Cindy Williams Schrauben is excited to give back to the writing community that has been so instrumental in her own publishing journey. Cindy lives in central Michigan where she writes empowering books for kids that range from the truly serious to the seriously silly. When not writing or honing her craft, this award-winning author might be found dissecting her grandsons’ shenanigans for story ideas, reading on the floor in the bookstore, or eating ice cream… ideally all at once. Her first book, THIS COULD BE YOU, received various awards including a starred review from Kirkus. Her upcoming picture book entitled HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART is due out later this year. Cindy is also the host of Author Pep Talk on YouTube where she encourages other authors to realize their publishing dreams.

You can connect with Cindy at www.cindyschrauben.com or www.direct.me/cindywilliamsschrauben

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Reminders about Upcoming SCBWI-MI Events

• Fall webinar with Sheela Chari- Oct. 22nd at 7:00 pm Registration period: Oct 1-22
• Fall webinar with Cate Berry- Nov. 12th at 7:00 pm Registration period: Oct 22-Nov 12

If you build a crit group, they will come: Emily Wade

The fearful power of the ListServ, or be careful what you wish for: Emily Wade and the crit group avalanche

by Charlie Barshaw

It started like this, a post on the SCBWI-MI ListServ on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 9:20 pm:

Hi, friends! I've been hoping to start a picture book critique group, and I'd love to invite some of you talented writers to join if you're interested. I'm pre-published and in the process of querying, but I'd love to get (and give!) solid feedback and accountability on a regular basis. Surely I'm not alone in this. :) I'm thinking of meeting virtually once a month and in person every three months to start with. 

I'm in Waterford, near Pontiac and Auburn Hills, but we could choose a place to meet based on where all critique group members hail from. Also, outliers are free to facetime in on an in-person meeting if that works better.

Once I hear back from a few of you, I'll set up a smaller email group so we can figure out the details. Thanks so much!

Emily Zaiser Wade

By Saturday, January 25, 9 days later, she had 22 responses, and had divided the 5 or 6 members into 4 groups: Online-only, North-ish, Southeast and Southwest.

Hello again, ladies! 

I’m so excited to see how many of us are interested in helpful feedback this year. I know many good things will come from these groups, and I can’t wait to hear more about it in upcoming emails, conferences, and bookstores! J

After planning and dividing, I’ve grouped everyone into groups of 5 or 6 by region(ish). We’re spread pretty far apart, so that’s a big -ish. I’ve asked the person at the top of each list to get their group’s email started, and you can discuss how to proceed from there. 

Best of luck to you all as you continue on this picture book journey together!

 

~Emily Zaiser Wade

What follows is a short interview with the Critique Group Summoner, Emily Wade.

Why were you searching for a new critique group anyway?

Well, the only critique I’ve received until recently was from a few literary friends who didn’t exactly sign up for the job. I pestered them as often as I dared, but I knew I needed to find a core group of likeminded writers who knew good and well what they were getting into.

Emily Wade

 

Had you been in a critique group previously?

I’m not new to writing, but I’m pretty new to SCBWI and the querying game. The only official critique group I’d been part of before this was a single meeting with my Metro Detroit Shoptalk group. It was super helpful, but they offer so many other events that the critique portion only happens twice a year.

 

What made you think to ask on the ListServ? (And why is Listserv spelled like that anyway?)

Actually, it was some friends from my Shop Talk who suggested looking for a regular critique group on ListServ. I followed their advice and hoped to hear back from a couple of takers. And funny you should ask about the name. Until recently, I actually thought it was LITserv because, you know, literature. I propose a name change.

Southwest Critique Group

It seemed like the initial reaction was robust. Were you thinking, “Wow, two hours and I’ve already got enough people for the critique group I wanted”?

Robust indeed. It was a relief to get the first few emails for two reasons: it was great to know I’d get to be part of a critique group, and it was comforting to see that there were others looking for the same thing.

Some of the On-line Critique Group

And then the replies kept coming. At what point did you think you’d unleashed a monster?

Probably around email number 10. I’d read that the most effective groups are between 4 and 6 people, but I’m nearly incapable of turning people away. I thought I might have gotten myself into a bit of a pickle.

You got, what, more than a dozen responses? Before you decided on your ultimate solution, did you consider others?

Believe it or not, I got 22 responses from LITserv (#productplacement). When we blew past single-group capacity, I figured that organizing by location made the most sense. Unfortunately, I’m geographically-challenged, so grouping by area took me quite a while.

And then, finally, the responses quit pouring in. Did it take a spreadsheet to sort out the possibilities?

While I do love me a good spreadsheet, I just used a Word document with several bulleted lists. I felt like the Hogwarts sorting hat except I decided based on location instead of character. Also, I didn’t sing.

You put yourself in a group that’s already met in person. How did the first meeting go?

North-ish Critique Group

It was lovely! Our first meeting was at my house, and it was a simple get-to-know-you hangout. I think it’s important to trust the people who’ll be helping you kill (and revitalize) your darlings, so I’m glad we got to spend that time together. Our first online critique session was so helpful that I’m already looking forward to next time.

What are you working on writing right now?

I’ve got my irons in a couple different fires, as I’m sure we all do. I’m querying a poem about playing outside and a funny STEM story about weather and climate. I’m also tweaking a silly poem about picture day and beginning a prose story based on my family’s experience making jam. There’s sure to be a gem in there somewhere, right?

Thanks so much for the questions, Charlie, and thank you, LITserv, for your interest in critique groups!

So, how are those critique groups faring? Feedback about feedback

by Emily Zaiser Wade

Charlie delegated the second half of the interview to me, and I'm glad he did. It gave me the chance to touch base with the other groups and see how they're doing. I asked two questions, and the people have spoken: they're doing great!

Kelly 

Question numero uno: Were most of you actively looking for a critique group, or did you see the email and think, “More critique? Sure, why not?”

Kelly Bixby from the online group said, “No, I wasn’t actively looking for a critique group, but the timing of Emily’s email was perfect for me. I had recently finished my first picture book manuscript and pushed it through tests I had gleaned from the revised and expanded edition of Ann Whitford Paul’s book, Writing Picture Books: A Hands-on Guide from Story Creation to Publication. My MS had been tweaked enough that it was ready for eyes other than mine. Emily motivated me to take the next steps of getting to know other writers and becoming a more active part of the SCBWI community. Thanks, Emily!”

Jessine Van Lopik from the southwest group said, “I was already a member of two critique groups, but as a pre-published author, I still crave as much critique as I can get for my manuscripts.  I devour feedback like a monster, starving for improvement.”

Katy

Katy Klimczuk from the southeast group said, “Our group is planning to meet both in Royal Oak and online. I think that most of us were open to the idea of a critique group, and it came at the right time for us. We are all in a place where we would like more feedback and accountability.”

Question deux: What was the highlight of your first meeting?

Kelly Bixby said, “Our group meets on Zoom, so my highlights of the first meeting were getting to see the faces and workplaces of the other writers, experiencing their kind and considerate personalities, and recognizing that each of us is passionate for connecting with children and youth through imaginative and empathetic ways.”

Jessine

Jessine Van Lopik said, “We've only communicated through e-mail and Google Drive so far, but I'm grateful for a group of writers in my area with a focus on picture books.  Everyone in the group also takes care to cultivate their critiques with kindness, while also giving really helpful advice.”

Katy Klimczuk said, “It was wonderful to meet everyone and to see how each person shines through in their work. Two of us brought recently indie published works and it was fun to share them, ask each other questions, and get opinions as we enter uncharted territory.”

Thanks so much for your feedback, ladies! Every writer knows the value of a solid critique group, and it’s exciting to hear how the LITserv has been a meeting place for just that. Keep up the good work!

Big Request:

I'm writing an historical recap of past conferences, back to when I started in 2009 and even before.

There seems to be a dearth of official photos. Like our family, seems like SCBWI-MI forgot to take pictures, they were having so much fun.

But I know individuals have taken amazing photos over the years. (Thanks to Dave Stricklen, who showered me with excellent photos from the past decade.)

Anyone want to volunteer their private collection for a time capsule? You'll be acknowledged  for your contribution, and held in high esteem.

Email me at cjbarshaw5223@aol.com or DM me on FB.

Emily Zaiser Wade loves stories and dessert. She hopes to create stories that are as good as her (nearly) world-famous coconut cream pie. If kids read her books as often as she eats treats, the world will be a better place. If you want to read more by Emily, check out her blog: pastwatchfuldragons.com. If you want to read fewer dessert analogies by Emily, that's understandable.

Charlie Barshaw interviews SCBWI-MI writers for The Mitten, and  meets monthly with the Lansing Area Shop Talk. He travels to school visits with his wife, author/illustrator Ruth McNally Barshaw. He's got four MGs/YAs in various stages of completion.