Critique Sessions
Meeting Format
Groups meet in member's homes, usually once per month for 2-3 hours.
Reminders
It is helpful if the host or hostess sends an email reminder to each person a week ahead of time and again one day in advance of the meeting.
Open with Prayer
Session open with prayer, then each person takes a very short time telling about their writing activities of the last month. Because the San Diego Christian Writers Guild emphasizes not just excellence in writing, but also getting published, people who have met the following criteria should get some type of reinforcement during the meeting:
if they submitted something in or made a query for publication,
For example, the Temecula group allows attendees meeting the above requirements to wear a plastic lei during the meeting!
After the initial prayer and report session large groups should divide into smaller units of no more than six writers for manuscript critique.
First Timers
First-time attendees may not bring a manuscript, and must limit their participation in order to observe the critique process. Others may bring six copies of three pages of a manuscript, double-spaced.
Genres
Any genre appropriate for a Christian reader is welcome for critique, even if it is not a Christian piece.
The Critique
One at a time, writers distribute their manuscript to the others in their group and all read it silently, marking the copy with proofreading symbols and helpful comments and suggestions. When all are finished, the designated moderator of the small group starts the verbal critique.
The Sandwich Method
Each critic starts with an affirming statement and is thoughtful of the writer's feelings when offering suggestions, although helpful comments are both voiced and written on the manuscript.
Author's Role
The author of the piece being critiqued need not and should not defend his writing or go into an extended explanation of why he wrote it a certain way.
When all participants are finished, manuscripts are returned to the writer and the next person distributes a manuscript, etc. until all are done.
Leader
It is important to have a strong, but nurturing critique group leader, and a firm, but affirming moderator in each small group.
Comments must be given in a loving, helpful way and the session kept rolling or time will elapse before all manuscripts are critiqued.
Longer Manuscripts
Authors with longer manuscripts may bring a few copies (even book manuscripts) and arrange with other authors to critique outside the group session.