Ever wonder if critique groups are a good idea? Or have you been in a critique group, only to run screaming for the door? Join me and members of my critique group this Tuesday from 7-8pm as we discuss our tips, tricks and no-no's when it comes to successful critiquing. Most of us have been critiquing together for over a decade now, sharing both triumphs and disappointments and always encouraging each other to keep writing. I always say that if not for my critique group I might have given up long before I sold my first book.

Our members are yours truly, Nancy J. Cohen, Karen Kendall, Sharon Hartley, Zelda Benjamin and Cynthia Thomason - who just learned she won a Holt Medallion for her Harlequin Superromance, RETURN OF THE WILD SON!!! Congratulations, Cindy!!

Cindy and Zelda can't make the chat, but you'll find me with Nancy, Karen and Sharon at This Book of Mine, hosted by author Jianne Carlo.

Chat: The Secrets of a Critique Group

When: Tuesday, 7pm

Where: This Book Of Mine

 

Ho. Sorry I'm late, but had a hard time figuringout how to do this.

I am a huge believer in critique groups - no matter what stage I am in my writing, in my experience, another ear/eye never hurts. Of course, you have to believe in your voice as well. Sometimes it's too easy to let your own idea go :) For example, my first romance, Love's Magic. I reeeealllly wanted to begin my book with the hero puking in the hall, almost hitting our heroine's tiny, slippered feet. It was amusing, shocking, and it set the scene for their conflict. I was told by some of my more vocal peeps that it would never work and it had to be taken out immediately. Well, I put that book aside because it went nowhere. When I sold it, it was with the chapter beginning where I wanted it too. Sometimes you just instinctively know. On the other hand, I was going to name my hero Basilus - I know. Nicholas is much better, lol

Good call on the name, Traci, lol! I like Nicholas way better than Basilus!!! But I'm proud of you for going with your instincts and sticking to your guns.

Congrats on the new book Allison Chase! I like the paranormal stuff. I like the idea of a critique group, but it must be almost impossible to find a good, serious lot of people who are all so intrested and motivated by the same thing, AND all have the courage to be honest with each other.

Tracy, I'm incredibly lucky that way. I've been with a group for over 10 years now and they're like a second family. We're honest with each other, supportive and very serious about our careers.