By barb janes
Some were already in the Sept. 18 Writers’ Critique Zoom room when I clicked in at 6:45, in time to hear one person excited with the way the Guild’s work is blossoming, particularly with new critique groups. Poetry and BIPOC, we’re lookin’ at you!
Thanks to Keenon, this group’s facilitator, we began at 7 p.m. sharp, as Keenon earlier circulated a detailed schedule for this night. This move eliminated the time-consuming, awkward pauses of “Who wants to go next?”, and he kept us to a tight timeline. This circle had two observers and six submissions of writing representing a variety of genres: creative non-fiction, comedy, speculative/absurdist, straight up short story. One person noted his first response to one of the genres was, “O yuck, come on,” but went on to say that that particular piece (a ghost story) worked well, and stretched him as a reader.
Having indicated via email that I would be a participant as well as reporting on this Critique Circle, I went first. I had to submit my piece twice, as first time I had sent it in PAGES, which not everyone could open (Apple and oranges…er, PCs). I had submitted some particular questions about my piece, and the group’s feedback was clear, respectful, and encouraging, while also offering a note of caution about one element (point taken, thanks!).
The evening flew by, as each writer read their work (complete with screen sharing), then received comments and questions. Comments lifted up particular phrases or images that resonated, reflected on how a narrator also becomes a character in the story; one piece drew a request for more of some characters and less of another. One participant noted a piece had too much repetition: one term was used seven times in four pages. Another suggested a piece could do with an edit for length, that some judicious cuts would make the piece more precise. As readers, we also talked about white space on the page, how separating out dialogue helps the eye move along or signals a shift in tone. There was a feeling of richness, as each work was unique in style, content, mood, voice.
At the last moment, one writer sent regrets (illness), but our facilitator suggested he would read that person’s piece, we would offer our feedback, and he would record that portion of our Zoom and send it along to the writer – a classy move!
I noted that almost all of the six writers submitted pieces longer than our allotted time, and none of us could see the “three-minute warning” in the chat as we were reading our pieces aloud. These circles depend on all participants doing some homework in advance, and, as a writer, I felt the group had done due diligence. It is helpful for participants to get their work circulated to the group a few days prior in order to get wise feedback.
As a writer, these circles impose a deadline for me, which encourages me to stop faffing around and get my seat in the chair. I hope the two observers present on the Sept. 18 Zoom will be encouraged to share their own writings next time. Check out a critique group. As one person noted, you’ll read work that “draws you in and doesn’t let you go.”