Listen to fellow writers share their work and receive constructive feedback and
encouragement on your work.
Critique Circles for prose are offered on the second Tuesday of the month and the third Wednesday of the month, and the poetry on the last Tuesday of the month. The BIPOC group meets on the last Thursday of the month and the NEW Memoir and Creative Nonfiction meets on the last Tuesday of the month.
For instructions on attending these virtual sessions, which are free for members, email with “Critique Session” in the subject line.
Guidelines
Participants share and improve their work, while growing as both writers and individuals. The Critique Circle supports participants to do so by walking alongside each other, and offering feedback that both encourages and challenges, with a focus on compassion and kindness. Please review these two links to ensure the best experience.
Program News
May 1, 2025
What to Do with Critique from a Critique Circle?
By barb janes Against the stereotype of the lonely writer pecking away at a keyboard in some dreary attic, the Manitoba Writers’ Guild Critique Circles offer great community with fellow wordsmiths, and opportunity to share work. More, the Circles also expect participants to read the submissions of other writers and offer feedback. As a participant, I take notes of feedback offered…but, as I’m churning out the first draft of a novel (vomit edition!), I’m squirrelling …
February 3, 2025
BIPOC Critique Circle Meets
The BIPOC Critique Circle met in person on Jan. 23, 2025. People arrived between after 6 p.m., and the group relaxed and took the time to get to know each other. A potluck dinner commenced around 7 p.m., followed by the meeting starting at 8 p.m. The group listened and provided feedback to readings by Tula, Jenn, Mubo, Ralph, and Zilla. Tolu shared her poem, “Ascension for Desire,” with attendees finding it relatable and enjoying …
July 3, 2024
My Last Evening as a Critique Circle Moderator
By Sharon Hamilton One of the many privileges I have enjoyed in the Manitoba Writers’ Guild has been to co-moderate our “Final-Wednesday-in-the-Month Critique Circle.” Time, however, is the new gold, and my resources of time do not allow for the kind of preparation our critique circle participants warrant, such as carefully reading the pre-submitted manuscripts and planning a supportive, constructive critique of each one. Fortunately, the Guild is blessed with many leaders and volunteers, and …
