My Grateful Post

I’m prone to complaining. 

There. I said it. 

If fact, I like to joke that I’m not happy unless I’m UNhappy about something. But favorite pastime aside, this has been one of those weeks when I’m sure I must be on a soap opera or maybe trapped in a YA book. It started with needing bifocals and ended with being put on high blood pressure medication. (Ok, so maybe not so much YA and more like AARP. :-) )

But as challenging as it’s all been, it’s almost Thanksgiving and I’m feeling grateful for many things. And I’d like to take a moment and celebrate a few things: 

My super talented critique partners - Andrea, Christy, Debbie, Kate, and Susan - who not only make me a better writer but a better person as well. (And who are really good listeners.) 

My agent, Marie Lamba, who always makes me feel like a rock star even though I know that’s not true.

Sites that teach me so many thing or just bring me joy. Sites like: 

http://kidlit.com/

http://andrea-mack.blogspot.com/
http://www.literaryrambles.com/

http://www.verlakay.com/

http://author2author.blogspot.com/

http://christinafarley.blogspot.com/

http://inkygirl.com/

http://cynthialord.livejournal.com/ 

Too many wonderful books to list! (Duh.) 

Editors who work tirelessly and patiently to make us look good. 

Everyone who shows up to read this blog.

That the first draft of my new book is done. (I really hate first drafts. I’m a revision kind of girl.) 

That I have a new non-fiction book coming out next year.

And I’m especially grateful for The News That Shall Not Be Shared (yet) :-) 

What or who are you thankful for this season? 

Comic: Critiquing Rule #1 (& Tips On Finding The Right Critique Group)

One of the reasons I felt so lucky when the MiG Writers' group let me join: I never had to go through the above scenario. :-)

To those still looking for a critique group: make sure you find a group in which members are at the same or (preferably) higher level of writing experience. If you find yourself feeling as if you're not getting as much from the group as you're giving, then it's time to move on.

For those who are wondering, I found out about the MiG Writers when they posted on the SCBWI message boards saying they were looking for one more member. Here's the link to the Critique Groups forum, but you need to be an SCWI member to access it.

Before you join a critique group, try to find out as much as you can about the group and its members. The more experienced groups usually will do the same, asking questions to make sure you're the right fit within the group.

Some questions to ask about the group:

How old is the group? More experienced groups have had time to settle into a rhythm and system that works for everyone.

How experienced are its members? How much writing experience? How much publication experience, if any?

What types of writing are acceptable for critique? If at all possible, join a group that focuses on your writing interest. If it's a group that critiques multiple age groups and genres, then be prepared to do a wide range of critiquing in genres you may not be familiar with.

What are the rules for critiquing? How often are members expected to submit material for critiques (and how many words/pages)? How often are you required to critique? What if you need to take some time off (e.g. vacation or other personal commitments)?

After trying out several critique groups, I finally found the PERFECT GROUP, at least for me: the MiG Writers. I learn as much or more from critiquing as I do being critiqued.

Thank you, MiG Writers! :-)