Writer's Group Guidelines

This is a working model, open to changes and additions. It is a compilation of those suggestions most often repeated during meetings of the group, and are very similar to the guidelines for most writing critique workshops. These are not rules, but guides. Occasionally we veer from them, especially when groups are small in number for the day, but in general they have served well as an overall strategy to maintain greatest focus and helpfulness.

The Southern Oregon Women’s Writers’ Group meets every third Sunday at 10:45 a.m. to check in and ask for time to read. We begin reading at 11. The group moves from north to middle to south to middle and back up again.

1.  First time participants:  It can be helpful if you observe the group to see how we proceed and wait until the next meeting to read, but please do read if you wish.

2.  Check-in:  Writers state their name and the amount of time they will need. The time requested should include enough for reading and feedback. Sometimes with a large group, a designated timekeeper will remind readers when they are approaching the end of their allotted time. Writers arriving after the check-in period may read at the end of the meeting if time remains.

3.  Reading your work:  First ask for the type of feedback you wish. You may request having no critique or just supportive feedback. The more specific your request, the more helpful it is to you and the group. Work in progress is given priority over old or already published work. If someone wishes to question the reader’s choice of material or its length (this happens rarely), she may do so respectfully and only if it seems truly necessary (e.g., long pieces not in progress). If you intend to read material containing graphic accounts of heterosexual sex, or elements of violence and/or horror, please warn the group, as some women may prefer to leave the room.

4.  Time considerations:  We try to vary the amounts of time we ask for over a span of meetings. For example, if I take 45 min. one Sunday, then the next time I would take 15 or 20, unless the group were small that day. In other words, be considerate of others. Also, if it is a large group, members try to ask for a little less time than they might wish so that all women have an opportunity to read. If you are working on a long piece, decide on a specific part you most need help with and just briefly summarize the rest.

5.  Giving feedback:  Try to not repeat what another has already said. Likewise, try to limit the amount of feedback you give so others have a chance to point out some of the issues. You can have a second turn later if needed. If you disagree with another person’s feedback, please wait until that person is done, then take your turn. Avoid commenting on the content; stick to the writing craft. An example: In a piece about divorce don’t say, “Oh, I had the same experience and….” Try to say one positive thing you observed in the writing and one area which you believe could benefit from revision.

6.   Receiving feedback:  Just note whatever seems helpful. In general, unless you are asked for clarification of meaning or intention, don’t explain your work or interrupt the person giving feedback. At home you can sort out what is useful and what is not.