Wednesday, October 31, 2012

CREEPED out by a Critique Group? Try out @CritiqueCircle! #Wwow


Wednesday's Writing Tip is short and sweet writing advice. Grab your cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy!

Creepy? No! 
Cat's meow? Yes! 

You need a critique group or a critique partner!
 I cannot stress enough how important my writing partners have been. Here I am to share my experience and suggest the best critique group on the web, Critique Circle.

 When I began to write Time Changes Everything, I decided that it would be a good idea to find a critique partner. Since I live in a Spanish-speaking country, it was impossible to find a support group here. I needed serious writers who could speak English and who were willing to help. So, I did a little research and found the website Critique Circle, and boy were these ladies and gentlemen a helpful group! 


I'm so glad I discovered this site. I have learned so much from the people I interact with. The biggest advantage to this critique
 group is the amount of people involved. You will inevitably find other writers just like you, with similar writing genres and a wealth of experience. 

 Overall, here are the reasons why I love this place:

 1) It's free! (Of course, there is a PRO version, which I pay for, but it isn't necessary) and easy to sign up.


2) You can focus on your genre of writing. Mine happens to be romance.


3) There are forums to discuss anything you wish. Most of it has to do with writing, but other times it can be off-topic.


 4) A whole bunch of tools such as Storyboards, Outlining Templates, Name Generator, Submission Tacker and more!



5) The friendships I have made. Although I put this as fifth, I have to say this is actually the main reason I love Critique Circle. It's wonderful to live through the writing process with all my buddies. They are there to motivate me, inspire me, and to help me improve (with no hard feelings, either!) We share in our successes and mourn with our rejections. There's nothing better than seeing one of your partners publish a book! Although I haven't met any of my partners face-to-face, I can call them friends. They are valuable and a part of my writing life. 

 So, my Wednesday advice to you is to find a critique partner, a local critique group, or one online. I know there are other groups online, but Critique Circle is a good way to go. You won't be disappointed.

 Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to check out other #Wwow authors:
Melinda
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5 comments:

  1. Christina M. McKnightOctober 31, 2012 at 9:30 AM

    I also LOVE CC! I've learned so much from other writers on the site :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Chantel RhondeauOctober 31, 2012 at 12:38 PM

    So true, Melinda! CC is the best, and the best part, besides learning so much, is definitely the people.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownOctober 31, 2012 at 4:05 PM

    This is great. I have beta readers but this sounds like a good alternative to use as well. I plan to look into it. Thanks for the info!

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  4. Tammy Dennings MaggyOctober 31, 2012 at 9:56 PM

    I've been reluctant to try critique groups. I've heard some horror stories of writer's having their work stolen, but your recommendation of Critique Circle has changed my mind. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousNovember 2, 2012 at 10:49 AM

    Couldn't agree more, Melinda! I have a 'live' critique group and CC. I love them both, but I manage to get through chapters much faster on CC... and I love the feedback and friendships, too!

    ReplyDelete

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