CRITIQUE GROUPS
Critique Groups are for writers in the process of longer works, where they share work, elicit feedback, and build their own feedback skill.
WHEN:
Critique Groups meet one time per month, at the same day and time, and are year-round. They cycle from September to August, with new registration renewed each year for those returning. A year in one of our Critique Groups usually consists of 11 meetings. Most writers in these groups spend several cycles from beginning to completion of the work they’ve workshopped in the group. Often, they begin a new cycle with another piece, using the skills they’ve learned to move forward.
WHERE:
Some Critique Groups meet in person, some online. Some are hybrid. Often, the meeting venue is left up to the process of the facilitator and their group of writers. Each Critique Group is associated with a public library, whether they meet in person or online, and is considered part of that library’s offered event calendar. We try to offer groups in as many local libraries as we can, and will continue to grow this program. If you don’t see us in your library calendar, you might next year!
FACILITATORS:
Seven Bridge Critique Groups are run by a facilitator who makes sure that all writers feel safe and comfortable sharing, and who teach and encourage feedback skill- building. Many of our facilitators are published authors; most are present or retired teachers; all are writers. Facilitators are trained in Seven Bridge Writers’ guidelines and expectations, as well as how to follow the Amherst Method of providing feedback, either fully or with augmentation. We are facilitators rather than teachers because our job is primarily helping writers work together. While we do teach and impart skills, facilitation is more of a collaborative role. While filling the critical function of fostering success of the group, the facilitator is almost always part of the group,
WRITERS:
Seven Bridge Critique Groups are designed for beginning, intermediate, and advanced writers. Any writer who would like deeper critique of their work is welcome to register with one of our groups. While most works are long-format, some are not.
HOW:
The critique group cycle is as follows. First, the writer sends 15-20 pages of their work in progress to the workshop members once a month. Next, the writer reads the pages of other writers in the group in preparation for the critique group session. Finally, the writer provides constructive feedback during the critique session. This process is repeated eleven times during the year.
