Writers' Group Zoom Programs
How a program works
My Writers’ Group Zoom Programs are interactive developmental editing sessions with other writers. This is a successful formula that helps all writers improve their craft.
​
-
Program length: Nine weekly sessions.
​​
-
Session length: Two hours. Each session, two presenting writers get an hour for reading and critique.
​​
-
First session: An introduction to the participants, the process, reading some short material, followed by the group critique.
​
-
Limit: A maximum of eight participants per program. Limiting sessions to eight writers ensures everyone shares twice each program.
​​
-
Minimum: Four participants are required to start a program.​
​
-
Fees: Per program, see Rates.
​
Scheduling and operation
We'll set the schedule of presenters in the first meeting, assigning two writers for each week. Prior to a session, the presenting writers send me what they plan to read. Before we meet, I distribute the pieces to the rest of the group. That way, when you present it won't be a cold reading. A second read is more revealing, providing better feedback. It also allows everyone to mark up their copy and send it back to the presenter for review.
​
Writer as presenter:
You’ll select what you want to get feedback on and share it with the group. Keep in mind the balance between reading and critiquing. Standalone short story or excerpt from a larger work, what you present is up to you. I only ask you follow the content guidelines listed below.
​
Writer as critic:
During the critique you focus on developmental editing and the macro aspects of the presenter's piece. If you have line editing comments, these should be noted in the marked-up copy you send back to the presenter. ​
​​
What we are not
These are not workshops, coaching, or encouragement sessions to motivate you as a writer. Writers write, so I don’t assign prompts. I assume you’re focused on a project, and sharing that project with the group will be very helpful to you.
While these sessions are not designed to build an online community, you might establish connections with other writers, perhaps developing a network of beta readers.
​
What is expected of group members
For a group to be successful, it needs to function within a minimally defined structure. This is a moderated group, and I make sure everyone has their chance to offer input. While you may present any subject matter or genre, I moderate what specific content is presented to the group. Here are the content and participation guidelines.
​
Content
We share fiction, creative non-fiction—no poetry—and essays. What you write about is up to you. Any subject matter or genre is acceptable, with the following restrictions.
​
-
No gratuitous violence: For example, if your character gleefully tortures and murders victims in graphic detail, you'll need to share a different part of your piece. However, if someone’s murdered or gets hurt in an accident, contextual rage and gore would be expected and accepted.
​​
-
No disparaging content: Don’t share content disparaging anyone based on racial, sexual, gender, political, or religious bias. For example, a story focused on hating a particular race is unacceptable. However, you may present a character or situation that’s racially motivated. The group’s focus is on the craft of writing. Politics and other social issues are not the group’s concerns.
​​
-
Sexual content: No outright pornography. However, sexual content in the context of the characters or situations in your piece may be acceptable—if it doesn’t reach gratuitous levels.
​​
-
Language: Let context be your guide. If your character or the situation warrants foul or offensive language, that’s acceptable. However, the narrator should avoid offensive language for its own sake.
​
Group Interactions
I expect everyone will be polite and respectful. Treat the other members as you would treat yourself. The unique perspective of the writers is just one reason the group is so valuable.
​​
-
Constructive criticism: Don't say, “I don’t like it,” without citing an example and suggestions. Try and cite something you liked and why. Keep an open mind and listen to how the piece is written, not necessarily what it’s about. Don’t say, “I don’t read sci-fi, so I have no opinion.” It’s not the subject but the writing we critique.
​​
-
Don’t say everything: During your critique, focus on the several points you find most important. In a full program, with seven people offering critique, that’s about five minutes per person. Beforehand, you’ll have a copy of each piece to markup and comment, which you’ll return to the presenter after the session.
​
-
Leave your ego at the door: It’s natural when you share your creative product, and it’s not received as expected, you may take it personally. Avoid being defensive. It may prevent you from hearing valuable input intended to help you write better.
​​​
It's your story
Given the groups' different opinions, the feedback can be all over the place. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the critique and you may want to throw up your hands. Don't. In the end it's your story and you'll choose what critique to accept and what to ignore.
​
I work to keep the discussion flowing and make sure everyone is heard. If this format sounds right for you, please contact me using the button below.
​​​