becoming a better writer:
going beyond the rejection letter
by britt kaufmann

What do a stay-at-home mom, a retired economics professor, a barista, and a former accountant have in common?

We are members of a small critique group.

Yes, we are a motley crew, ranging in age from our 20s to our late 50s, living from Unicoi County to the base of the Black Mountains (or Florida, during the hard winter months). Yet we all cling to the same desire: to become better writers. And to get better, we know we need honest, frank assessments. We need someone to read our work carefully, to pay close attention to the craft and to us.

But you may ask, How do these women find the time? Easy. Email.

The Structure:
Step 1 – We agree upon a rotating schedule – one writer per week.
Step 2 - On Sunday, one writer emails a piece of prose or a few poems (averaging three to four pages) to the group as a Word attachment.
Step 3 – The other members download it and read it, typing comments into the document in a contrasting (but readable) color. (And anything is fair game: distracting stanzas, awkward phrases, weak analogies, missing commas, or extra spaces.)
Step 4 – The color laden documents are then emailed back to everyone by Wednesday. So, not only does the author get the critique, but the rest of the group does too (though we never read the other’s comments before sending in our own). This has become a very valuable learning tool, to see how others react to the same piece.
Step 5 – Then, the hardest part: The author reads the comments, saves the pouting and wallowing for later, and churns out a revised draft which she sends back to the group.
Step 6 – Once more, the group comments in an alternating color and emails the document back to the author. She will probably revise yet again, but her submission for the week is done.
Step 7 – A new week, a new author, a new piece. Return to Step 2 and repeat.
Granted, there are times when we submit longer work and only ask for one set of comments. Likewise, there are instances when extenuating circumstances will keep a group member from commenting (like the time all three of my kids had ear infections and I was gone half the week).
The comments are not all “critical” either. We are sure to point out the true gems. It helps that we have all worked through Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way and consequently believe that any time we are creative and take creative risks, we are doing something worthwhile.
With that said, we have all stated clearly we do not want to be a part of a group that just pussy-foots around patting each other on the back. If we need support, we’ll find a support group – what we want is a writing group. And I believe we have found that in each other. (Ironically, it has become a tremendous support! There is no better bolster than finding people who help you accomplish your heart’s desire.)
That most of the group writes non-fiction is another bonding factor: we have come to learn a lot about each other and that has built a deep layer of trust.
Underlying this all is the fact that we are serious about our writing. It is not just a hobby. Various group members are actively submitting work to national and international publications, revising books, working as freelancers, applying to MFA programs, and planning workshops and literary festivals.
We do see each other almost monthly at a local reading, so we knew and respected each other’s work before we began the critique group. But these events are not really related to our critique group. Other than that, we have only met once. We didn’t even discuss any of our writing at the meeting, just ate Pad Thai and chatted.
The benefit of communicating on-line is that, despite it being a rigorous schedule, we can do it at our leisure. Certainly, with our busy and frequently conflicting schedules, this has worked well for us. And I hope it can serve as a feasible model for others.
Now, I must get this emailed out to the rest of the group for critique while it is still my week to submit!
Additional comments from the rest of the group:
Katey Schultz - Participating in this critique group continually exposes me to opinions about the craft of writing, provides me with opportunities to question my own techniques and opinions, and gives me a forum where I can receive regular, honest feedback on my writing. Almost fifty percent of what I have published this year has gone through this critique group
fiction is another bonding factor: we have come to learn a lot about each other and that has built a deep layer of trust.
Underlying this all is the fact that we are serious about our writing. It is not just a hobby. Various group members are actively submitting work to national and international publications, revising books, working as freelancers, applying to MFA programs, and planning workshops and literary festivals.
We do see each other almost monthly at a local reading, so we knew and respected each other’s work before we began the critique group. But these events are not really related to our critique group. Other than that, we have only met once. We didn’t even discuss any of our writing at the meeting, just ate Pad Thai and chatted.
The benefit of communicating on-line is that, despite it being a rigorous schedule, we can do it at our leisure. Certainly, with our busy and frequently conflicting schedules, this has worked well for us. And I hope it can serve as a feasible model for others.
Now, I must get this emailed out to the rest of the group for critique while it is still my week to submit!
Additional comments from the rest of the group:
Katey Schultz - Participating in this critique group continually exposes me to opinions about the craft of writing, provides me with opportunities to question my own techniques and opinions, and gives me a forum where I can receive regular, honest feedback on my writing. Almost fifty percent of what I have published this year has gone through this critique group and I can say with confidence that I have grown as a writer because of it.
Janice Barnett - The honesty and thoughtfulness in our critiques is very validating. We are really taking one another seriously as writers. Receiving an honest, thoughtful critique from the other group members - even if it means I have to kill some of my darlings in my revision – is much more validating than receiving a “form” rejection letter from a publisher that leaves me wondering if my work was even read.
Writing is not an easy path. We really need the support of our peers. Being in a critique group with other women writers gives me a feeling of connection that is absolutely invaluable.
Actually, as a result of joining this critique group, I am already noticing a change in the rejections I receive for unsolicited work sent to publications. Instead of “form” letters, I am receiving hand written notes, which say “we can’t use this piece at this time, but your work is strong. Send more.” This says to me, there is at least hope for me as a writer.
Carol Clark - Surprisingly, I find that commenting on others’ work—noting what works and what does not work—makes me a better writer. I become more aware of what I am saying and how I am saying it. That means that no matter what week it is—my week to submit a vignette for critique or my week to comment—I learn something to improve my own writing.
The first time I received a really detailed set of comments I was crushed by the notion that someone found my writing unsatisfactory. So I put the work away for a few days to lick my wounds. Then I took it out and dug in to deal with the problems noted. I came out with a much better piece of writing and it was one I could be proud of. Now I have come to expect and appreciate detailed critiques.
Britt Kaufmann – While we all write in isolation, I think it is very important to associate with and hang out with the writerly sort. Claim your identity as a writer and situate yourself among other people who write – they are a source of inspiration, strength, and motivation. Going to readings is one way to begin showing confidence in your own voice and it is an excellent way to meet other writers who may also want to begin a critique group.
Britt Kaufmann is a stay-at-home mother, co-host of Eve’s Night Out, and webmaster for the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival ( cmlitfest.com). In 2006, her poems have appeared in Literary Mama, WNC Woman, Rapid River, and The Mennonite. She lives in Burnsville, NC. [ britt.kaufmann@gmail.com ]

Readings
OutWrite-Us! (pronounced out-righteous) at Outspoken books-cafe-community-voices:
women’s open mic on the 2nd Friday of each month - 6:30pm signup and the show begins at 7:15pm.
Blind Date with PoetryMalaprop’s
Word!? Youth Poetry NightMalaprop’s
Eve’s Night OutBlue Moon Books in Spruce Pine every 4th Friday reading at 7:30
Fresh Air Poetry Eventsthese poetry and spoken word performances and events take place at various locations around Asheville. Info: jayebartell@hotmail.com
Port City Java Poets’ Play poets and musicians gather for workshops and readings. 1st & 3rd THURSDAYS, 6-9pm - Poets’ Play at Port City Java in Westridge Mall off Smoky Park Hwy.
Info:Poetry_mistress18@yahoo.com. Spoken Word EventsBiltmore Coffee Traders (518 Hendersonville Rd. 277-9227)WEDNESDAYS, 8-10pm - Open mic.
Ongoing Workshops and Groups
Clarity Works (see ad page 35)clarityworksonline.com

WNC Online Writers Group Join other area writers in an online writer’s group. Submit work for suggestions, read the work of others, or just post your questions and comments. Open to writers of any level. Info: wncwriters.com.

Women Poets Wanted Seeking female poets for a monthly feedback group at Asheville home. Info: Jess at 296-0660 or jcpoet@bellsouth.net .

Writers’ Workshop Events WW offers a variety of classes and events for beginning and experienced writers. For contest details, rules and prizes, call 254-8111 or visit twwoa.org.

Other Yearly Events
Carolina Mountains Literary FestivalSeptember 15-16, 2006 – Burnsville
Info: cmlitfest.com