Writing Critique Workshop

A good creative writing critique workshop, whether at a summer writing program, part of an MFA seminar, or at your home, needs clear expectations and boundaries in order to serve the writers. When joining a group, ask if they have written guidelines, or if they can easily tell you how they function. Having rules keeps the group on purpose so it does not dissolve into a social club. Rules should include: level of commitment, logistics and agenda format, critique methodology, communication guidelines for handling conflict, and intake of new members.

A commitment statement is a general agreement among members about their intentions, especially pertaining to attendance and submission. An example of a stated commitment is: "We are a group of working writers. We agree to come to every meeting unless illness or travel interferes, to bring work (our own and the critiques for others) as scheduled, to critique others' work thoroughly, and to provide one another with support for writing and the writing life."

Logistics and agenda format should include

• When and for how long the group will meet
• The number of people in the group--I recommend no more than 6, although in academic settings, a skilled facilitator can handle 10-12.
• A schedule for manuscript distribution and guidelines for formatting manuscripts.
• The agenda and time format for each meeting should allow for a check-in time at the beginning, the critique process, and general questions at the end.
• Whether the group is facilitated by a single person or rotates among members, the most essential roles of the facilitator are timekeeping, keeping participants on purpose, and enforcing group rules.

How to critique a manuscript. Critique methodology includes the kind of feedback to be provided and how it is presented and received. Structuring written and spoken critique remarks so that what works precedes what needs work emphasizes the positive. Specific feedback is more helpful than saying something is "good" or that "I like it." All information should be given in a helpful and supportive manner while also being honest.

Establishing the rule that the person being critiqued remains silent curtails discussion and prevents defensive replies that can lead to conflict. After being critiqued, the writer may ask questions to illuminate her understanding of the critique. Critiques are opinions and the writer may disregard as she wishes.

Communication guidelines provide rules that make the group safe by delineating how to deal with conflict. One good rule is that a problem with any person in the group should be taken up with that person. Another is to avoid triangulation (where 2 or more people in a group take sides against another). And a third is that should the group be threatened by the behavior of a member (such as someone not keeping their commitment of attendance or submission), the issue should be brought to the whole group with that member present.

New members should be sought who will fit with the current membership. The process of recruiting is easier if there are both predetermined criteria and an application process. The group may ask for manuscript submission, attendance at a meeting, and/or submission of a sample critique. Having these guidelines in place assures the likelihood of finding a good match for the group, someone who is committed and will stay.

Peggy Tabor Millin
2006
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