A virtual, drop-in critique group just for you. The CBW, member only event, will take place on the third Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM Eastern Time beginning on May 21st. The purpose of this group is to allow authors a chance to get feedback on a particular passage, chapter, or even paragraph.

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A link to the session is posted on the website under the tab for Group Questions – Critiques.  To find this tab, over over the “More” button in the navigation bar and you’ll see the tab in the drop down menu.  The link is live but nobody will be there until May 21st at 7:00 PM Eastern Time.

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About the session: 

This will be a drop-in session. There are no monthly commitments but if you join a session, you must be able to stay until the session is done. Depending upon the number of people, a session can be up to two hours. (no more). Authors will read a small portion of their work and the other members of the session will give thoughtful responses to what they hear. (see critique guidelines below) If you are late to the session, you may not get a chance to read. 

 

Expectations of the speakers: 

Each author will share their computer screen to allow the listeners to read while they listen. They will provide a quick summary, if needed, and tell the listeners  what type of feedback they want, like pacing, development, word usage, character interest...etc.  Saying "anything" is okay too. Then they will read a portion (up to 5 double spaced pages, 12 point font)  of their work to the group. 

 

No advanced sharing is needed.

 

Expectations of the listeners: 

Since this is the first time listeners will hear the words, their responses will be unique and fresh. Each listener will listen without interruption. They will take notes if needed to remember what they want to say. Listeners will take turns remarking about something. There are no "passes" in this group, even if all you want to say is, "Fantastic job!" You must say something. 

 

All participants will follow the critique guidelines below.

 

Be Constructive and Specific: Avoid vague feedback like "I liked it" or "this is bad". Explain why something works or doesn't, such as "this dialogue makes the character seem hesitant".

 

Balance Positives and Negatives: Highlight strengths alongside weaknesses to keep the author motivated. A good ratio is often cited as 1/3 positive, 2/3 critical.

Focus on the Work, Not the Author: Review the story, not the writer. Avoid personal, moral judgments on characters, and do not assume the narrator is the author.

Use "I" Statements: Frame feedback around your personal experience as a reader to avoid sounding accusatory, such as "I felt confused by..." or "It seemed to me...".

Don't Rewrite the Work: Point out problem areas (e.g., "the pacing feels slow here") rather than rewriting scenes, which imposes your voice over the author's.

 

Respect Boundaries: Only critique what the author asks for, and do not offer unwanted, unsolicited advice.