Online Critique Groups: A Path to Better Writing, All from Your Comfy Couch

Are you frustrated with last year’s accomplishments? Feeling uneasy about your 2019 writing and publishing goals? Being an active member of a community of writers can help with your anxiety, as can regularly attending a critique group. If you’ve been reluctant to join a critique group due to lack of time, babysitter, or local availability, why not consider critiquing online?

Two years ago I established RMFW’s Online Spec Fic Critique Group. What was my reason for doing so? There were no genre-specific meetings nearby, and I had limited transportation. An online format was the obvious choice for me, and it may be for you too.

Online meetings have the same advantages as gatherings in person. You’ll still receive valuable writing advice and encouragement from fellow writers. And you’ll still increase your network of writer friends. What’s different about critiquing online?

1. No drive time. How long does it take to drive to your in-person critique group? Considering the horrific traffic in Denver or any city, probably half an hour or more one-way. Think of the gas savings with an online group. Plus, you’ll have an extra hour or two a week to edit.
2. The weather is never an issue. Except, of course, for catastrophic storms and power outages, in which case you have bigger problems than missing out on a critique. While crappy weather is an excuse to not attend an in-person group, it doesn’t affect online groups.
3. Great location for everyone. Many writers live in rural areas, making it difficult to attend an in-person group. Hopping onto video chat is their only alternative. Attendees can be from all over the country, or even the world, forming a more diverse gathering. When it comes time to attend the Colorado Gold Conference, writers from isolated areas arrive knowing their critique partners are there for support.
4. Better technology. In most cases, critiquing from home means faster internet, access to your story notes, a large monitor, and the ability to check email or social media without appearing rude. At a coffee shop or library, you’re at the mercy of the wi-fi or your cell phone.
5. Comfort. Choose wherever you like to plop, be it at your desk or in a big comfy chair with your cat. Dress in your favorite sweats or skip a shower. Turn off the sound and camera for privacy and continue to hear conversations. You’re never quite sure what your partners are up to on the other end, or if they’re even wearing pants.

In the long run, if it’s easier to attend a critique group, you’ll improve your writing and edit pages faster.

So now what? Wondering how to find the ideal online critique group? Here are a few of the best practices for critiquing online.

1. Video chat sessions. If attendees see each other, they are more likely to keep the peace in a stressful and critical environment. This also encourages members to bond.
2. Time to socialize. The group should provide an optional half-hour to mingle, share writerly advice, and establish trust. These gatherings remind members that everyone struggles with the same issues no matter where they are in their writing journey. In addition, much of what we learn about writing, submitting to agents, publishing, and marketing occurs during this short thirty minutes.
3. File sharing. Having one place for everyone to upload their critique pages keeps things organized. Make sure files are easily accessible whether you’re using Windows, Mac, Chrome Book, tablet, etc. My group uses Google Drive, but other file sharing apps such as Dropbox are just as workable. If you’re not tech savvy, written instructions or a training session should be available.
4. Organization and clear expectations. It should be easy to RSVP. My group provides two methods: one via email and one via a Facebook event. Make sure there’s an established deadline to upload pages and provide enough time to complete critiques. On a weekly basis, critiquing three submissions at three thousand words each is reasonable. Groups that meet less frequently may require more pages. In either case, spending over three hours a week on critiques is too long.
5. Responsible leadership. The leader should be strong and approachable. She should be consistent when organizing meetings. Session moderators should keep critique sessions on a schedule and interrupt when conversations stray.

If an online critique group sounds right for you and you write speculative fiction, my group is always open to writers at all levels. Contact me at whoward65@outlook.com to get started. If you’re interested in setting up an online group, contact the Critique Chair at critique@rmfw.org. You are welcome to contact me for access to tools to establish your group.

 

Winnie Jean Howard might look normal, but she spends her days torturing characters in the most sadistic and hilarious ways. She can’t help herself. She’s addicted. It’s more fun than anything. She also manages the Handcuffed in Horror Facebook group, a bloody melting pot of horror fans and creators of entertaining terror. The most entertaining thing about her is probably that her nose appears to have doubled in size the last five years. If you like dark comedy, check out her website.