Dallas writers: Do you know of any crit groups I could join?
I've been an anti-social writer for might near 20 years, and but for the past few-teen months I've neither sought nor cared about publication.
But now I've got the itch. I found a local publisher and he took up two of my shorts and now I want a novel with my name on it, by goddengolly.
I've never been in a crit group. I'm an engineer by nature (chemical) with a mathematical brain prone to obsessions with algorithms, programming, woodworking, beer, my woman, and above all else: writing.
Anyway, I don't know if I'll fit in with an artsy or subdued crit group. I always assumed the answer would be negatory. I'm the guy who shows up at Bible study with a "Don't Tuck With Fexas" tee shirt. I'm the guy whose last three bosses all said to him: "You're too crass. Tone it down."
To which I respond: "Did I get the job done. Yes? Case closed."
I can be over-bearing, and I didn't want to subject my crit partners to that bullish nature.
I also never wanted to subject my writing to crits, satisfying my analytical nature by sifting my words over and over through the gray matter.
Now that I'm blogging and surrounded by writers, though, I'm starting to see value not only in offering up my wrists for the slitting, but in sucking the blood from other wrists as well.
Any leads? I'm in North Dallas, already called around locally but haven't found much.
Any thoughts on crit groups? Positive? Negative?
- Eric
12 comments:
I'll crit ya. I'll crit ya real good.
Seriously online crits can work too ;)
Online crit groups are a great. With all the wrist slitting and blood sucking, might I suggest a young adult fiction group? :P Roni over at Fiction Groupie (fictiongroupie.blogspot.com) has a link that is helpful on her page to find beta readers. She's also a Texan (Dallas, I think) so she might be a good resource. Good luck :)
Andrew: If you're serious, drop me an email. I'd be happy to return the favor, and in fact I think it'd be a pretty good match, based on what I've seen of your stuff. saulgoode35 at yahoo dot com.
Beth: I'll try the online groups. I saw that Roni's in my area, as are a couple of other people. If I don't get a good hit here, I'll contact them directly and see if they have a resource.
- Eric
I don't live in Texas, but yes, there's many online crit groups. Don't scare them too bad, Eric!
Sorry, I'm not in Dallas. I'm going to try my luck online for a beta exchange in one or two months(or whenever I'm done with these damn edits), but I think Nathan Bransford's forum has a link for people looking specifically for betas and crit partners. Also try the query tracker blog.
My local critique group is anything but quiet and well-mannered. We have a very good time, and are extremely laid back. I found them just a couple of months ago via google. I'll bet if you google "Dallas Writer's Groups" you'll find a ton of them.
Good luck!
Didn't mean to sound like such an idiot posting all of Roni's info there. I didn't realize you were well acquainted with her, given your last couple of posts. Mommy needs a nap...that or a nice margarita. ;P
Diane: I'm sure I'm exaggerating. Really, writing has been a private enterprise for me for so long, I'm not sure how to begin. Getting online on this blog was a big step for me.
RB: Post something up if you find a good site. I'll do the same. I'll check out Nathan and keep my eye on Query Tracker. That's three contacts in this post already, counting Roni.
Christine: I would love to find a real-life writer's group. There's one downtown, but that's too far away, and there's one in my little neighborhood that has two or three people in it. I'll have to try Google.
Beth: How could you possibly sound like and idiot! I'm not acquainted with Roni, but I may need to change that. I'm headed off for a beer, now, so I'll drink with you and your rita.
- Eric
Your description of yourself totally cracked me up! Any crit group would be lucky to have you :)
I thought your logline entry would be up, Eric. I'm looking forward to reading it, Roland
Jemi: Thanks!
Roland: It'll be up first thing in the AM, Texas-time (that's 75 years faster than Louisiana time, because yall are that far behind us)
- Eric
ps. I was born in Lafayette, and let's not talk about all the things that have happened to me in Lake Charles and NO.
Oh, really? Then how come my logline entry is up and yours isn't?
Seriously though, I look forward to reading your five loglines.
As for your experiences in Lake Charles and New Orleans, my half-Lakota mother called this state Lousy-ana. There are certainly some unique people here, and that is for sure, Roland
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