A.J. French is thinking of joining a writers' critique/workshop

[ajfrench]

Hi all. I'm considering joining one of these workshops where writers read each other's submissions and offer suggestions before the piece is sent out. My questions are: Do these workshops produce effective results (in terms of getting more sales)? Can anyone suggest a good site? Do they typically cost money?

[ScrewMoonshine]

I've never been in one of those workshops myself, but since it's been five days and no one's replied, I'll just tell you what I've heard. From what I understand, you aren't likely to see immediate results in terms of acceptances, but having your work critiqued and especially critiquing other people's work can help you hone and develop your voice as a writer. Critters is a site that I seem to remember hearing good things about. And nope, they shouldn't cost you a cent.

Robert Orme

[ajfrench]

Thanks Robert, I appreciate the reply. Yeah, I've been asking around lately and it seems critters is a popular one. I've never used a workshop either, but recently I've been trying to solidify myself in the semi-pro arena and I keep get rejections, not based on skill, but on things like believability, plot resolution, and story strength. At this point, I don't know what else to do. I write all the time already. So it's either wait for time to pass as I keep writing or try and do something different. I think I am going to join critters. I've talked to some other writers who participated in the Borderlands Bootcamps, and it seemed to do wonders for their sales. Who knows, anything is possible. Thanks.

[crystalwizard]

critters.org is a good site, yes, though if you can find a good critique group to attend in person that's better. It's always better to get feedback face to face if you can.

[Keralen]

Sometimes community centers have writers' workshops. Check around your area. Google "writing classes" and your town name. Also, Critters can teach you a *lot*. I had sold nothing before I joined them.

[H.P. Lovesauce]

I'll add another quiet shout for Critters (I submitted a few crits, learned from some other crits, but didn't sub my own stuff).

And thanks a lot for telling me about the Borderlands bootcamp. So close, and yet so far away.

[ajfrench]

Thanks for the info, guys!