Looking for a critique partner? Someone reliable and consistent? Someone who won’t put you in a position to beg for a response?

It’s hard to find a good and consistent critique partner, and for that reason I formed the Write Stuff Critique Group in 2023. Last year we had 32 members, and slightly more than 12 members remained with us throughout the year. Attrition is a reality because, let’s face it, life happens.

Who are we? 

Write Stuff is comprised of indie and traditionally published authors; experienced and inexperienced authors. No, it is not required to be a published author to join our group. The only things required are English be your first language, you have a passion for writing, and that you write on a consistent basis (daily, weekly).

Write Stuff is also a romance critique group.  We love to write love stories, with or without happy endings. We accept the following subgenres: Mystery, Crime, Small Town Romance, Historical, Regency, Contemporary, Fantasy, Inspirational/Religious, Holiday Romance, Thriller, Family Saga, Literary, Paranormal, Rom-Com, and Suspense. We do not accept Horror or Erotica genres.

We are “not” a Facebook group.

How does the Write Stuff Critique Group work?

I separate members into groups of threes or fours, according to their genre. This small grouping allows critics to avoid being overburdened with too many manuscripts to critique. Each individual in your small group will exchange critiques through email on a bi-weekly or bi-monthly basis, depending on the needs of the group. Members must commit to reciprocate critiques. We are not beta readers. We are specifically gathered together to help you finish your manuscript and iron out all the kinks and wrinkles. Everyone must attend monthly Zoom meetings on the second Tuesday of each month from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm CST.

This year I plan to spend more time delving deeper into what I’m calling “The Editing Process.” As you know, there are many phases of the editing process. I will research and discuss topics like: pacing, characterization, plotting, how to create great dialogue, “show” don’t “tell,” POV, flashbacks that don’t interrupt the reader’s reading experience, using the six senses, foreshadowing, love scenes, word choice, subtext – what is it and how to write it, and so much more. Definitions, examples, and illustrations of each topic will be provided. I’ll also include websites for your future reference.

Writing Sprints will also become a part of our meeting time. I’ll give you a topic, a short scene description, and you’ll write for ten minutes without stopping. Then we’ll have a discussion. I’m hoping to use excerpts from each member’s manuscript so the ideas that are generated will become more useful.

You are expected to set a yearly goal so your small group can help motivate you to stay on track. This is a great way to remain accountable so what starts out as a rough draft later becomes your polished manuscript ready for publication.

Who can join?

Anyone whose first language is English.

What’s the cost?

There is no fee or expense incurred to join this group. Occasionally, we have guest speakers, and there’s no charge for that either.

Why extend this “free” offer?

I am extending this offer to you because I’m trying to increase our membership.

How do I become a member?

Register for membership by filling out the JotForm in this link: https://form.jotform.com/252913584155158

Our deadline for registration is December 15th.

And YES, you can share the JotForm link with as many people as you like. Just keep aware of the deadline.

Donna B. Comeaux

Write Stuff Creator and Coordinator