Share your work-in-progress at Gongdee

Note: Last week, we discussed changing the time to 3 hours so that we would have more time to look at our work critically. With enough regulars bringing in their work to share, 2 hours just isn't enough time to do each piece justice.

Calling all writers!

Join us for a writer's meetup at Gongdee. This is a chance for writers of all levels to come together, share their work, and get feedback from each other.

Please print copies of the work you would like feedback on for the group. The piece should be roughly around 2,000 words maximum. The time will be divided evenly between those who have something to share. If we hit the end with people who have not gone yet, those who are left over will go first next week.

The number of copies you should bring should be equal to the RSVPs for each session. Each piece can be read aloud to the group. Then, we get into discussion and feedback of the presented piece. This is a great opportunity to connect with other writers, get feedback on your work, and learn from each other.

No experience is necessary. All writers are welcome!

What to expect:

• A relaxed and informal atmosphere where writers can feel comfortable sharing their work.
• A supportive community of writers who are eager to give and receive feedback.
• An opportunity to learn from other writers and improve your own writing skills.

What to bring:

• Copies of a piece of writing that you would like to share with the group. All copies will be returned to the writer after discussion/critique.
• The copies should be 1.5 to double-spaced.
• A notebook and pen to take notes.
• A willingness to give and receive feedback.

10 Guidelines for Effective Discussion and Criticism
1. Review, comment upon, and critique manuscripts in an effective and helpful manner—these are the goals of a good writers’ group. Support, information, and even challenges should be part of the process, but constant conflict and misery should not.
2. If you want feedback on a specific point, please notify the group of your concern before beginning to read so members know what to look for.
3. Ask questions and take notes during the discussion of your writing.
4. Your time should optimally be spent on listening rather than defending. Don’t feel obligated to take all the advice. Remember that opinions differ and that you’re ultimately responsible for your writing.
5. Stay objective, not subjective, especially if the piece you’re critiquing is not in a style or genre that you prefer. Make solid suggestions for improvement. Don’t be vague. All comments are valuable!
6. Your comments should be about the writing, not stories about your personal experience with the topic.
7. In addition to verbal feedback, you may make written comments on the copies. These may include grammar, punctuation and other suggestions that do not need to be discussed in detail by the group.
8. When you are giving a critique, always start by emphasizing the good. This is the cardinal rule of effective critiquing: start by telling the writers what works and where their strengths lie. By doing this, you’re kicking things off on a positive note. And it’s much easier for a writer to hear where they’ve failed after they hear where they’ve succeeded.
9. During your critique, please give feedback directed at the writing, not the writer. Try not to start your comments with the word “you”—ever. Always refer to the piece, the sentence, the paragraph, the prose, or the narrative. You’re judging the work, not the individual, and although compliments aimed at the writer might be well received, a subtle but significant difference exists between pointing out flaws in the piece rather than in the person who created it.
10. Constructive criticism involves some compassion. If an author cares enough about their work to show it around and invite feedback, then they’re probably emotionally invested in it. If you’re a person they feel is qualified to provide that feedback, then embrace the invitation as an honor and approach it with respect.
We look forward to seeing you there!