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Kansas SCBWI

Critique Groups aka support groups


                 

One of the best things you can do for your writing, is to join a critique group, a group of people actively seeking feedback on their work with the goal of improving their writing. Groups can be face-to-face or online. They can be genre focused or not. Groups meet weekly, monthly or whatever schedule works best for the members. Participants range from newbies to experience professionals. Venues range from bookstores to libraries to coffee shops to homes. When joining an existing group, new members visit a few times to see if they fit in.

New groups are forming! When we start up a new group, we start it with a few interested writers plus a mentor or coordinator (someone who has had experience in critique groups).

If you've never experienced the benefits of a group, consider trying one out. Either contact an open group below, or contact Sue Ford, Critique Coordinator, for information on the new groups or forming a new group. We also share info in the Sunflower Scoop about new groups forming.

Writers - Face to Face

Grandview, MO
FULL
Kindred Scribes mainly critique middle grade manuscripts and meet once a month at 6:00 pm at a member's home.
Contact: Heather at htbeers@gmail.com

Kansas City, MO
FULL
Picture Book Critiquers meet every three weeks at the KC Central Library during the day.
Contact: Madaline at madalinerw@gmail.com

Kansas City, MO
FULL
YA Writers meet at 6:30 pm the first Monday of each month at Panera's at 103rd and State Line.
Contact: Lisha at mermensing@yahoo.com

Lawrence
FULL
Meets once a month, date determined at previous meeting.  Two criteria: currently writing, whether YA, kdilit or even adult.  And willing to give and receive input.
Contact: Randy at tweenmom@gmail.com

Leawood
FULL
Meets the first Monday or Tuesday evening of the month in a private home.
Contact: Jennifer at jcb3sons@earthlink.net

Lenexa
FULL
Picture Book Writers Too meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 pm at the Lackman Library.
Contact: Lisa at lisakaye4@yahoo.com

Overland Park
FULL 
The Golden Paper Clip meets the first and third Thursday evenings of the month at Borders on 119th and Metcalf.  We critique novels and picture books.
Contact: Melissa at mgill0627@aol.com

Overland Park
FULL
Picture Book Writers meet the 2nd Thursday evening of the month at Borders on 119th and Metcalf.
Contact: Carol at carolfraserboles@yahoo.com

Pittsburg
OPEN
This new group will start meeting this fall.  The plan is to critique PB to YA.  Location to be determined.
Contact: Casie at sbayliff@cox.net

Wichita
OPEN
The Scribblers meet at 2 pm the 2nd Sunday of each month  at Watermark Books. Encouraging and informal atmosphere.
Contact: Stephanie at casiehermansson@gmail.com

Wichita
FULL
The Weekday Writers  meet every 3rd Friday at 10 a.m.  Location: TBD
Contact: Iris at terryp505@msn.com 

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Volunteer

If any of you are interested in mentoring a critique group for a time or two, contact Sue Ford, Critique Coordinator.

Writers - Online

Kansas State Online - Penights

FULL

Contact: Linda at lmickhenry@hotmail.com


Picture Book Group Online
OPEN
Contact: Lindsay, at lindsaymillerks@hotmail.com

Middle Grade Novel Group Online
OPEN
Contact: Paul at pwcook1@kc.rr.com

YA Novel Writers Online
FULL
Contact: Kim at xandismother@gmail.com

Nonfiction Writers Online
OPEN
Contact: Debra at debra_mcarthur@hotmail.com

Children's Magazine Writers
OPEN
Contact: Michelle at mlbrown90@att.net 


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Illustrators

Illustrator Group - meets every 3 months and has online discussions, plus gives each other assignments. 
Contact: Chanda at ckzmoon@iland.net


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NEW GROUPS
WE'D LIKE TO START

YA Writers - on the Kansas side of the line.


Picture Book Writers - yet another face-to-face group. 


Contact Sue Ford, Critique Coordinator, at ks.critique@yahoo.com if you're interested in either group above.

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Still Can't Find a Group?

Need a critique group and none of these work for you?  Contact Sue Ford, Critique Coordinator.

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Illustrations by Kate Barsotti
Resources

Critiquing in Your Jammies by Gail Martini-Peterson

The Give and Take of Critique by Linda Sue Park

Join a Critique Group to Get Your Writing Moving by W. Terry Whalin

How to Survive a Critique...and More: Let's Talk Troubleshooting by Becky Levine 

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After attending her first SCBWI critique group, Kendra Mathewson said, 'What a great night! I am still floating. I told a friend, "I feel like I've reclaimed a dream that was stolen from me."'

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It's a professional best practice!
Use standard manuscript format for critique and submission

 

 
 

Kansas SCBWI is a regional chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.  Membership is through the international organization at www.SCBWI.org.