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Kansas SCBWI
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Critique 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 (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, Regional Advisor, 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
Middle Grade Writers meet once a month at 6:00 pm at a member's home.
Contact: Katie at
ktwhlr@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
OPEN
Picture Book Writers Too meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 pm at the Lackman Library.
Contact: TBD, meanwhile Sue Ford, Regional Advisor

Overland Park
OPEN 
The Golden Paper Clip 
meets the first Thursday evening 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

Wichita
OPEN
The Scribblers meet at 2 pm the 2nd Sunday of each month  at Watermark Books. Encouraging and informal atmosphere.
Contact: Stephanie at
www.sbayliff@cox.net


***

Volunteer

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

Writers - Online

Kansas State Online - Penights

FULL

Contact: Linda at lmickhenry@hotmail.com


Picture Book Group Online

FULL
Contact: Jennifer at jjenld@juno.com
 

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

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


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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 Novel Writers
 Online

Northland Middle Grade Writers

Weekday Wichita Writers - chapter books, middle grade, YA


Contact Sue Ford, Regional Advisor, if you're interested.

***

Still Can't Find a Group?

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


***

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

***

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."'

***

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.