Critique Partners: Practical Tips & Speed Dating

SCBWI Mid-Atlantic Workshop: Critique Partners: Practical Tips & Speed Dating

Date: Sat. June 6

Time: 1:00-3:30 PM

Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library 

901 G St NW Washington, DC 20001

1:00 - 1:40 PM - Practical Tips For Giving & Receiving Feedback

Presenter Terry Catasús Jennings

Join SCBWI Mid-Atlantic’s Critique Group Coordinator Terry Catasús Jennings for an engaging and practical session on the art of giving and receiving critique feedback. Whether you’re new to critique groups or a seasoned writer looking to refine your approach, this presentation will explore how thoughtful feedback can strengthen your work and support a healthy creative community.

1:50 - 3:30 PM - Critique Partner Speed Dating: Find Your Writing Match!

Moderated by Alana Tyson

Looking for a critique partner who gets your voice, your genre, and your creative goals? Join us for a fast-paced, fun “speed dating” style event designed just for writers moderated by author Alana Tyson who runs HelloSinglesDMV speed-dating events across the region! You’ll rotate through a series of short, low-pressure conversations with fellow authors, giving you the chance to connect, compare projects, and see if your creative chemistry clicks. Whether you’re drafting your first manuscript or polishing your fifth, this event is a great way to:

• Meet writers in your genre
• Practice talking about your work
• Expand your creative community
• Possibly find a critique partner

While a critique match isn’t guaranteed, you’ll leave with new connections, fresh energy, and a room full of writers who understand the journey.

About the Speakers

Terry Catasús Jennings

Terry landed in the United States on September 11, 1961 after a short flight from Cuba. On September 12th, she was enrolled in seventh grade in an American school. Her family, including her father who had been jailed during the Bay of Pigs invasion, was now in a free country. The only catch for twelve-year-old Terry was that she could count in English and recite the days of the week and the months of the year, but not much more. Often being the only Cuban in her school—even through college—Terry knows what it’s like to be the new kid on the block. She is delighted to have the opportunity, with DEFINITELY DOMINGUITA, to portray a typical child of immigrants—no different than her peers—other than she loves the classics (like Jennings did as a child) and thinks Cuban food rules. http://www.terrycjennings.com/

Alana Tyson

Alana Tyson is the author of the picture books "Devin's Gift," and the Jane Addams Peace Award finalist "My Red, White, and Blue." As a native New Yorker (born and raised in Brooklyn), she's an admitted pizza snob and lover of hip-hop & unsung heroes. Alana received her Master's degree in Journalism from University of MD, and Bachelor's from Brooklyn College. When she's not writing she's coaxing story ideas from her 3rd grader or singing karaoke. Alana was a PB Rising Stars 2024 mentor. She lives in Alexandria, VA with her husband and two sons, and now writes full-time after retiring with 22 years in the federal government. https://booksbyalana.com/books

Directions

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library 

901 G St NW Washington, DC 20001

Via Metro: The closest Metro exit to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library is the 9th and G Streets NW (Exit B) at the Gallery Place-Chinatown station (Red/Green/Yellow lines). This exit is located directly across the street from the library. Another convenient option is the Metro Center station (Red/Orange/Blue/Silver lines), located just a few blocks away.

Parking Tips: If you prefer to drive, look for metered street parking nearby, or consider parking garages such as the Public Parking at 9th & G or the Gallery Place Garage at 6th & G. Using parking apps like SpotHero can also help you reserve a spot in advance.