Our Critique Coordinator, Kathryn LeRoy, walks us through the best way to make the most out of critiques and critique groups.
March Meeting-Critique Groups Aren’t Born—They’re Made with Kathryn LeRoy
What does it take to make a strong critique group community? The fun begins with showing up and answering six simple questions. The first five set the tone for respectful and open dialogue, but the sixth question raises the bar for what each member can give and gain through actionable feedback.
About Our Guest Speaker
Kathryn’s love of all things literary led her to education, where she has taught children and adults. She writes fiction and nonfiction picture books, poetry, and essays. Kathryn is a member of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, Kirsten W. Larson’s Reimagine Insiders, and SCBWI, serving as the Critique Group Coordinator for the Brazos Valley region.
General Meeting Information
Our meetings are free and open to the public. We encourage you to invite members of the Brazos Valley writing community to join us!
Our regional meetings feature guest speakers sharing writing and illustration tips as well as industry news and social time for members to meet and network. Meetings are preceded by a gentle critique (see below). Meetings are streamed via Zoom and available for replay. Login details and replay links are available on each meeting's event page.
Meeting times:
Last Wednesday of each month (minus July, Nov & Dec)
10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Critique Group (learn more here)
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Guest speaker/featured activity
12:30 p.m. - Social time followed by lunch at a local restaurant (meal not covered by SCBWI)
Location:
The Arts Center of Brazos Valley, 4180 Hwy 6 South, College Station, TX 77845.
Zoom link in our newsletter & under My Events in your SCBWI profile once you register.
Critique Group info:
Critique groups are a fantastic way to take your work to the next level, no matter where you´re starting. Come join us and improve your craft under the gentle guidance of our critique group coordinator, Kathryn LeRoy. Please bring a few copies of your work in progress to share. If you do not have anything to work on, you are still free to join in! For information on how to deliver and receive critique, be sure to check out the Essential Guide to Publishing for Children.
Want to be a guest speaker?
If you’re passionate about a specific kid-lit-related topic, feel free to pitch it to us! Guests can present in person or via Zoom and receive $50 compensation as well as lunch after our meeting. Presentations take place on the last Wednesday of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and can be in the format of workshops, interviews, slideshows… you name it! Pitch us your ideas at [email protected].