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               Because We All Have a Voice Children's Book Writers of Los Angeles
 
 
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Critique Session: Open to All!

  • 24 Jan 2015
  • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • LA Public Library - Harbor Gateway Branch 24000 S. Western Ave., Harbor City, CA 90710
  • 0

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  • Fee is nonrefundable

Registration is closed
Calling All Writers: Critique Session Open to All!

As this is the first critique session of the year, we are opening it to all writers: Picture Book, Chapter Book, Early Reader, Middle Grade and Young Adult.

Join this critique session to:

Get constructive feedback for your manuscripts, meet potential critique partners, and make new friends!

*Critique will be at the East Conference Room, so there will be a limit of 10 attendees. Please look for the sign outside the door.

What to Bring:                      

1. Middle Grade & Young Adult Novelists, please bring the first chapter of your manuscript or the chapter with which you need the most help (the first 5-7 pages, unless there are fewer attendees)

Picture Book/ Chapter Book/ Early Reader, please bring copies of the entire picture book and early reader book, or if you're working on a chapter book, bring the first two chapters.

 The general rule is that you must bring copies for every member who has signed up for the session. 

*Please wait for the final email from the organizer before printing copies, so you know exactly how many to print.*

2. A voice/tape recorder if you wish to record the critiques.

3. A notebook/pad and pen to use for your critique notes.


THE VALUE OF A CRITIQUE SESSION

As writers, we are very close to our work and oftentimes we miss certain details on story development or story elements like characters, setting, etc.

Critique sessions allow other people with “fresh eyes” to have a look at your writing sample and read them as your future readers would, providing you with valuable feedback to improve your writing skills and get your manuscript submission-ready.

In all our Critique Sessions, we give you feedback in the most TACTful way possible.

TACT = Finesse, thoughtfulness or having a keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.

TACT is also the technique we use for our critiques:

T = Terrific

We share what we loved in your piece, what worked in your story and what we liked about your plot, setting, character, pacing, etc.

A = Author Questions

In the last few minutes of your critique time, we encourage you, as the author, to ask questions either about your story or to  clarify the comments you received.

C = Constructive Comments We deliver, in the politest way possible, comments that are specific and helpful to help you improve your story. 

T = Talent Talent can get you far, but hard work can get your farther. We always end by encouraging you, the author, to keep on writing. We remind you that we are here to help you achieve your writing goals.


POLICY CHANGES

Please note, CBWLA's Critique Sessions will be implementing the following policy changes beginning January 1, 2015:

  • Cost: Critique sessions will remain free to members and $10 for nonmembers (Due to logistics, there will no longer be a pay-at-the-door option for nonmembers. Members are not affected).
  • No Show Policy: A $10 charge will be added for no-shows (both members and nonmembers) unless 24-hour notice is given to the facilitator: cassie@cbw-la.org. Since there is a limited number of spots available, please register only if you are sure you can attend the critique. If you are unable to attend for any reason, please email the facilitator immediately so that other interested members may be given the chance to participate.
  • Late Arrival Policy: Please arrive on time. The critique sessions will begin promptly at 1pm. The amount of critique time is determined by the number of participants present at the start time. If you know that you will be arriving later than 15 minutes, please inform the facilitator prior to the start time of the critique session: cassie@cbw-la.orgOtherwise we may be unable to critique your work that day.

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