How to Critique Fiction

Instructor: Cameron Steiman
Date: Monday, May 23
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: IWC
Cost: $38 nonmembers, $33 members, $22 student members/teacher members/senior members/military members

Do you feel like you’ve been writing in a vacuum? Do you have a novel or short story in progress that needs feedback? Have you heard about writing or critique groups, but are afraid to give them a try because you aren’t sure how to give or receive critiques? Are you currently in a critique group but feeling unsure how to offer feedback to other members or unsure what to do with the critiques given to you?    

This class is for fiction writers of all genres interested in learning techniques for giving useful critiques to others as well as how to best utilize critiques of your own writing. We will discuss how to evaluate work for global issues (e.g., plot, character development, point of view, and pacing), as well as specific issues (e.g., word choices, inconsistencies, and confusing passages). We will also discuss techniques for evaluating whether or not a critique group matches what you need as a writer.

Note that this class will be taught concurrently with the first session of the Novel Writing Workshop.