Critiques and Mentoring Opportunities

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image I’m posting this critique and mentoring opportunity with permission from one of my favorite authors, Sharon Ewell Foster. Her Christy Award winning novel, Passing By Samaria, was probably the first Christian fiction book I’d ever read. It’s rather interesting that the genre is historical fiction because I generally read mystery and suspense. Something about the cover on this book and then later when I flipped it over to read the description – it just said this is ‘”the book” to read.

While I am a member of ACFW, I’m going to wait another year before attending the annual ACFW conference. I am planning to attend a smaller Christian writer’s conference this fall where Sharon happens to be the keynote speaker. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to sit and talk with the “Godmother of AA Christian Fiction.”

Check out Sharon’s tips on choosing a critique partner or group:

image Pretty frequently, I get requests from people who ask me to critique their work or mentor them.  As you can imagine, if I’m not careful, it can get out of hand and I’m distracted from the primary thing I’m supposed to do: writing books for you.  But, I do take the requests seriously and have thought and prayed over how to respond.

I thought I’d offer some advice about seeking critiques and then let you know about some opportunities that are coming up soon.

1. Find an honest AND compassionate source for your critique.  Getting a critique shouldn’t be about torture!  Don’t search out someone who’s going to crush your spirit or kill your dream.  Most writers, no matter how long they’ve been writing, are pretty fragile and a ruthless critique can be devastating.  The ideal critic will be someone who’s been where you are, who is encouraging, but who also has the courage to be honest with you about your strengths and weaknesses.

2. Find a reliable source for your critique.  The person providing the critique should be a professional or someone educated in the field.  Aunt Betty may make a mean apple pie, but that doesn’t mean that her culinary skill will translate to her being able to offer you a meaningful literary critique.  Likewise, your best friend from the book club around the corner may not be able to help you.  She may not be reading what you’re trying to write and most likely she is not aware of what will inspire a publisher to want to bring your book to print.

3. Find a critique source that has a working knowledge of your genre.  Someone writing erotica or vampire novels might be of limited help to you if you’re trying to write a novel that can be published as mainstream or Christian fiction.  If you’re in a bar, a wine connoisseur is going to suggest that you drink wine.  Likewise, someone with experience in a different genre (as well-meaning as they may be) is going to, maybe unwittingly, encourage you to partake of what they like.

4. Don’t allow the critic to rewrite your book.  What the critic offers is insight and suggestions, but you’re still the artist; it’s still your story to tell.  Don’t lose the heart of your story trying to please others.

Okay, those are a few suggestions.  Now, on to something I hope you’ll think is good news.

I’m making myself available to you for critiques and mentoring at two conferences this year: 

You can register for both conferences online as well as registering for critiques–if you want me to do the critique then request me by name.  If the fee for the entire conference is too much for your budget, then consider attending for a day, which is what I did for my first conference.  (Sandy Cove is also offering scholarships–up to half off–call 800.234.2683)

At ACFW, in Minneapolis, I’ll be teaching a workshop as well as offering critiques.  (If enough of you attend, maybe we can even have an informal get-together and chat about writing.)  There will be a booksigning, as part of the conference, at the Mall of America, so if you’re there or know folks in Minneapolis, I would love to see you.  Some of the most well-known Christian fiction authors will be there.  (Lodging is a separate cost for this conference.)

For those of you looking to meet agents and publishers, ACFW and Sandy Cove offer face-to-face opportunities.  The networking opportunities are amazing!

At Sandy Cove in Northeast, MD , which is the place where God flung open the door to publishing (I met my agent, my publisher, and won an award for being the most promising writer within a four hour period!) I’ll be giving a keynote address as well as providing critiques.  Critiques and lodging are included in the registration price for Sandy Cove.  Again, if enough of you attend, we can have an impromptu mentoring session.

Both conferences offer workshops, continuing education, and late night chats, including a special session for poets at Sandy Cove.  Meals are included.

Sandy Cove also offers special tracks for screenwriters, speakers, pastors, and even for teens (only $49).  There’s also an add-on opportunity at Sandy Cove called Authorize ME taught by conference director Sharon Norris Elliott to help you move your literary dreams from your head onto paper. http://www.authoriz eme.net/

My intention at both of these conferences is to give back, to thank you, and to encourage.

If you have an inclination to attend one or both conferences, don’t talk yourself out of it.  I didn’t think I was ready either when I attended the first time.  I was intimidated and not feeling good enough, but if we don’t try, if we won’t step through the door, how can the Lord move on our behalf?  The Lord changed my whole life because for a moment, I had the courage to step through an open door.

If you’re looking for critiques or mentoring from me, these are your two best opportunities this year.  I hope to see you there!

Sharon
www.sharonewellfost er.com

  "Sandy Cove forced me to open my eyes to the truth that God longs to do extraordinary things in the lives of ordinary people. I arrived a cautious civil servant, but left a passionate award-winning writer. The experience was life and faith changing!" ~ Sharon Ewell Foster

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