Help for Forming Critique Groups for Christian Writers
by Marlene Bagnull

God is calling an army of writers and He can use you to help equip them. “How?” you wonder, especially if you a beginning writer yourself. The Lord promises that when two or three gather in His name He will be with them. I know He will honor His promise as you choose to make Him the center of your group. But how do you go about forming a group?

The Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Fellowship began through an article that was printed in several community newspapers and announcements that were sent to churches. To be honest, we received more support from the newspapers. Unless you have a personal contact in a church (or follow up the announcement of the formation of your group with a visit or phone call), it’s likely it will be round-filed because of the tremendous volume of mail a church receives.

Ask your church to pray for you and to help publicize the group in the Sunday morning bulletin and/or church newsletter. You may also want to do mini-posters for your church and neighboring churches. But again, you’ll probably need to personally deliver them (or have a friend who is a member deliver them).  Keep newspaper announcements concise. Tell when and where you’re meeting. (Your home or a church are the best locations.) State your purpose and what will be expected of those who come. For example, “Bring a manuscript to read and the desire to improve your writing.” Give your name and phone number for more information.

Realizing that the critiquing process can be very threatening, here are some:

Guidelines for Critiquers

l. Ask God for discernment and sensitivity.

2. Find something positive to say about the manuscript before making suggestions for change.

3. Respect each other’s beliefs. Do NOT debate theology.

4. Use a Writer's Check-Off List to consider various aspects of the manuscripts. You won’t help the writer by a casual critique and the comment that “It’s wonderful.”

5. As much as possible give equal time to all who have manuscripts to read.

6. Try to suggest possible markets.

7. Strive always to be honest encouragers. 

Guidelines for Person Being Critiqued

l. Have someone else read your manuscript. Hearing your manuscript read is a wonderful way   of picking up on problem areas.

2. If possible, bring copies of your manuscript. It is often much easier for others to spot    problems areas when they see it rather than hear it being read.

3. Be open to new thoughts and ideas.

4. Listen. Do NOT debate or argue (or defend your work).

5. Pray about the suggestions you've received,

6. Be accountable to work with your manuscript (or with another writing project if you determine   the manuscript you have read is not worth pursuing) in order to be a good steward of the group’s time.

7. Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed (Prov. 16:3).

© 1996, 2002 Marlene Bagnull

Marlene Bagnull, Litt.D., Director
Colorado Christian Writers Conference
May 12-15, 2004 at YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO
Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference
August 12-14, 2004 at Philadelphia Biblical University, Langhorne, PA

Marlene's website: www.WriteHisAnswer.com
Marlene's email: mbagnull@aol.com