Morgen Bailey's Writing Forum

I'll be moderating a panel at FandomFest 2012: Critique Groups: Finding the Good Ones, Identifying the Bad Ones .

Should be fun and interesting. It's just one of a number of panels I'll be on June 29-July 1 weekend.

How did it go, Terry? Sorry I've been away so long - it's been a busy year (including moderating at a panel in September - booQfest, here in Northampton, UK).

It went pretty well, Morgen.

A lot of questions, and some good answers by the panel.

My part of the discussion focused on finding a crit group that works for the writer. Some are dysfunctional or dominated by a writer or two. If the focus isn't writing and writing related (sure some social aspects should emerge) then is it worth the time put into a crit group. Every minute focused on something else is potentially a minute taken from time writing.

It's really sad when one person spoils a group. I've been very lucky over the years (I run / belong to four). I know I can talk a lot so I tend to let everyone else go first then speak if there's anything else to add.

The downside (if it is one) to a group is that you'd only get c.15 minutes each week / fortnight / month (group dependent of course) so it would take a year+ to work through a novel but picking out real sticking points to share is oh so worth it.

"Every minute focused on something else is potentially a minute taken from time writing." That's how I feel. I know I have so much to write about that it does make me think seriously about taking part in other activities that I might not enjoy so much. My blog takes up a LOT of time but it's part of the marketing process... I enjoy it and get to meet some great people so a win-win. I just need to learn how to balance that.