Skype-based writing group

[GVonCarstein]

Hello all,

This is a recruitment thread for a skype-based writing group that I am forming up out of the ashes of my previous one that fell apart due to attrition and the old organizer disa-poof-ing as people do on the internet.

Current interested parties include:

1) Myself, leader extraordinaire - Writing SciFi and Fantasy novels, Adult and YA
2) A Montreal-based short story writer (also dabbles in YA, also previously published)
3) A Toronto-based Dark Fantasy novelist
4) An American med student who doesn't write much but loves to critique/edit


I am currently looking for two more people to fill out the roster and we are aiming to find people writing with the serious intent to get published (or who have been published). We hope for a weekly group but have not yet set a day/time. My aim is for a weekend time (Sunday afternoons/evenings?) so that work things don't interrupt for people frequently. Soon the four of us will all be in EST, but other timezones are more than welcome.

Procedure of the group would be submit a chapter or two at a time the previous week, giving everyone time to read, then during the group meeting I or someone else will run us through commentary and answering any questions the author asks. Generally the author tries to be silent during this, only answering direct questions, rather than commenting back. Request for more detail on a comment would be the exception.

I'm not sure how well I'm selling it at this point so I'll stop rambling. It's a writing group, we're nice people, and it feels good to talk with our 'tribe.' If anyone is interested just drop a note in this thread with what you're writing and any previous experience with writing groups and I'll PM you with Skype details so we can have a brief intro chat and both be sure we aren't getting involved with serial killers.

Thanks!

[Moonim]

Hi, I would be very interested. I write YA, generally fantasy and sci-fi. I used to belong to a writing group in person with five other writers who wrote a wide range of work. I was with them for three years but recently just moved out of state, and because they are in person, parted ways. I miss the atmosphere we had dearly, which was very similar to what you have. We met twice a month and swapped a week before the meeting, and did similar style to you. We would pull up someones work, then sort of go around and discuss while the author listened, places and things we thought could use improvement, etc.

I would be very interested, if you'd have me. I have written three completed manuscripts and am currently querying my most recent. I am very serious about improving my craft and one day being published. My current work is a sort of magical realism YA set in a world exactly like ours, but with healers. Sorry, I'm only about 30K into it, and haven't gone through the "let me figure out how to pitch this" phase yet, but do have a rough query I can pass your way.

[Hrothmeir]

Hello! I too also would like to be considered.  I've written three complete novel-length MS, three short stories, and partials of three more novels.  I primarily work in adult sci-fi/thriller (more 20-min into the future than spaceships and aliens), but also have a YA contemporary that's nearing querying.   

[GVonCarstein]

Figured I would update here: I've responded to those who expressed interest via PM on the site here. If anyone else is interested there are still spots open.

Thanks!

[pipinglion]

Hi, I would be very interested in joining an active group. Although at present I just got a new computer that I will try to download skype. Right at this time I am currently writing a YA, epic fantasy that is well into ten volumes.  I am currently trying to get my act together to query my first book in this series.

I to belong to a writing group that meets once a week but there are so many writers attending I feel as if I am drowning. We read our work and only have a five minute discussion on things to improve our work. But I leave feeling empty. I would be very interested in submitting my work, if you'd have me.  I must warn you though, by tenses are off and I am told my punctuations really suck. Outside of the obvious I could really use the help.

 I am very serious about improving my craft and one day being published. My current work is set in a medieval world five thousand year in our future. My main Character is a mute girl that is destrin to become a knight and bring magic back into the world. First book is little under 115,000 word. a bit long in the tooth.

Let me know if I pass muster.

[sm_davidson]

Definitely interested in the Fantasy - YA group... if there's still spots?

[koji]

I would be interested in seeing if I fit in with your group. I have one MG contemporary fantasy that I queried lightly, but am going to eventually go back and do some major edits on. I am just finishing up a YA contemporary psych thriller that I hope to start querying soon. My next project is actually adult, not YA, though. (Sci fi).

I have the issue that I'm in Bulgaria, so I often throw off times for meetings of American-based writers. But if it seems like a good fit, I am looking for crit partners.

[GVonCarstein]

Hey guys,

This thread was originally started back in May of 2016. At the time, unfortunately, the group never got off the ground. I would still be interested in organizing some sort of online critique/writing group but my own circumstances have changed in that I can't run a 'voiced' one due to terrible internet and working evenings/weekends/pretty much all the time.

If enough people are interested in a 'by mail' critique group I would be happy to facilitate. General concept would most likely be organized either through e-mails or possibly using Discord (a skype-like program that is kicking Skypes butt, for those who aren't familiar). The group would have looser timelines involved since there wouldn't be a 'meeting' per se, but particularly with Discord we can set up discussions between readers and members can tackle critiques at their leisure rather than (sometimes) trying to cram in reads before a hard deadline.

[sm_davidson]

I would be very happy to assist in leading this. I have spent time in a small writers community locally, but am quite unfamiliar with how to lead this on my own. I would be willing to step up and work with someone experienced in this to create it and get this rolling... If it meant taking the extra workload on myself.

Just an idea...

[Bliss244]

I would definitely be interested.
I'm in Montreal as well
I'm previously published.

[Spat]

I'm interested, as well. I write YA contemporary right now, but do love fantasy/sci-fi.