Respect the Craft. Everyone is welcome, no matter what experience level, genre, etc. We are all here to learn, improve our craft, and hone our voices. Please listen to those reading or speaking with attention. It will only benefit your own writing, if you do. Understand that every writer has their own goals, influences, and preferences and they may be different from yours, but each is valid.
Respect the Room. Please refrain from having side conversations while others are reading or speaking. Please remain engaged with the group; don’t just ‘wait for your turn’ and then check out or leave. You are doing everyone a disservice if you do, including yourself. Please be kind to event staff, wait staff, etc.. Tip generously and clean up after yourself. Coming in late and leaving early are totally acceptable and understandable, but please do so quietly with minimal disruption.
Keep Criticism Constructive. Feedback need not be cruel. Feedback need not be bland. Use specific statements, such as: “I didn’t understand why your characters were acting or reacting as they did.” “This scene was unclear to me. Where is this taking place (blocking)?” Share what works: “I really felt the grief here.” “I could relate to the characters here best, but felt distance later.” “The language you used suits the story and creates an appropriate atmosphere.” “The paragraph on page three might be a punchier starting point.”
Honor Intentions. It’s not helpful to suggest that a novel be turned into a comic book or movie. If the writer is writing a romance, it’s not usually helpful to suggest they turn it into a noir thriller.
Ask Questions. If you don’t understand the words being used in critique, please ask! It’s OK to not yet know the literary terms others may already be familiar with. POV, roman à clef, inciting incident…there is a lot to learn, and you’ll only get better if you ask.
If someone’s feedback isn’t clear, you may ask for clarity or for an example, but don’t hog the feedback time defending your work or arguing.
Be Conscious of the Time. Sometimes good conversations stem from stories shared, but there needs to be time enough for everyone to participate. The facilitator should help keep track of time spent reading as well as feedback given, but keep in mind a few simple rules:
- Don’t dominate the conversation or turn feedback into a personal story or lecture.
- Don’t repeat feedback others have already given (a short “I agree with X,” will suffice).
- Don’t take too much time telling your own stories or recapping some other book or film this reminds you of… brief mentions are fine.
Receive Feedback with Grace. No lengthy explanations or defenses. No need to tell the listener ‘they’re wrong’ because the missing info comes later in the book, for example. Just a “thank you” and move on. If you don’t agree with feedback? “Thank you.” You can ignore it. You can note it, and if it is given by others, consider it. Up to you, but be gracious.
No Hate or Harassment. This should go without saying, but we will not tolerate discriminatory or derogatory comments or hateful content. We aim to create a safe space for all writers.
Give Content Warnings. We are all adults, but we appreciate knowing ahead of time if your story contains sensitive subjects (graphic violence, sexual assault, child/animal endangerment/cruelty, racism, transphobia, etc.).
Keep it Confidential. What happens in this room, stays in this room! Please don’t share anyone else’s work or experience without their permission.