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"Let's face it, writing is hell."
- William Styron
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Tri-City Writers uses as guidelines the Clarion method of critiquing (see Wikipedia for a more detailed definition of this method of critiquing). Here's how it works (and remember that these are not hard and fast rules, the operative word here being "guidelines":
A submission is posted several days before the scheduled meeting so that everyone has time to read and critique the material. Everyone brings their critique to the meeting, making sure that their comments and remarks are on their copy of the submission as this is what the author will rely on if and when he or she decides to make edits based on the critiques.
Each member of the group is given a specific amount of time within which to give the critique. The amount of allotted time can vary depending on how many submissions have been posted and the number of people at the meeting, but it is usually somewhere between three and five minutes. Upon completion of the review, the marked-up submission is handed over to the author (and be sure your name is on it in case the author wants to contact you later).
During the review, the reviewer is not to be interrupted by other members of the group - not even the author. (The author is allowed to bring a stuffed animal or security blanket to gnaw upon, however, whenever the level of frustration enters the danger zone and, in emergency situations, may raise his or her hand to seek permission to interrupt the critique in order to raise a vitally important point).
The critiquer should confine comments to the writing, without interjecting personal opinions as to the subject matter of the material or the author of it. Commenting on the subject matter should come into play only in connection with its publishability.
To save time, participants should not needlessly go over ground that has already been covered. A simple statement such as, "I agree with Bob's comments as to the opening paragraph," will suffice.
The Moderator will decide who gets to throw the first stone goes first, will keep track of the time, and will keep the critique and discussion on point.
When all the reviews have been completed, the author can now ask as many questions as he wants of any or all of the participants. Thereafter, time permitting, an open, unmoderated discussion may ensue - in other words, the free-for-all can begin!
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