Finding a writer's group in Rochester, NY

DoctorK, I'm in two face-to-face critique groups in your area--but both are genre-specific. One was quite large for a number of years. It's now dwindled to just a few after a major disagreement, but it's still going strong many years in. (The other is pretty new and sort of withering on the vine.)

However, I'm glad to share how we did it. We all took a genre-specific class at Writers & Books. We asked everyone in the class, even the people we didn't much care for, if they'd be interested in continuing to meet for critique when the class ended, at the same time and at a nearby restaurant which was never busy (so we could linger). We started with about a dozen people, which is really too many, but within a year we had a pretty consistent six to eight attendees, which worked nicely for a number of years, until one newish member caused the split.

So even if you don't think you can get much out of a W&B class in YA, the connections alone might be worth it.

You can also put up flyers at W&B, MCC, UofR, RIT, Fisher, Naz, and branch libraries. Specify a meeting for a brand-new YA writing group convening at some time and place you've arranged which is convenient for you. (Early evening, library or bookstore meeting room? Lunch time on a weekday, for a fast meet-and-greet?) Make a sign for the door and bring a friend, so it'll look like a tiny group already exists. (I know of a group which started that way.)

Failing that, consider contacting the meet-up group and asking if you can observe to see if it's a good fit for you.

Maryn, who has a Red Wings hat, but not on

Maryn said:

You can also put up flyers at W&B, MCC, UofR, RIT, Fisher, Naz, and branch libraries. Specify a meeting for a brand-new YA writing group convening at some time and place you've arranged which is convenient for you. (Early evening, library or bookstore meeting room? Lunch time on a weekday, for a fast meet-and-greet?) Make a sign for the door and bring a friend, so it'll look like a tiny group already exists. (I know of a group which started that way.)

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Doctor K, this is how I did it in Bflo several years ago. Back then I was trying to write for the Christian market, and the church across the street from me was quite willing to let me use their meeting room once a month. I also got an announcement on local radio, in their "meetings happening" free list. I gave my phone number for contact to keep it simple.

It started with about 1 dozen, fluctuated between 6-8 members over 3 years, and finally fizzled out because I was the only one seeking commercial publication. But a meatspace crit group can be an excellent thing, if the members are willing to be honest without being nasty. Good luck!

DoctorK, while I get critique from people I can see and touch (good thing nobody's ticklish) as well as online, I have a pretty strong preference for face to face, mainly because that's how you can get a feel for whether the person knows his/her ass from a hole in the ground, when it comes to writing.

My early online critique experiences were all highly negative, although one group lasted a couple years. But they always ended in flame-outs and name-calling when people disagreed with the 'rules' some laid out about grammar or quality or whether a scene with physical affection was disgusting, beautiful, or hot. When you meet a person, you can often tell pretty quickly if they're anywhere near your wavelength, and chatting about books and writing will confirm that.

I get better feedback here at AW, and mods carrying spatulas keep people in line, but of course you can't get a whole book done a chapter at a time.

Maryn, wishing you luck