Receiving feedback from our peers is what SHARING CIRCLES is all about, and there was a quiet buzz of anticipation as the President’s table filled up with offerings for scrutiny.
During the first part of the evening, members present, joined one of five groups, with three or four members in each ‘circle’. The anonymous copies of members’ work in progress – nine in all – were issued, read and discussed by members. Written feedback was provided concentrating on what the ‘circle’ liked, what might be reviewed and edited to improve it, and any general comments, usually relating to the presentation of the piece.
It’s a great opportunity for new members to learn about the standard font, size, line spacings (normally Times New Roman, 12pt, double line spacings) required for submission to competitions, and publishers, as well as making the pieces easier to read, on first glance.
Depending on the length and complexity of the piece, some were reviewed by more than one ‘circle’ which always adds another level of interest: will groups make similar comments?
After our time to chat at tea-break, the second part of the evening was devoted to ‘circles’ sharing their feedback and, if members were willing, to have the writers of pieces, revealed.
The genres represented on this occasion included a chapter from a novel of speculative fiction, the opening chapters of several other novels (mystery, comic, and sci-fi), a short story, and two poems. In a couple of cases, the genre had not been identified by the writer, leaving readers unsure of the category of the piece. Providing such information makes it easier for the ‘circle’ to offer appropriate advice.
Writers, myself included, sat sweaty palmed awaiting the spot light falling on their piece! But there was no doubt that ‘circles’ had enjoyed what they’d read (often wanting more!), and offered invaluable – free – advice to help writers improve their work.
What’s not to like!
Thanks, Fiona, for another excellent evening.
Carolyn O’Hara