January 31, 2023 - February 2, 2023
Online
$59Overview
A Two-Night Mini Online Course
Novelists need feedback on their work to deepen revisions and enrich characters, plot, and pacing. In this course, novelists and real-life feedback partners Diana Ma and Christina Scheuer dig into the fundamentals of giving and receiving feedback, and explore how creating relationships and participating in reciprocal feedback cycles can help novelists develop their writing skills, build community, and increase their professionalism in the field.
- Tuesday, January 31, 2023 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
- Thursday, February 2, 2023 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
- Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat
- Optional post-course critique (at an additional cost) for written feedback from Christina Scheuer.
Why This Workshop?
Novelist to novelist, the feedback cycle is an important part of growing as writers and deepening our stories.
While working with beta readers, critique partners, and groups, writers must not only know what to ask for, but they must also know what to do with the feedback received and how to give responsive feedback in turn.
The workshop focuses on creating a framework for developing critique groups and partnerships that focus on author-centered feedback.
Topics include:
- How to ask for the kind of feedback you need
- How to develop rewarding relationships with critique partners and groups
- The importance of author-centered feedback
- The development of questions to translate feedback for incorporation (or not) into your novel
- The difference (or not) in working with fellow novelists and professional editors or agents
Feedback Expected
- None included. There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.
- Optional post-course critique from Christina Scheuer (at an additional cost): This critique includes written feedback on up to 10 pages of your work in progress. Writers are asked to include a cover letter accompanying their submission, outlining specific questions for the reader. Written feedback (using the model discussed during the program) will be provided within 4 – 6 weeks of submission. Cost for this critique is $100. Details we be shared during the final class.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You are a writer of middle grade or YA novels and you’re looking for steps to get more from the feedback being offered to you.
- You are a writer of middle grade or YA novels and you’re looking for steps to improve your feedback to fellow novelists.
- Writers new to the field of children’s literature. If you are just starting to write for kids and teens, and aren’t sure why or how feedback is given between critique partners or groups, this short program will provide a foundation.
- You’re looking for something short, sweet, and smart. This is not a full workshop; it is two, 75-minute session with limited engagement meant to improve the way you give feedback to others, and the way you receive feedback from others.
Detailed Agenda
At registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course.
Night One: Tuesday, January 31 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
- What is author-centered feedback? Why does it make a difference?
- Briefly: What are beta readers, critique partners, and critique groups?
- Creating a vision and asking for what you need from your critical readers.
- Incorporating feedback into your next revision.
- Q & A
Night Two: Thursday, February 2 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
- Developing strong relationships with your feedback partner(s).
- A focus on responsive feedback to your partner(s).
- Briefly: Does this feedback cycle differ when working with editors and agents?
- Summary of takeaways from this short course.
- Q&A
Optional Post-Course Critique (at an additional cost)
This optional critique includes written feedback on up to 10 pages of your work in progress from Christina Scheuer. Writers are asked to include a cover letter accompanying their submission, outlining specific questions for the reader. Written feedback (using the model discussed during the program) will be provided within 4 – 6 weeks of submission.
Cost for this critique is $100. Details we be shared during the final class.
Please Note:
If you’re unable for any reason to attend either session, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through March 31, 2023.
The Highlights Foundation strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives, including our faculty and staff.
How It Impacts Kids
Feedback leads to stronger revisions, which lead to beautiful books for kids. In addition, the cycle of feedback is a learned process that can be passed along to your student learners, whether as a classroom teacher or as a visiting author. Learn the best practices for giving and receiving feedback, and put this to use with kids!
Testimonials from Our Community
“Thank you for providing so many experts in the field of writing and publishing. The use of zoom technology has expanded my ability to participate.”
“This was my first online mini. I hope you’ll do more. Such a great way to get some quick inspiration! And the price was right! I especially liked having post-workshop access to the recordings because I wasn’t able to attend live.”
Resources
- How We Developed our Collaborative Feedback Process, by Diana and Christina
- Five things to do to prepare for a writing critique group, from christinascheuer.com
- Learning to embrace the obvious questions, from christinascheuer.com
- A note about critique and feedback at the Highlights Foundation
- Sharing your work for critique: let the conversation happen
