Support for Your Writing Journey

Writing can be a solitary process, but you don’t have to do it alone. This section provides practical tools, guidance, and connections to help SEMWA members strengthen their craft, stay productive, and support one another.

Whether you’re drafting your first manuscript or revising your tenth, these resources are here to help you move forward with confidence.

This page will grow over time as new materials, workshops, and member contributions are added.

Getting Started with Critique Groups

What Is a Critique Group?

A critique group is a small group of writers who meet regularly to share work, offer feedback, and support one another’s progress. Many writers credit critique groups as one of the most valuable tools for improving their craft.

Critique groups can meet:

In person
Online (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.)
Weekly or monthly
With structured or informal feedback

How to Find or Form a Critique Group

If you are interested in joining or starting a critique group, consider:

Asking fellow members at meetings
Posting in our online forum
Connecting with members in your geographic area
Starting with two or three writers

You do not need a large group to get started!

Basic Critique Guidelines

For Writers Receiving Feedback

Be open to suggestions
Listen before responding
Remember that feedback is about the work, not you
Take what is helpful and leave the rest

For Writers Giving Feedback

Be honest but respectful
Focus on clarity and storytelling
Offer specific suggestions when possible
Highlight strengths as well as areas for improvement

Sample Critique Checklist

When reviewing a manuscript, consider:

Story & Structure

Is the opening engaging?
Does the story move forward logically?
Are there any confusing sections?

Characters

Are the characters believable?
Do their actions make sense?
Are motivations clear?

Pacing

Does the story feel too slow or rushed?
Are scenes balanced?

Dialogue

Does the dialogue sound natural?
Does it move the story forward?

Clarity

Are there sections that need more detail?
Are there places where the writing feels repetitive?

Writing Productivity Tips

Staying Consistent

Set a realistic writing schedule
Break large goals into smaller tasks
Track your progress weekly
Celebrate milestones

Overcoming Writer’s Block

Try:

Writing for 10 minutes without stopping (the Pomodoro method is great!)
Changing your writing location
Skipping ahead to another scene
Talking through the problem with another writer

Recommended Writing Resources

Books on Writing

You can list just a few classics:

On Writing by Stephen King
Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
Story Genius by Lisa Cron
The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

Online Resources

Writing Goal Tracker (Our Simple Tool)

Weekly Writing Goals

Words written this week: ______

Scenes completed: ______

Revisions completed: ______

Biggest challenge this week: ______

Next week’s goal: ______

Need a Critique Partner?

If you are looking for:

A critique partner
A beta reader
A writing accountability partner

Please contact the Membership Chair or reach out to fellow SEMWA members through the Member Directory.

We are happy to help connect members.

Volunteers are always welcome!