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Virtual Critique Classes - Winter 2025 Session

Registration opened November 1 for WWA members


Novel Writing Group with Lisa Lickel 

Every other Wednesday morning from 10am to Noon, CST

      • Jan 8 & 15
      • Feb 5 & 19* (One or both of these dates may need to be adjusted)
      • Mar 5 & 19

      CLASS IS FULL.

      Lisa Lickel, author/editor, book coach, and outgoing manager of WWA Press, is leading a six-session series for novel writers who have a manuscript in progress and have some experience working with others in critique groups. Besides questions that naturally come up during our sessions, Lisa will also focus on aspects that are genre and craft specific as they arise. Lisa will provide critiques of the work and facilitate discussions. Lisa will read up to 200 pp of your manuscript in progress and provide analysis. Requirements: Before signing up, writers should prepare or be able to prepare a minimum one-page synopsis (a complete overview of your work, with ideas of progress if the manuscript is incomplete), and have at least 6 sessions of material available, per your genre (generally five-twelve pages for each of the six sessions).

      From Lisa:

      "By working together, writers have the opportunity to gather the insights of their peers and learn to distill advice and opinions in a small group environment. Sharing feedback is a great way for us to learn and grow in our craft, to ask those questions that might feel awkward elsewhere, and to support and encourage each other. WWA wants to be part of your journey to success."

      The way it works: Participants will email their pages to the other group members at least one week prior to the session so that each participant may review and prepare critiques for their fellow writers and be ready to discuss on meeting day. During the session each writer will read from their submission and hear constructive advice from peers and facilitator Lisa Lickel. Participants will provide their feedback to their peers following the session.

      Member Fee: $150 for all six sessions! Space is limited to a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 7 participants. If the sessions are not full by December 30th, registration will open to nonmembers and the fee will be $200.


      Poetic Strategies with Margaret Rozga

      Every other Monday from 10am to Noon.

      • Jan 13 & 27
      • Feb 10 & 24
      • Mar 10 & 24

      CLASS IS FULL. 

      Poems often begin for us as writers after we have an experience that seems charged with meaning. A first draft may get us started on the way to the poem we feel is somehow in this experience. Then what next to bring forth the lyrical quality of that experience? 

      Published poems offer examples of poetic strategies that can enhance that lyrical quality of our poems. Among the strategies that we'll pay particular attention to are listing, repetition, digression and moving forward. 

      From Margaret:

      At each session, we’ll read published poems that gain power through lines and sections that offer examples of the lyrical strategy we want to practice in that session. We may also do exercises to practice the strategy. Your writing assignment will be to write a poem that employs this strategy, and to share it at the next session two weeks later. It will be workshopped by your colleagues in a friendly, supportive environment.

      The way it works: Zoom links will be sent to writers prior to each session. Participants will share their work electronically. Participants should be familiar with Zoom and willing to read their work aloud during the session. Formatting requirements and critique guidelines will be provided by Ms. Rozga. Please Note: WWA Highly recommends that participants have a computer and reliable access to the internet. It is nearly impossible to participate in the sessions using only a smart phone. Having a rudimentary understanding of Word and Zoom are also recommended.

      Member Fee: $150 for all six sessions! Space is limited to a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 participants. If the sessions are not full by December 30th, registration will open to nonmembers and the fee will be $200.


      Strictly Fiction with Laurie Scheer 

      Every other Thursday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm Central

        • Jan 9 & 23
        • Feb 6 & 27* (Note the break due to travel plans)
        • Mar 13 & 27

        CLASS IS FULL. 

            During the two hour Zoom sessions you’ll receive feedback regarding your work from colleagues and a complete critique from instructor Laurie Scheer. This is a safe and supportive space that provides insight and encouragement from like-minded writers. There will be a limit of 8 participants to the group so that everyone receives time and feedback every session. The group is designed for all levels of literary and genre fiction writers. Laurie welcomes ANY fiction (except erotica) from novelists, short story writers, and flash fiction writers.

            From Laurie:

            "WWA’s Critique Groups offer an opportunity for writers to not only receive feedback regarding their work, but also provide insights and feedback for other writers within the group. Writers receive 10-15 minutes within each session to listen and ask questions regarding their material. Previous to the session, writers have provided page-by-page comments regarding their work via a Google Docs folder. 

            As a result of the feedback received, both written and verbal, topics emerge within the sessions that often affect all writers. Instructor Scheer provides professional feedback along with prepared, and sometimes immediate information, concerning topics covered within the group’s sessions.  Questions are welcomed throughout the week leading up to the session, and during the week following each session. This is a safe space where all writers are welcome. Writers have shared that their writing has improved as of the feedback and discussion that evolves within the group’s dynamics.

            Together, these Critique Groups provide a workshop space that improves writers’ writing overall."

            The way it works: Zoom links will be sent to writers per session and documents will be shared via Google Docs. Participants should be familiar with Zoom and Google Docs, but assistance is available if needed. Please Note: WWA highly recommends that participants have a computer and reliable access to the internet. It is nearly impossible to participate in the sessions using only a smart phone.

            Member Fee: $150 for all six sessions! Space is limited to a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 participants. If the sessions are not full by December 30th, registration will open to nonmembers and the fee will be $200.


            Fiction and Non-Fiction with Laurie Scheer

            Every Other Wednesday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm Central

              • Jan 8 & 22
              • Feb 5 & 26* Note the break due to travel plans
              • Mar 12 & 26

              Click HERE to register


                During the two hour Zoom sessions you’ll receive feedback regarding your work from colleagues and a complete critique from instructor Laurie Scheer. This is a safe and supportive space that provides insight and encouragement from like-minded writers. There will be a limit of 8 participants to the group so that everyone receives time and feedback every session. The group is designed for all levels of fiction, non-fiction, and memoir writers in either short or long form.

                From Laurie:

                "WWA’s Critique Groups offer an opportunity for writers to not only receive feedback regarding their work, but also provide insights and feedback for other writers within the group. Writers receive 10-15 minutes within each session to listen and ask questions regarding their material. Previous to the session, writers have provided page-by-page comments regarding their work via a Google Docs folder. 

                As a result of the feedback received, both written and verbal, topics emerge within the sessions that often affect all writers. Instructor Scheer provides professional feedback along with prepared, and sometimes immediate information, concerning topics covered within the group’s sessions. 

                Questions are welcomed throughout the week leading up to the session, and during the week following each session. This is a safe space where all writers are welcome. Writers have shared that their writing has improved as of the feedback and discussion that evolves within the group’s dynamics.

                Together, these Critique Groups provide a workshop space that improves writers’ writing overall." 

                The way it works: Zoom links will be sent to writers per session and documents will be shared via Google Docs. Participants should be familiar with Zoom and Google Docs, but assistance is available if needed. Please Note: WWA Highly recommends that participants have a computer and reliable access to the internet. It is nearly impossible to participate in the sessions using only a smart phone.

                Member Fee: $150 for all six sessions! Space is limited to a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 participants. If the sessions are not full by December 7th, registration will open to nonmembers and the fee will be $200.


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