My Writers Group

I'm lucky to be in a wonderful writers group (also known as a critique group), formed a few years ago within the local branch of AAUW - the American Association of University Women. Five of us meet regularly at a coffee shop - currently twice a month - to read, critique and encourage each other in our writing. Each of us is on a unique writing journey. Beatrice is a poet/columnist who's completing her first novel. Gwen is a natural-born columnist who's also doing features and has a children's book in process. Susan is a poet/editor who is working on a memoir. Patricia is a gifted fiction writer who creates fabulous characters in her short stories. It's a gentle critique group, but not too gentle to be useful. In our first sessions, we did short writing exercises on a given topic. Within a few months, we were bringing our own projects for feedback. We read each other's poems, humorous essays and novel chapters. We often discuss the business of writing, things like how to contact/communicate with editors and agents. We attend workshops together, and share ideas and information. The group is reading several key chapters from my novel - set in Mecca - and their feedback is incredibly useful. We're reading Beatrice's chapters - and we feel like we're in the creative process with her. It's exciting to share one's work and to be an early reader for others. I am grateful for this special ensemble of interesting women and recommend writer's groups wholeheartedly. Here's a good article on finding or forming a writer's group.

Pitching the Novel

Boston-area author Lynne Heitman recently gave a great presentation on pitching your novel to agents, at Buttonwood Books, a bookstore in Cohasset, MA. The event was sponsored by Boston's largest writer's group, Grub Street. Her approach was to get us all to explain the kernel of our books using one simple formula ----- what a concept. It was really difficult for everyone. One writer taking the workshop already had a literary agent and even she had a hard time.

Below is my revised pitch, using her formula. I've sent out several queries using this. Today I got my first 'ding' in response, but that particular query was a real long-shot to begin with.

"When her reckless behavior sets events in motion leading to her sister's death, a young western-educated Saudi woman finds the courage to forge her future in the unlikely story of an old Bedouin woman."

Some of the workshop participants wanted me to include the protagonist's name with a translation of its meaning. Others wanted me to leave it out. We shall see what works, but right now I'm leaving it off.