Here is an encouraging comment for you—your workshops are wonderful! I went to a picture book workshop that you held in Wisconsin about two years ago, and I still refer to my notes and your workbook on a regular basis. Two of my favorite picture book manuscripts came out of the retreat, and while they aren’t published (yet!) I’ve had some interest and good critiques on them at other workshops. Keep up the great work!

Lisl

Anyway, I do like these ideas!

And I’m still reviewing p.b. retreat notes and enjoying pictures. What a fabulously productive weekend! http://tinyurl.com/cponss

I learned how to critique online, and it’s harder for those who are thinner skinned. There is no facial expression or soft sound in the voice that moderates the critique, so the points made in critique come across harsher than intended. This is the number one reason people drop out of online critiques. They feel dissed.

Second, some folks have one or maybe two pieces, usually picture books, and once they have those critiqued, they are done. There is no more writing as a hobby, and they are off to macrame or water color. The critique group they have joined becomes something they can drop, and because no one has seen their face, they can fade out easily.

I always suggest that online/email groups start with seven members, so when the requisite number fade out, they are not left with two, too few to critique.

After an online group has been active for six months, they have usually become family, and they are joined forever. I have two groups. One is about seven years old, and the second is at least three. I have two families who will be there forever.