Hillsborough Writers

Hi! My name is Alissa C. Miles and I am a writer living in Hillsborough, NC. Years ago, I was part of a writer’s group that taught me about more than sentence structure, character development, and plot. Those things are important, but I also learned the value of meeting consistently with other enthusiastic writers, sharing work with them, and providing comments from a place of empathy and respect. I created the Hillsborough Writers’ Critique Group hoping to find this kind of group again.

HWCG is a structured group for serious writers who want constructive feedback. This group is different from the group that meets Tuesday mornings at the library.

A few guidelines:

• Novelists and short story writers only–I know! I wish we could include poetry, flash, children’s literature, etc., but our time and space are limited. Manuscripts do not have to be finished, but it would be best to have a few chapters/scenes ready for critique when you join.
• Writers are asked to take the reading and critiques seriously. Please come prepared.
• There is a small fee ($10/month) for each member. In order to use the meeting space, HWCG pays an hourly rate to C3 Hillsborough. Wifi, bathrooms, comfortable seating and conference table space, downtown location, and parking are included in the rate. If you have trouble paying this fee, please let me know. The space is upstairs, please email me if you have any physical limitations.
• This group is a welcoming and safe space for all. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

When providing feedback:

• Writers are asked to read submitted work twice: once without marks and then again with marks/suggestions/comments.
• Please provide critiques that are helpful and not harmful. For example: “I think your main character is boring.”–This isn’t helpful. “It’s unclear what your main character wants/what your main character is struggling with/what makes your main character’s story important to me as the reader.” –This gives the writer specific issues to address.
• We do not rewrite a writer’s work. You can give suggestions on what isn’t working for you, but it is up to the writer to decide if and how to make changes.
• Provide feedback by using the “sandwich method.” Start with positives, follow with constructive criticisms, and end with overall positive perceptions.
• If you prefer not to print the document you are critiquing, please write up your notes and email them to the writer at the end of the critique. You can also use Googledocs to provide comments in the document.

When receiving feedback:

• Have an open mind.
• Remember that you are not obligated to make suggested changes.
• If multiple readers are noticing the same issue, it’s a good sign that you should revisit that portion of your work.
• While it’s easy to say, “Don’t take this personally,” writing is a personal pursuit. Sharing your work can put you in a vulnerable position. With that understanding, we are all in this together. We all have our moments under the hot lamp. Please refrain from becoming defensive and remember that critiquing can be hard, too.
• Please be respectful of each group member’s perspective. Writing experience, publishing experience, educational background, etc., may play a part in the kind of feedback you receive; however, one kind of feedback is not better or more important than another.

If you’re interested in becoming a part of our group, please fill out the contact form below. Please indicate your writing genre and a short description of what you’re currently working on. Thank you!