ASMSG Scifi Fantasy Paranormal Emagazine April 2015 | Page 15

Kayelle Allen

How a Critique at Starbucks
Helped Publish a Book

Original Source: Kayelle Allen's Blog
About 18 months ago, I joined a local
writer’s group. I was looking for a
critique group, but figured any writer’s
group would lead me to one. At the
time, it was a weekly meeting and the
emphasis of the group was strictly to do
with writing prompts. Members met at
Starbucks, had coffee, and shared a new
word they’d learned. The moderator
then gave a topic and we spent 20
minutes writing. Afterward, we shared
what we’d written and others in the
group commented. About four months
later, someone asked if we could meet
on an additional, different day to

critique already-written work. Several of
us jumped at the chance. Within
another three months, the original
moderator left the group, and we began
doing a critique at all meetings. In
addition, or instead of, members can
write to prompts and bring those. In
any case, we all share critiques. The
atmosphere is positive, friendly, and
open.
Critique Groups Get Results
The group meets regularly, Tuesday for
lunch at a different restaurant, and
Saturday for coffee, and we do critiques

of work we’re readying to publish. It’s
produced some wonderful books,
including Lisa Haman’s brilliant
humorous noir, Mallow Mayhem. Imagine
a world where marshmallow peeps rule.
When a pink bunny goes missing, it’s
up
to
yellow
chick
Philippa
Marlowmellow to investigate. Lisa
wrote this book with a nod to all the
various kinds of peeps, without ever
mentioning the candy or using its
trademarked names. Click her cover to
read a sample.

15 | P a g e