Rain fell softly on leaves beginning to turn orange and gold. The day reminded me of a line from an old poem, “I like the fall, the mist and all.” It was the perfect day for a Cozy Critique.
Seven of us sat around Mom’s hundred-year old table, drinking tea or coffee, munching on fudge and cookies, reading, and listening. We asked for suggestions on our writings. We jotted down ideas. We talked and laughed and got a little bit silly. In other words, we had a great time. Helen gave each person a quilted potato pocket that she had stitched up. That was a special treat.
We welcomed Fran and her friend Donna who is visiting from Utah. Jane read the last of her children’s story so at last we found how that intriguing tale ended. Nancy shared what she is learning with her recent success of a published book of devotions. Helen read another inspiring devotional to us. Peg gave us helpful pointers in what readers look for in a book.
I read part of my current cozy, Moonlight Can Be Murder. I looked at my fellow critiquers (I might as well call us critters; that’s what we are calling our group in private) and said, “OK, what happens next?” Here are a few suggestions:
“The moonlight reflects on a tin box that had an old newspaper in it with an article that would prove her uncle’s innocence.”
“Change the locket into a brooch that she wears over her heart.”
The next answer had to do with the age of my protagonist; whether she should be in her 30s or middle-aged:
“”A young woman probably wouldn’t be as serious about past history.”
“The picture of the man in the locket was the one her uncle was accused of murdering.”
“The tune she kept hearing was the same one her uncle used to sing.”
This group of critters is special. We have a rapport among us. I think it is important for each writer to be a member of a critique group, to offer suggestions and point out things that could/should be said in a different way and this group fills the bill. Besides that, it is fun!
The old table always looks a little empty after everyone leaves but its cherry wood has soaked up another good memory of a rainy fall day and seven friends who chose to share a couple of warm hours with each other.
Prayer: May the Lord command His blessing on you in all that you set your hand to do. (from Deuteronomy 28: 8).
After the Critique
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