MASTER CLASSES:
UNIQUE CRITIQUES

Our open-style clinic is a novelty among children’s writers workshops, and participants agree it’s highly effective. We blend traditional one-on-one critiques with group critiques in a masterclass setting. Participants read and/or critique selected peer manuscripts in advance. This prep adds a new dimension to the critique experience—writers may exchange well-thought-out critiques, and also compare their own editing to those of the pros. In short, we maximize your time and benefits.

In our master classes or open critique clinics, each writer is allotted 20 minutes in the “Author’s Chair.” The first 15 minutes are reserved for writer-faculty dialogue, respectfully observed by all attendees. (Most have reviewed the manuscripts in advance.) The final five minutes are for follow-up discussion—observers direct questions to the faculty or writer about the manuscript being critiqued.

A timely note from our FAQ page:

I’d like to apply for a face-to-face critique, but isn’t it intimidating to receive feedback in a “master class” among so many peers and faculty?

Less than you might imagine! We thrive on a spirit of collaboration, not competition. Through pre-workshop activities (a peer manuscript e-anthology and descriptive roster; optional discussions and early critiques), participants “meet” each other and develop a camaraderie before the workshop begins.

Our masterclass format focuses on and depends on everyone’s commitment to learning. Enrollees read selected peer manuscripts, analyzing them with a user-friendly, professional tone, per our written guidelines. Participants share a passion for fiction that helps outweigh self-consciousness —especially since our faculty and peers are genuinely supportive. If this weren’t true, our workshop wouldn’t enjoy its current (and continuous) degree of success.

BEYOND CHAPTERS ONE THROUGH THREE:
“What Happens Next?”

Writers often lament that only chapters one through three are critiqued at workshops and conferences. The protocol makes sense. These pivotal chapters set the stage for developing an entire novel; they ask a dramatic question that must be answered by the story’s end. Also, chapters one through three (or much less!) usually “make or break” a submission to agents and editors.

But while a novel’s opening is critical, writers also need feedback on the growth of seeds planted in those chapters. Our faculty will provide you with the best of two worlds: critiques on standard early “submission” chapters, and (if you wish) feedback on material that follows—as well as on your synopsis or detailed plot outline.

“Beyond Chapters One to Three” will unfold in our masterclass (open clinic) format. Here, we invite you to explore your story’s less-travelled roads—plot junctures and twists, problematic POVs, droopy dialogues, “flat” characters, dead-end scenes, or whatever else may plague you. Of course, we’ll gladly point out your strengths as well! If it weren’t for these, your manuscript wouldn’t be chosen for our masterclass critique clinic.

A thumbs-up critique by an agent or editor can open doors for persevering writers. If you haven’t yet landed a contract for your manuscript, our workshop will provide tools to help you reach that goal. Or maybe, like some of our alumni, you’ll be invited by an agent or editor at our workshop to “Send the whole manuscript—soon.” Don’t let your joy turn to panic as you think, “Uh-oh. I’m stuck on Chapter 13!”

At PCCWW, you may reap the benefits of professional feedback without the costly services of a book doctor. (Or, use our seminar to better prepare for one.) Our experienced faculty will assist you. You’ll also discover how other skilled writers handle their fiction-crafting challenges—grist for your own novel.

Come gather ideas to help you conquer the storyteller’s perennial challenge: “What happens next?”

For a complete workshop schedule, click here.
 
To learn how you and faculty may critique masterclass manuscripts using our guidelines, see Manuscripts.

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