Six months ago, my book, The Writing & Critique Group Survival Guide, officially hit the shelves. It was one of those days of excitement and nerves and a lot of disbelief. I did the launch day thing, and a few weeks later, had my party. It was all MORE than good, and the last six months have been quite a ride. A wonderful ride. Busy, busy, busy!
But not to busy to celebrate some more. I’m a big believer in marking milestones, and I didn’t want this one to just slip by quietly, without paying it a bit of attention. Or without saying thank you to everybody who has supported me, cheered me on, read this blog, spread the word, and just made me happy to be out here talking with you all.
Sounds like a contest to me!
Here are the details. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment here, at this post, between now and next Wednesday night, July 21. If you’d like to leave a happy critique story along with your basic entry, that will be the frosting. (On the cake. The anniversary cake. Get it?) I’ll pull the name of the winner and announce it on Thursday, the 22nd. PLEASE come back and check if you won! I’ll inflate some virtual balloons for you and toss imaginary confetti in your hair.
You probably want more than that, though. And I don’t blame you! Well, here’s what I’ll be handing you, on that big, gold, sparkly platter (okay, in the mail), when you win.
- A signed copy of The Writing & Critique Group Survival Guide
- A set of the critique goodies I put into my raffle bags, which does, indeed, include chocolate
- A first-chapter critique of your manuscript. (If you’re a picture book writer, I’ll totally count that as a chapter.)
- One other writing-craft book, still-to-be-decided-and-you-won’t-know-what-it-is-until-your-prize-arrives-because-it’s-a-surprise!
What do you think?
Drop into that comments section and leave your name. If things go crazy and I get GOBS of entries, I may have to put together more than one prize. Just to keep you all happy.
And to celebrate!
Oh, for pete’s sake, what am I going to do in another six months?
July 15, 2010 at 7:17 am
Happy anniversary!!!!! Count me in!
July 15, 2010 at 7:19 am
Thanks! And counted!
July 15, 2010 at 7:22 am
I can’t believe it’s already been six months! Congratulations! I already own a copy of the book
but the goody bag with chocolate sounds fabulous!
July 15, 2010 at 7:23 am
And you can pass anything you don’t want on to someone else!
July 15, 2010 at 7:29 am
Congrats Becky! Your book has been a great help. Can we get some ice-cream with that anniversary cake?
Tom
July 15, 2010 at 7:32 am
Tom, I’m so glad you like the book! And, yes, ice cream for sure. I’ll eat your share so it doesn’t melt, okay?
July 15, 2010 at 7:30 am
Wow, a contest with wonderful prizes! You can certainly enter my name. I don’t have a ‘happy critique story’ but I do have a book length manuscript that could certainly use a chapter 1 critique. Thanks, Connie Myres
July 15, 2010 at 7:33 am
Connie, maybe that’ll be your 1st happy critique! Thanks for entering.
July 15, 2010 at 7:32 am
Well, you know how much I love your book, so I’m definitely up for celebrating!
My happy critique story is surviving my first face-to-face critique, thanks to your tips and suggestions.
Congrats on six months, Becky!
July 15, 2010 at 7:33 am
You’re in! I’m so happy you’re happy with the book! And thanks for the congrats.
July 15, 2010 at 8:03 am
Count me in. I have a critique group of three other members: no drama, compatible, easy-going, I couldn’t ask for more … except for new eyes to critique my first chapter, and maybe a book on how to make us better at it, and maybe some chocolate, but other than that…
Congratulations
July 15, 2010 at 8:09 am
Congrats no your group, Tricia–that’s a wonderful gift to have. And maybe you’ll even share the chocolate with them.
July 15, 2010 at 8:08 am
Becky, I am so happy for you and proud of you too.
My happy critique story is that I have a much stronger manuscript now that you critiqued it. But honestly, did you have to make me work so hard?
Girl you are good at what you do.
July 15, 2010 at 8:10 am
Oh, Joyce, I’ve always wanted to have a reason to say this (instead of having it said to me!)– No pain, no gain!!!
Thanks so much!
July 15, 2010 at 8:14 am
Woohoo! I have that book and it’s awesome!!
My latest and greatest moment of critique warm fuzzies was giving my brother the first chapter of my latest WIP. I’ve worked over the first chapter a lot because I’m going to a convention where we will be work-shopping a first chapter – a first chapter that had to be turned in in JULY! This morning I got a text from my non-reading brother telling me:
I can’t believe you wrote this. It’s so good! It makes me want to read. I knew what the characters were feeling and I got Aaron.
This seriously gave me all sorts of warm fuzzies that my little brother, the non-reader, was impressed and interested. He’s not a reader – he’s a video game, construction working man’s man, and now we’ve had an hour long conversation about books and that I write stuff he thinks is interesting. Brother: “I didn’t know there were books like that… I thought there were just movies.”
July 15, 2010 at 8:19 am
Oh, this is so incredible! Thanks for sharing. Now you have to find more books like yours and drop them subtly where he can come casually across them!
July 15, 2010 at 8:45 am
Happy Anniversary!! And I see you are on the roster for the East of Eden Conf. I will be attending Saturday(yay!)
Critiques can be oh-so-scary and one of the best ways to improve. I am so fortunate to have a group of 5, all writing in the same genre (YA/Middle Grade)and all giving/taking in the most mutally satisfying way. There are always those moments when my nails are down to the nub, but for the most part, I take their advice as loving gifts aimed at lifting my manuscript to its full potential. So, thank you, Becky, for hosting this contest, and reminding us all how great critiques can be!
July 15, 2010 at 9:00 am
Christina, so glad you’re coming to the conference. Find me and say “hi.”
Sounds to me like you have a great group and a perfect attitude!
July 15, 2010 at 9:19 am
Happy anniversary!
I hope this giveaway is open to international entries because winning the prize on my birthday would be just about the awesomest thing!
I have your book on my to-buy Amazon list and will be ordering it shortly. I’ve heard so many good things about it, I’m really looking forward to reading it.
Also, I don’t comment much on your blog, but I read it regularly and it’s always been a source of great advice to me. I just wanted to thank you for that.
July 15, 2010 at 2:11 pm
What the heck, Brigita, why not? Maybe it just won’t come the fastest speed.
Thanks so much for letting me know you read my blog-I’m glad you like it.
July 15, 2010 at 10:50 am
Congratulations on your sixmonthsiversary, Becky. Glad your book is still going strong!
July 15, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Thanks, Cheri–me, too.
July 15, 2010 at 10:54 am
Great idea for a contest!
July 15, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Thanks, Susan. I felt like doing SOMETHING.
July 15, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Happy 6 month anniversary! And I’d love to win your awesome book. Crossing my fingers!
July 15, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Type carefully with those crossed fingers.
And thanks!
July 15, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Happy 6 months anniversary. I show this on Joyce Moyer Hostetter and the books sounds so good, that I would love to win this wonderful book.
July 15, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Thanks, Shirley–good luck!
July 15, 2010 at 7:23 pm
Thanks for having the contest. Congrats on the 6 month anniversary!
July 16, 2010 at 7:41 am
Thanks, Melanie.
July 15, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Your critique package sounds exciting. I’ve been in a few online critique groups but have a lot to learn. It has often been disappointing, but sometimes I find gems there. PB critique groups seem to be the hardest to develop.
July 16, 2010 at 8:01 am
Janice, don’t give up! Have you tried looking on SCBWI or the Verla Kay newsgroups?
Thanks for entering!
July 16, 2010 at 1:30 am
Congratulations on the 6 months anniversary Becky- this must have been some ride for you
And what a great idea, count me in for the contest!
July 16, 2010 at 7:42 am
Thanks, Lua–it has been amazing. And you’re in!
July 16, 2010 at 3:13 am
Congratulations! I could really use your book for our critque group! Hopefully I’ll win one, but it looks like a must have if I do not. How exciting for you, can’t wait till I can offer a goody bag and free book for one of my reads. All the best to you. Very nice to cyber-meet.
July 16, 2010 at 7:43 am
Janis, it’s true–giving things away is one of the fun parts of marketing! Thanks for coming by.
July 16, 2010 at 7:41 am
From Carol Baldwin (commented at other post)- Hey Becky-
I’m new to your blog but got your email about the contest and so yes, now I’m hooked. I’m writing the first draft of my first novel and it is soooo hard to gush it out know that it may all be cut some day. But, as I have told Joyce many times, I know I have to write it in order to fix it later!
Please enter me in your contest and happy unbirthday (that’s what we called 6 month celebrations in college- many moons ago. Apparently it began with ALice in Wonderland though. Just looked it up!
July 16, 2010 at 8:08 am
Having been in at least 5 critique groups, some in person, some in cyberspace, I think I could totally use your book, Becky. My original group met weekly for at least 5 years till we all started moving away -and we still keep in touch. The others, not such success stories. But I won’t go there.
=)
Happy anniversary! And I’m with you, anything that calls for cake and candles is worth celebrating.
July 16, 2010 at 8:12 am
I’m glad you all still keep in touch. I just finished an article on online critiquing–could you guys make it work that way?
Thanks for the anniversary wishes!
July 16, 2010 at 10:28 am
Yeah, Becky! You’re wonderful. Congratulations! Here’s to many more milestones with many more books (raising imaginary glass of champagne.)
July 16, 2010 at 10:31 am
Thanks, Jana!
July 16, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Hi Becky,
Christina (from the comment above, and my critique group) put your contest on her blog, and I said, “I know Becky! She did that helpful query critique for me at the East of Eden conference a few years back.”
You also did an article in the SCBWI Acorn on critique groups, and I have an article in the current issue on our critique group experience. It’s on page 4 http://www.scbwi.org/Resources/Documents/AcornJune2010_V3.pdf
Critique groups are so valuable, but you do have to communicate what you want from one, or you may not get it!
July 17, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Angelica, your article looks great–congratulations! And I’m glad the query critique helped.
Thanks for stopping by.
July 16, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Congratulations on achieving this milestone. I believe we tend to focus too much life’s major milestones and not enough on the the minor (but equally important) milestones. Life should be celebrated.
This month I celebrated my first year as a civilian after twenty two years in the Air Force. Upon my retirement last year, I gave myself the gift of writing a novel. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the process of crafting the intial manuscript and now look forward to taking the next step and join a critique group.
Surprisingly, I’ve found the process of writing similar to planning a military campaign. And I think what German Field Marshall Helmuth von Moltke said about military plans holds true for manuscripts, “No plan survives contact with the enemy.” I’m not suggesting critique groups are the enemy, rather like the enemy they illuminate the weaknesses of a manuscript and make it stronger.
July 17, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Greg, sounds like the gift you’ve given yourself is wonderful–best of look finding a group that’s a great fit for you and your book!
July 16, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Congratulations! And in another six months, have us come up with a contest for you. My happy critique story is that my group – which doesn’t write my genre but reads my stuff all the same – read a short story that I thought was done and said, no, not yet. So I expanded it, thought it was done, and they said, no, not yet. This went on for another couple of rounds, until they convinced me to pursue it as a novel. How’s that for support!
July 17, 2010 at 8:08 pm
That’s WONDERFUL support. And I hope you’re loving your new LONG story!
July 17, 2010 at 11:07 am
I commented on the wrong post but again just wanted to say that I enjoyed your talk for FAW.
Thanks again.
Nancy
July 17, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Nancy, thanks! It was good to meet you all. You guys have a great group up there.
July 18, 2010 at 10:06 am
Congratulations! Celebrating is *always* a good idea. Many more milestones to come!
July 18, 2010 at 10:10 am
Thanks, Kim! And thanks for stopping by.
July 18, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Happy six-month anniversary!
Great prize package — thanks for offering it!
July 18, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Thanks, Shari!
July 18, 2010 at 1:14 pm
I’m meeting with my critique group tonight and could use a few tips to liven things up – read: keep things from going straight to laughter and gossip before any real work is done. Wouldn’t mind winning that critique either!
July 18, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Sometimes, I think we need to bring a timer along–this much playtime, and then TO WORK.
July 20, 2010 at 8:11 am
As a newbie just dipping the proverbial toe into the waters, I’ve so enjoyed your site and would love to put my name in the running!
July 20, 2010 at 8:45 am
You’re in, Kathleen. And I’m so glad you like the blog.
July 20, 2010 at 3:57 pm
A first-chapter critique with chocolate frosting? What a great idea for your celebration! Please include me in this contest.
Your book has helped me with revisions since day one back in January, but my biggest kick was showing it to prospective group-mates at my initial meeting last week. I believe the book made a huge difference in my ability to comment on their writing. Three people wanted to read, borrow, or buy a copy by the end of our session, and only four members were there!
Becky, thank you so much for your generous and delightful work. Hope to see you at the East of Eden Conference in September.
July 20, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Arlene, you’re included. Thanks so much for the wonderful words about my book–so great to hear! And, yes, see you at E of E.
July 21, 2010 at 7:30 am
Becky,
Esther Hershenhorn reviewed your book on our TeachingAuthors.com blog today, giving it an enthusiastic “thumbs up.” I’d love to have a copy to use with the students in my “craft and critique” workshop.
Congratulations on your anniversary!
Carmela
TeachingAuthors
July 21, 2010 at 7:45 am
Carmela, thanks so much for letting me know about the review–and for posting the link on Facebook! Glad you made it over today.
July 21, 2010 at 8:22 am
I read Easter H’s critique of your book, too. Sounds wonderful and something I’d certainly like to read … maybe I’ll win a copy!
July 21, 2010 at 8:25 am
Allan, maybe you will! Thanks for stopping by.
July 21, 2010 at 8:32 am
I recently participated in my first critique group session. Sounds like your book will be perfect for me. I look forward to reading it! Congrats on your 6-month anniversary!
July 21, 2010 at 8:35 am
John, thanks! I hope your group turns out to be a great fit for you and your writing.
July 21, 2010 at 9:11 am
I just read a wonderful review of your book. My constructive critique group is amazingly helpful, so much that 3/4 members have recently broken into the publishing world. I just wish I win your book and learn to be as helpful as the rest of our group members.
July 21, 2010 at 9:13 am
Mita, it sounds like you’ve got a great group! Thanks for stopping by and entering.
July 21, 2010 at 9:18 am
Happy Anniversary!
I know this is juat a “post and draw” contest, but since I thought it was a writing challenge contest, I offer this little sucking-up-to-the-excellent-author poem:
The Writing & Critique Group Survival Guide
How to find a critique group,
And size up a scene.
How to do it in kindness,
And never be mean.
Three cheers for the author!
You know who I mean:
The only, the legendary,
Becky Levine.
Please put my name in the drawing.
July 21, 2010 at 9:21 am
You are SO in!
This does NOT mean you’re done with your writing for the day, though, you know.
July 21, 2010 at 5:33 pm
Thanks!
And right you are. Still working, though my page is frustratingly blank.
July 21, 2010 at 11:06 am
Well, it sounds like your book is exactly what I need. I don’t think I’ll wait to find out if I win though. I’m heading to Borders today to pick up a copy. I’ve been saving a gift card for just the right book!
However, if I do win, I’ll send the book to my daughter who is at Sarah Lawrence working on her MFA in writing. (I’ll keep the rest of the goodies for myself)!
July 21, 2010 at 11:15 am
Karen, I hope you love the book! And, yes, you’ll want the chocolate and everything else if you win.
July 21, 2010 at 3:55 pm
congratulation on your success, you can count me in on the contest.
July 21, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Thanks, Carol! You’re entered!
July 21, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Your book sounds like it covers all the hot topics we need to know. I haven’t been in a critique group in years, but am just starting with one. Sure missed the commaradity and knowledge.
July 21, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Good for you for getting started with a group again–I hope it works out great for you.
July 21, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Happy Anniversary! I’v so happy for your success!
I have a critique buddy who’s been with me since the early 1980′s! Karen and I have been together in good groups and not so good groups. We’ve got a great bunch now, who are all dedicated and also now, great friends.
July 22, 2010 at 7:01 am
Peggy, I’m glad you’ve got such a great group–it’s the best, isn’t it?
July 21, 2010 at 9:02 pm
I have a great online critique group and just recently started a face-to-face group. Your book is perfect for setting the structure for our group! And we definitely need some guidelines…
My online group includes a fantastic group of writers and we share a space that includes space for critiquing, moral support, and friendships.
Happy Anniversary!
July 22, 2010 at 7:03 am
Tina, congrats on your groups–they sound wonderful. And thanks for stopping by to celebrate with me.
July 22, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Amazing! Tomorrow three women are coming over to talk about setting up a writing critique group. We’ve all put if off for much too long. Whether I win or not, we’ll be getting your book!
Happy anniversary!
Mary
July 22, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Oh dear, I lost track of the days–too much summer vacation:) Sheepishly off to order my copy…
Mary
July 22, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Hey, Mary–I’m sorry you missed the draw date! I do hope you enjoy the book, though. And best of luck with the new group–you’ve just opened a marvelous door on your writing path!