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anything not written in the group's approved style or genre, people that come
to one meeting and never return, and a general Fall of the House of Usher
darkness.
NEVER join a Sharks and Dinner group.
Remember, even if they let you be one of the
Sharks ... when they smell blood in the water, sharks will eat their own.
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Does everybody bring work to each meeting, or do you hear from the same three
people?
In general, avoid all groups where you get to hear from only one or two
writers, and everyone else sits around and talks about what they'll write
someday.
Is anybody happy to see you?
Do people make an effort to include you?
Did anyone ask you your name? Did you like anyone there?
Furthermore, are you happy to be there? Do you look forward to going to
meetings?
When you get home, do you want to write, or theme song, and you'll get the do
you want to become an accountant?
If it isn't fun, if it doesn't add something positive to your life, don't
waste your time.
I'd link the theme song from
Cheers here, but it would slow your reading. Just think of the idea.
I hope this helps you find a writers' group that will help you get published.
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Schrodinger's Petshop Members' Handbook
Part One Purposes and Goals
Schrodinger's Petshop, established in May of 1988, grew out of a core of
aspiring science fiction and fantasy writers who wanted to write better and
sell our work, and who weren't able to find a writers' group or program that
met our needs and interests.
We've met on a regular basis since, constantly growing and changing to meet
the needs of our admittedly esoteric membership.
Our main goal it to help each other get published. We do this by presenting
and participating in workshops on our varied areas of expertise, by reading
and critiquing each other's work, and by encouraging each other to submit
finished works. We also provide networking, contacts with professionals in the
field, and a chance to meet other local talents with similar interests.
Some of our members have gone from unpublished writer to pro since joining,
others have published in both commercial and small presses, and still others
are just now beginning to submit work. Some are still learning how to finish
work.
We are open to members of all levels of experience, and of all ages and
interests. We have members who are experienced in novel-writing, in
short-fiction writing, in non-
fiction, and in poetry. However, we are strongly biased in favor of science
fiction, fantasy, and horror (speculative fiction) subject matter. We are not
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a general-interest writers' group. If you want to write mainstream or
non-fiction or works in other genres, but have no interest in speculative
fiction, we are not the group for you.
While we have a great deal of fun at our meetings, we are not geared toward
socializing. We are a working writers' group, and our main premise is that
writers write. If you join, be prepared to read what you are working on, to
take criticism, and also to give it. We'll help you achieve your goal of
getting your stories into print
your goal is one we share.
Welcome to Schrodinger's Petshop.
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Schrodinger's Petshop Rules of Order
Here are the rules of order used at meetings far better in my opinion than
Robert's
Rules of Order.
1) No throwing of objects not actually owned by you.
2) No duelling indoors.
3) Absolutely no blood on the carpet, or on any latex flat-painted surface.
4) Anyone making allegations of questionable parentage about another writer
must be prepared to provide proof.
5) Payment for all emergency medical services and supplies required during the
course of the meeting are the sole responsibility of the person or persons who
made them necessary.
Schrodinger's Rules of Critiquing
1) Critique the writing, never the writer. Never say, You are... or You
should...
Instead say, The writing is... or The story should...
2) Find what is right in each piece as well as what is wrong.
3) Don't say, This is how I would write it; how you would write it isn't the
point.
4) Remember that subject matter is personal. You don't have to like a story to
give it a fair critique.
5) Remember what your biases are and critique around them.
6) Remember that real people wrote this stuff, and real people have real
feelings.
Things you may not say while critiquing.
That's awful.
That's stupid.
You couldn't write your way out of a paper bag.
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Schrodinger's Rules of Being Critiqued
1) Listen. The person who is speaking has taken the time to listen to your
work, and wants to help you find ways to make it better.
2) Wait until everyone has finished critiquing before making comments.
3) Explain only if necessary. Don't rebut.
4) Take notes.
5) Realize that everything can be improved.
6) Be willing to make changes. Conversely, don't change anything you feel must
remain in order to make the story yours.
Things you may not say when being critiqued.
You're wrong.
You're an idiot.
Your mother was a hamster and your father smelled of elderberries.
General Information
Meetings are on alternate Wednesdays, beginning at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise
noted.
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