Berserkers Workshop | Guidelines
Ready to have your work torn to bits (with love)? You've come to the right place!
The following is a quick rundown of our guidelines. WE ARE PROBABLY MISSING DETAILS. As the Workshop matures, we will refine the guidelines and procedures.
For now, this is the basics:
The Workshopping Writer
or One complete piece/One chapter, not to exceed 3,500 words
Writing sample must be submitted to the moderator (currently kmCarter) ONE WEEK ahead of the workshop
Must agree to all permissions for publishing on my site (this is an At Will agreement, which is explained in-depth in the submission email from us)
Benefits include:
Exposure on YouTube and QxL.
Share links to website and published work.
Encourage QxL subscribers to share the writer’s work on social media, and follow them.
We can also keep the Workshop fully private for QxL members ONLY
Workshopping Writer Agrees to:
Listen to the critic give evaluation (keep interruptions minimal)
Respond to critique for the allotted time
Discuss/disagree respectfully
Critiquing Berserkers Guidelines
Read the Piece, the whole piece, and nothing but the piece.
We are here to examine what the author has offered. We all deserve to have our work evaluated by someone who has read it in full and carefully considered its strengths and weaknesses. While you may be familiar with other works by the workshopping writer, please keep your comments focussed on the piece being workshopped (this will help avoid unrelated tangents).
The Crap Sandwich
As a writer, I’m sure you find it difficult to hear criticism. And trust me, it’s worse being face-to-face or in the same room with people offering criticism. Try to sandwich the crappy parts in the middle, so you start and end with positivity.
Follow this formula when you leave your evaluation in the comments:
STRENGTHS: what you liked, and why (if it was a thorough mess, look for ANY small thing you can say to compliment their efforts–genuinely)
RESPECTFUL CRITICISM: when delivering the negative stuff, avoid harsh language and personal attacks. Consider framing it as “effective/not effective.” If you need to be direct, be considerate.
BE SPECIFIC: “I didn’t like this,” should be “when this character said this, it made the scene drag; try this instead.” Getting specific will provide actionable advice so the writer knows exactly what you mean.
OFFER RESOURCES: In this online format, we have the advantage of providing links. So, if you have a good example or a resource that would benefit the writer, include the citations or links in your comment.
ENCOURAGEMENT: treat the writer as you would want to be treated. Encourage them to keep trying, and express faith in their ability to become a great writer.
“I Hate this Genre; I Have Nothing to Say”
The genre and topic may not be to your taste, or even in your wheelhouse. But your comments about the writing itself may offer the writer a new perspective they would have access to nowhere else. So, try to focus your comments on craft, rather than your own preferences. Even if you can only offer a couple suggestions and encouragement, please do. Every voice counts.
