Less than a year ago I had never heard of the Writer’s Alliance of Gainesville, nor had I ever heard of critique pods. Today, I can hardly imagine life without WAG and my pod membership. Shortly after my wife saw a WAG brochure at Millhopper, I eagerly signed up, paid my dues, and contacted the Pod Coordinator. There were two types of pods I was interested in: science fiction/fantasy/horror and screenwriting. I had labored in both areas previously for quite a while and had plateaued, not sure how to move my work to the next level. So with excitement, I talked to the coordinator, but the science fiction pod was full and there was no screenwriting pod. My thought was that, if they didn’t exist, we’d create them, so I got the okay from the board and set up two new pods, one for each genre.
Several months later, the difference is notable. I’ve had one story published, and my screenplay is developing into something of which I am quite proud. I very much credit my membership in the pods for the changes, and I look forward to my alternating Tuesday meetings. What is it about being in a pod that helps me so? Good question.
Being in a pod establishes a routine, scheduled time to meet with like-minded authors. These people each bring their own experience, skills, and points of view to the meeting. For me, this included authors who have been through publishing their books, another skilled in technical editing and grammar, a screenwriter who has worked in Hollywood, and two playwrights. Each week, I get to have them read my work and tell me which aspects work for them, which don’t, and what I can do to improve my story. Sometimes it takes just a tweak, sometimes they have to tell me I should consider starting over. As painful as that might sound, better to happen now than after I have sent a fatally flawed product to a publisher or producer. There are businesses that charge to look over your writing and comment. They will cost you a bundle; WAG pods are free.
When you have a scheduled meeting where you are encouraged to submit your writing, it motivates you to actually write! How many times have you thought, “I really need to get on my writing,” or, “I need to write”? Unfortunately, you then put it off and don’t do it. When you have people who are looking forward to reading your work, suddenly, you have an audience. You have readers, and the world changes. You find those fifteen minutes here or the hour there. You work and happily send it off before the meeting or bring it with you. You’ve kept your promise to your readers.
Finally, you make friends. You talk with people who understand what it’s like to have an idea that wants to be heard, a story that wants to be told. They understand when you get frustrated because you can’t find the right words to explain your thought, and they can help you. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that there are people who feel like you do about writing, about expressing yourself.
I strongly encourage everyone in WAG to join a pod. If the pods are full, we’ll create more of them. If you have an idea for a new type of pod, contact me and we’ll find a way to set it up. Be prepared to step forward and either lead or join a critique pod. There are friends to be made with skills and experience you need, and people who need the skills and experience you provide too. Let’s find the pod that’s right for you.
Susie H. Baxter
Amen! The pod meeting schedule gives me deadlines, and my pod members give constructive feedback. It’s my support group.
Jason McKnight
I want to know the process of joining a pod. I spoke with a member of WAG and was basically told that my work wasn’t a fit for your alliance. I was interested in a beta reader but after she read my “controversial” message, she said it wasn’t a good idea or fit for my work. I thought that there are different levels to writers and that seemingly no one is really rejected due to their ability. I was very disappointed and discouraged but still found the will power to continue writing and still feel that I was treated like an outcast even though I am a native of Gainesville. I think this was at the least a major overlook even though I do feel as though my writing do need attention. But I think that I wasn’t given that chance and would like to be reconsidered for your pod and not just let a meeting at a local restaurant decide my future. My manuscript is still in the works and I need beta readers as well as critic pods to help me in this industry. Please respond to this issue as soon as possible. Thanks in advance.
Dan South
Hello Jason,
I am very sorry that you got that response. There is no excuse for that behavior. Each pod is unique, and while no person is a fit for all pods, we will work very hard to find a pod that fits you. We have experience levels in the organization that range from Pulitzer prize winner to absolute beginner writing page 1 of his/her first story or play, so you are welcome to WAG. Anyone who told you differently is wrong. We have many critique pods, and since they work best at small levels (2 to 6 people), we are always starting a new one. First, we have you join WAG. Second, you tell me the kind of writing you are looking to do. Would you be willing to lead a pod? ( this doesn’t really take much, just booking a room, sending a few emails, and making sure everyone gets fair time), and we go from there. Please email me at dsouth1962@gmail.com and we can go forward.
Sincerely,
Dan South