Novel Boot Camp is only a week away! Before we all get absorbed in the excitement and chaos, let’s make some writing friends and snag some critique partners!
**Note: This meetup does not end at any specific time. Feel free to post here throughout Novel Boot Camp!**
Writing Friend: Someone to chat with about writing and publishing. Someone to give you a nudge (or a shove) when you fall behind on your goals. Someone to laugh and cry with you about your writing ups and downs.
Critique Partner: Someone to exchange full or partial manuscripts with in order to offer critiques of each other’s work. Must be polite, courteous, constructive, but also honest.
There are two ways to connect:
Twitter Meetup
Tweet your request for writing friends or critique partners to Twitter and tag it with: #NovelBootCamp
Sample Tweet: Looking for a critique partner. A YA writer would be great! Writing friends always welcome! I need a good shove during #NovelBootCamp!
Blog Comment Meetup
Post your request for writing friends or critique partners in the comments section below. Remember to provide some way for other writers to contact you (Twitter handle, email address, Facebook link, etc.).
Sample Blog Comment: I’m not ready for a critique partner just yet, but writing friends would be awesome! I like to read fantasy and suspense. My goal is to get an agent by next summer. I love knitting, dancing, and reading! Please contact me at [email address] or [Twitter handle].
ETA: Facebook Meetup!
If you prefer to connect on Facebook, there is now a Facebook Novel Boot Camp group!
Meetup Rules & Advice
In your request for a critique partner or writing friend, you may want to include:
- Whether you’re looking for a writing friend, critique partner, or both.
- Whether you need a gentle hand or some tough nudges to get you going!
- What genres you’re interested in reading/writing/critiquing.
- How long you’ve been writing.
- Some non-writing things about you, such as what you do for fun.
A Few Rules
- The meetup has no official end time. Feel free to post even after the excitement has died down.
- You do not have to participate in Novel Boot Camp to participate in this meetup.
- Do not be rude, attacking, or insulting in your posts. Keep it clean. I will delete you if I feel it will strengthen the experience for other writers.
- Do not post advertisements for your products (books, ebooks) or services (editing, proofreading, cover design, etc.). NO spam! This includes “veiled” spam, such as conveniently mentioning your products/services.
- Do not post looking for a critique partner if you do not intend to reciprocate with your own critique.
- Have fun!
Make Friends with Me!
I don’t have time for critique partners (way too much editing to get done!), but I love making writing friends! The best place to connect with me is on Twitter where I post writing tips, editing advice, and updates about my videos, blog posts, workshops, etc. I also answer writing and editing questions when I can.
When not editing (which is almost never), I love geocaching, watching movies, reading, and eating tacos.
Ellen Brock 
Hi everyone!
I’m a writer of Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Romance fiction, with an emphasis on LGBT themes. I have a mess of a(n almost finished) rough draft of a Fantasy manuscript currently weighing in at about 45,000 words (and will be added to in the revision stage), and am about to start writing a Sci-Fi book. I’m looking for crit partners and writing buddies.
If you’re interested in maybe doing a manuscript swap, or buddying up, message me on Twitter @KristeneCollins or email me at kristene.collins@hotmail.com
Hi! I am looking for writing friends and critique partners. I’m writing a paranormal romance between two male characters. There is some sex and some gore, so this will not be everyone’s cup of tea. While I will keep what excerpts I share with the group as G-rated as possible, I think it would be difficult to critique my story unless you are comfortable with both those elements. Writing buddies of all sorts are welcomed, however!
I live in Japan, so my timezone will be a little bit off. I read fantasy, romance, mystery, cook books and travel guides. I love tea, knitting, travel and cooking. You can contact me via gillian.stkevern@gmail.com, or on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gillian.stkevern
Hey Gillian, It’s me Pen! If you need a critiquing partner or someone to bounce ideas off of, I can do that. You already have my contact info 🙂
I do indeed! I am sure I will be taking advantage of your generosity at some point,
I do indeed! I will probably be taking advantage of your generosity at some point.
Are you thinking about joining the boot camp?
I’ll be following along with the boot camp, picking up tips, etc. I’m not sure if I’ll write anything though.
Hi Group,
I am in the process of completing a “tween” novel at present about 120 pages in length. Looking for a critique partner and writing friend. This is my first time for outside review. Most of my review has come from writer friends and some of my students ( I am a teacher of that age level). Outside of teaching I am a “Jack of all trades and master of some”. I live on 8 acres growing most of my own food. I have 3 beautiful Golden retrievers, enjoy kayaking, backpacking and hiking with my wife. I live in the Finger Lakes region of New York.
You can reach me at writerdkschmidt@gmail.com.
Doug Schmidt
I’m writing a tween novel, too. Mine is an urban fantasy about a 13-year-old girl. Would you like to be my critique parter?
Do I hear angels singing? I’m on the cusp of finishing my own tween urban fantasy about a 12-yo girl. If you want to team up, contact me at john_r_berkowitz@yahoo.com. If you want to check up on me first, I talk quite a lot about my book at http://www.johnrberkowitz.wordpress.com.
Hello all, so glad to have such great writing company on this little adventure! Wow, do I need some writing and critique buddies – I hope I can find a few here.
My significant work in progress is historic fiction/time-travel. Truth be told, it feels like two works in one: the historic portions and the sci-fi “space-time continuum” sections. I would even be open to a couple critique and writing buddies who would only involve themselves in just one of the two sections.
Currently I have completed the first draft (emphasis on ‘draft’) of twenty-six chapters with eight more to go (not counting the prologue). Granted, some could be doubled up and some may need considerably more content to make them better, but that’s how my basic structure is for now. In total, I’ve written around 180K words, which is remarkable considering I am a horrible typist.
This is my first full-fledged attempt at long-format writing. Until now, my only published work has been in news format (print) and my two blogs, my favorite of which is my travel blog: http://www.emptiednestadventures.blogspot.com/ although it has been on hiatus while I work on this project.
I’d love to offer up a portion of my work to any potential fellow boot-camp recruits to see if my writing style or content is something with which you could spend a month before you commit to anything. Please let me know. Thanks!
Contact Info:
Email: truckdrivewriter@aol.com
Twitter: @TruckingWriter
Greetings!
After reading everyone’s introductions, I’m excited to be part of a writing group, but also intimidated because I’m at the very beginning of the writing process (planning) and it seems everyone has started; is half way through; or has completed a manuscript.
I would very much like a writing partner who could eventually evolve into a possible critique partner. I am not new to writing, but this is the first time I’m attempting publishing. Getting an agent would be nice, but I’m more likely going to self publish. I’m also looking for a writing partner who has tried or has written and published in numerous genres. I mentioned that I’m at the planning stages of writing which is true, however, it seems when I really get down to outlining a story, the genres don’t always stay the same. Genres that I’m interested in include YA (supernatural/fantasy) and NA Romance/Romance (fade to black for the adult parts like Kristen Higgins. Not sure what type of romance genre that is.) It would be nice to have a writing partner who has tried different genres and hear their take on the process, problems, etc. in publishing for multiple genres.
A writing partner would be great at this time, but I can provide critque too in either content or line editing. However, my time is limited because I am a full time mom.
Writing is my passion. I also love reading. I am currently in an Agatha Christie phase (can’t quit you!), but I enjoy YA Fantasy (Cinda Williams Chima, Rae Carson, Kristin Cashore, Melissa Meyers-she’s YA Sci-Fi), Fantasy (itching to get to Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archives), and enjoy Contemporary Romance (Kristen Higgins and Julie James are my current favorites). My other interests include cooking and good food. I also enjoy gardens and light gardening. When I can, I like sneaking away to my favorite local tea room and indulging in their full tea service.
Contact information: jennfs10@gmail.com
Email is the best way to get in touch with me.
Hello all
My name is Samuel and I am currently co-writing my first work which I would guess to be a YA Epic Fantasy, as I’m not to shore how to allocate genres yet, I have currently written the fist draft of the first 8 chapters plus prologue (21000 words) out of a minimal of 36 chapters (the chapters vary in length). I am looking for a “Writing Friend” or a “Critique Partner”, but I must be honest with you up front, I am dyslexic there for my spelling is not the best and I am very slow at reading, so if you wish me to Critique or read your work do keep in mind it may take me some time but ill try to do it as fast as I can.
l can probably count the amount of books I have read with my fingers as I am not much of a reader, but I do like to invent and be creative, hens why I like writing, I tend to have a different way of looking at things then most people. The genres that catch my attention most are Fantasy, Si-Fi, Adventure…
My background is in the printing business, video editing/special effects and fast food industry. I like watching films, playing video games, animals, making videos, singing and creating things with my hands jewellery and such.
If you like a challenge then please get in contact with me to work together on our novels, you can contact me at samuelcoley86@gmail.com
P.S. Good luck to all and don’t stop writing ^_^”
Hello! I’m also writing a fantasy novel. I don’t know if it’s Epic Fantasy, frankly I didn’t know it existed. But your novel sounds very interesting! My novel is far from completed so I’d only have a basic outline (which I still haven’t gotten figured out yet) and some solid scenes, so it wouldn’t require a lot of reading. I just need someone to talk through my outline with and a different opinion on stuff. And since you said yours is, I was wondering if you’d like to be writing friends/critique partners?
Oh and I haven’t completed a novel yet but I have many ideas and scenes for ones written down. I like reading, drawing, video games, snacks, movies, and polar bears. And I know this reply is lousy, but I’m sick at the moment and in need of some help with my book. I’m ready for a challenge!
Please feel free to contact me at artist4author@gmail.com
Hey Katwyn
I’ve sent you an email hope to hear from you soon
Good luck to all and don’t stop writing ^_^”
Hello beautiful people!
I have just finished my second draft of a fantasy novel. But I’m not happy with it, and right now feel a little stuck. I would love some honest feedback and advice on how to improve.
I am interested in reading sci fi, fantasy and historical fiction. Please, nothing with heavy romance, I’m not a fan, and I find it permeates the novel world a little too much.
Outside of writing, I love to cook, travel, do anything physical, explore, and go on adventures…like climbing mountains. I also love to learn and experience new things.
If you are interested in exchanging chapters or sections of writing, my e-mail is zanlexus@hotmail.com.
I look forward to hearing from you.
hey im leilani and I wouldn’t mind helping. my email is ameriya12@gmail.com im also looking for a critique partner. I am doing my best to power through what i have so far of my first draft so please bare with me.
Hi there! I would love to help you out. kyliebetzner@gmail.com or @kbbetzner on twitter
This sounds like so much fun. i need another writing friend/critique partner (other than my sister). I write fantasy and historical fiction.
Hey there, just a quick reply; I’m working on a historical fiction novel, specifically American history, with an element of time travel. I’m still looking for writing partners and critique partners. What’s your current WIP?
I’m still looking for a few partners as well. I hate to say, I’m not sure what WIP means. If you’d like to email me, I can be reached at tbetzner@outlook.com
Hey guys! I am currently looking for writing friends that provide a support group and encourage! I’m working on a YA fantasy (finished draft 1 tonight!).
I love reading, singing, dancing, traveling, scrapbooking, and trying to make a difference in my students’ lives.
Can we start one list of all those who want to be writing friends? List your Twitter or Facebook, and if you don’t have them, your email. Reply to this post if you’ve mentioned you’d like (or you would like) writing buddies.
@fansoffiction or Jenna Klein
The Jenna Klein from Puerto Rico (there are many).
Hi Jenna, I’m interested in a support group. I’m writing my first novel, a Ya romance. I’m currently working on the second draft.
Email: contact@cassandracharles.com
Twitter: @Cassandra198924
I would definitely like more writing buddies! I’m on facebook as Gillian St Kevern.
Yeah my name is Francey, my e-mail is weareshawesome@gmail.com my twitter is twitter.com/franceyfrans my facebook is francey pants
I just made a Facebook group as well for anyone who prefers to communicate that way: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NovelBootCamp/
I am looking for a support group.
Email: Romanglass18@yahoo.com
I joined the FB group, but also wanted to mention here that I’m looking for writing friends and a support group. Maybe a thread can be started on the FB group too?
jennfs10@gmail.com
I would definitely be interested in this support group.