If you'd like to be considered for membership or placed on the waiting list (if there are no slots open), e-mail Genna at genna1020@hotmail.com.

Hodge Podge is open to Beginner through Published writers, though most of our membership falls into the Intermediate category. We critique everything from picture books through chapters of young adult novels, so that members may explore the many genres of children’s literature together.

Our membership is limited to ten members to keep the workload to a reasonable level. Each member is permitted to post a story for critique up to once a week, including rewritten versions. Once a story is posted, members are required to post a critique within ten days. Of course, flaming, tearing down of work or hurtful comments are not permitted. Supportive, honest, constructive critiques are what we're looking for.

Members at the Cafe's other groups report that participation takes about one to two hours per week. It is possible to download stories to your desktop for critique, then copy the critique back to the message board to minimize your time online.

When applying for membership, you will be asked to respond to a short list of questions and submit a brief writing sample. Publication is NOT a requirement for membership. We would like to encourage and offer guidance for beginning to intermediate writers who are serious about pursuing their craft, as well as those beginning to publish.

Membership to the Hodge Podge Critique Group is limited to members of the Children's Writers Cafe. Once you are a member at the Cafe for two weeks, you are eligible to apply for membership at Hodge Podge. The two week rule was created to allow prospective members the time to get a feel for the atmosphere at the Cafe and decide whether a Cafe group will be effective for them. We’ve found that it limits turnover and misunderstandings in the group.

For those who’ve never participated in a critique group before, or would like pointers, members receive a copy of an article by Suzanne Leiurance on 'How to critique'. Suzanne is an instructor at CoffeehouseforWriters.com, and has generously granted her permission for me to share copies of her article, which she uses when teaching her online Core of Three class.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me anytime. I'll be happy to help any way I can. Thanks so much for your interest!

Smiles

Genna,

Moderator,  Hodge Podge