Live feedback on your short story.

The SSWG is a traditional critique group with a twist (see what we did there?). We are focused on providing encouraging, honest, empathetic, incisive, and succinct feedback on short story manuscripts (and no, your story doesn’t have to end with a twist).

Dates: Every Tuesday
Time: 2 pm – 4 pm (PT)
Place: Google Meet

What happens at the writers’ group?

For the uninitiated, a writers’ group is where we take turns reading our works in progress and providing each other with feedback. Here’s how it goes:

In the wee hours of the first Monday of the month, you’ll find the Short Story Dispatch containing the Google Meet invite in your inbox.
Every Tuesday, we open the room at 1:55 pm for awkward small talk.
At 2 pm, the first writer shares their story, and the rest of us, plus Lisa, give our critiques. (It sounds terrifying, but it is actually rather exhilarating!)
Wash, rinse, repeat until each scheduled writer has had their turn.
Around about 4 pm, we wrap up, refreshed and inspired for another week of writing. (Though, sometimes Lisa goes over.)

You are free to join at any time during the session and we’ll welcome you as soon as we get the chance. If you need any encouragement to click the big button, send Lisa an email.

Who are the writers?

The membership is composed of six regular writers, a random number of guest writers, Lisa (our editor), and you(!). The regular writers are a silly and hard-working bunch, dedicated to strengthening our writing and giving each other a hand up. The guest writers are equally silly, hard-working, and dedicated, but of stronger stock because they live in the perpetual uncertainty of ever becoming a bonafide regular writer (joking!). You are welcome to participate as you feel comfortable or just bask in the glorious short story vibes.

OMG I need this. How do I join?

Anyone with an internet connection can attend the SSWG to observe or try their hand at giving feedback. To read your story and receive feedback, you must become a guest writer. Check out the FAQ below for more about that process.

Join Us

Working with Lisa really helped me deepen my understanding of the many aspects of creating a piece of writing. I experienced her as an insightful teacher and guide and valued the honesty of her approach. I was also awed by her thoroughness. I would recommend her without hesitation to someone seeking an editor.

Gabriole Sinclaire, author

Short Story Writers’ Group FAQ

Our confidentiality statement.

What happens in Short Story Writers’ Group stays in Short Story Writers’ Group. In other words: Don’t steal people’s shit. Thx. Management.

Help! I can’t get into the room!

Google Meet works on any up-to-date browser but works best on Chrome. Check you’ve installed the latest updates, or, if you can, switch devices. If none of that works, send me an email and we’ll sort you out.

Who is Lisa, anyway?

Hi! I’m your resident short story editor. I specialize in the preparation of short fiction, collections, and anthologies for submission, query, and publication. I’ve helped authors successfully submit their short stories to The Plaza Short Story Prize, Grain Magazine, Women on Writing and Pulp Literature. Here is a link to my full bio.

What is a guest writer?

A guest writer is a writer who has been convinced to try their hand at critiquing a few times, decided they’re not too intimidated to give reading a whirl, and liked it so much they stick around. In short, a brave soul!

How do I become a guest writer?

First, you’ll need to participate regularly in the SSWG as a critiquer. Then, ask the host to be added to the guest writer list. When we feel you’re ready, we’ll invite you to read. If all goes well, Bob’s your uncle.

What is a regular writer?

We have six regular writers. These are folks who have attended faithfully and formally committed to improving their writing and critique skills through consistent participation in the SSWG. It’s a LOT of work to make the cut, but it’s worth the time and effort.

What are the benefits of being regular writer?

In return for their commitment, they receive regular reading slots, guinea-pig opportunities, and one-on-one time with Lisa.

How do I become a regular writer?

Because there are only (usually) sixteen reading slots per month (twelve for regular writers, three for guest writers, and one for Lisa, the SSWG is capped at six writers. When a writer steps down from their commitment, new readers are chosen* from the guest writer list.

* To create a dynamic community and provide useful feedback, the blend of readers needs to be diverse in life experience, writing style, and skill, so levelling up to regular writer isn’t first-come first-served, nor does it depend on your writing/critique chops.

What are the benefits of reading and critiquing?

Besides receiving feedback from a variety of perspectives on your work (along with a handy written transcript) and learning how to gracefully separate your opinion from your critique, weekly practice has (at least) four important benefits.

Efficiency. Composing one-minute, on-the-spot critiques teaches you to quickly identify issues and deliver focused, logical reasoning and suggestions to the writer.
Objectivity. Playing the second set of eyes on story after story allows you to see your own work more objectively and avoid the common problems that keep stories in the slush pile.
Accountability. You are expected to read original (new or revised) stories to the group and critique in kind. The pressure to write, read, and critique keeps you honest about your writing practice.
Community. The Short Story Writers of the Earth is a deeply anti-pretentious, pro-curious, and flagrantly supportive group. You will be assimilated!

What kind of stories can I bring?

All genres of original stories are welcome and encouraged—from literary to speculative and back. Avoid content that includes out-of-context graphic violence, explicit sex, and hate. And, of course, AI-generated text. Please email Lisa if you are unsure.

More FAQs