Roundtable Critique Groups

Roundtable Calendar

Red Oak Roundtables are appropriate for dedicated writers willing to share their work with a group to receive feedback, share ideas, and build a network of writing friends. Space is limited. Groups fill quickly. Follow links below for pricing & registration.

All sessions are in Central Time. Unless otherwise noted, groups are led on Zoom by Red Oak Director, Kim Suhr

3-Session Online Mini-Series

Sunday Afternoons, 1-3:30 pm
Apr 21, June 2 & 30
July & August (hiatus)
Sept 22, Oct 13, Nov 10, Dec 6

Wednesday Evenings 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Apr 24, May 8, June 12
July 17, Aug 21, Sept 18 (wait list)

6-Session Online Full Series

Online: Tuesday Afternoons, 12 – 2:30 pm
Apr 16 & 30; May 7 & 21; June 4 & 18 (wait list)
July 16 & 30; Aug 6 & 20; Sept 10 & 24

Online: Wednesday Afternoons, 12 – 2:30 pm
Apr 17; May 1, 15, & 29; June 5 & 19 (wait list)
July 17; Aug 7 & 21; Sept 4, 18, & 25

Online: Wednesday Evenings, 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Apr 17; May 1, 15, & 29; June 5 & 19
July 10 & 24; Aug 14 & 28; Sept 11 & 25

Online: Thursday Evenings, 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Apr 18; May 2, 16, & 30; June 13 & 27 (wait list)
July 18; Aug 1, 15, & 29; Sept 12 & 26

Sorry, no refunds. Please contact kim@redoakwriting.com with questions.

The Process

Writers are asked to share a their pages for feedback (up 2,000 words, double-spaced in a Word doc) prior to each session.

When it is your turn, you will read your work aloud while the others read along. They will take notes on big-picture elements of the work. Verbal feedback may begin with the leader asking readers what they think the piece “seems to be about,” what the author seems to be trying to convey in the work.

We will then launch into a conversation of “hiccups” (places where we see opportunities for revision) and “kudos” (aspects of the writing that we appreciate admire). During this time, the writer is listening and taking their own notes on what is being said. This is not a time for them to engage in dialogue with the other members but to take in the different reactions of colleagues.

Following the session, others in the group may send some comments/feedback via email, but this is not required. The leader will send the writer their manuscript with some comments using Track Changes. (If you’d like to record the conversation, please ask the leader to give you permission to record.)

Technology Requirements

We use the Zoom videochat platform, so you’ll need a high speed internet connection, a computer with a camera and microphone, and an email address where I can send your invitation to the video chat and where you can receive the work of the other members.

Red Oak Writing has been invaluable to me where I am in my writing career. The round tables are respectful and welcoming regardless of one’s level of development. It’s more like a nurturing culture than taking a class.

Tom Malin

The Online Roundtable groups are so enriching and helpful to my growth as a writer. … I learn something valuable in each session — whether it’s from the discussion of my piece, or someone else’s. To my surprise, the group camaraderie develops online in much the same way as in an in-person group. And, the highlight has to be Kim. She is both a strong facilitator and great editor, coach and writer. She guides us to think about our work in new ways through skillful questions. If you want to move your work to the next level, I strongly recommend these online groups.

Pam Parker

Editor, Done Darkness,
Washington Post Guest Columnist, “I survived cancer. Why am I so sad?”

Here’s what I love about my Online Roundtable experience: fresh eyes on my work, a supportive environment, honest feedback, and a deadline for my next piece.

Mike Weber

Kim has merged the valuable experience of critique groups at the table into the virtual world with this new online opportunity. The format of sharing work online allows for the same thorough feedback by writing peers, and the in-person meeting via video grants space for even deeper discussion of the work as a whole. As a person unable to attend Roundtables in person for the last few years, I missed the camaraderie and critique, and I was thrilled to participate in the online group–a perfect fit for someone with time or distance constraints but with a desire to work closely with other writers.

Christi Craig

The online class feels surprisingly intimate- maybe due to the in-depth approach to the work. I found greater insights in the overall approach to craft as well as detail. Great class for those trying to take their writing to the next step.