By CaraMarie Christy

Location is key to the efficiency of a critique group because it will set the mood, the pace at which the group functions, and the rate at which its participants develop their skills. Just as a grim setting on the written page can induce a sense of nervousness in a reader, a positive work environment can create a feeling of productivity and energy for crit group partners. There are few places where a critique group could not meet, given new advances in online conference calls, like Skype. For those critics who wish to meet in-person, some potential work spaces offer more benefits than others. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of common meet-up locations:

Coffee Shops/Bookstores- “I believe humans get a lot done, not because we’re smart, but because we have thumbs so we can make coffee.” – Flash Rosenberg. These are some the best places to set up workshops, as they are often designed to promote “comfort”—e.g. big comfy chairs, tables, and internet access. The issues with this sort of location are lack of crowd control and the occasional need to get permission from store owners to use the facilities. Starbucks is famous for allowing people to use their facilities as work spaces for free but, because of this, there are hours in which the stores become overcrowded with business. Too many people trying to work at once creates a chaotic environment. To prevent this, writers need to schedule around store “rush” hours and plan alternative locations if the primary becomes impractical.

Library- “A library is the delivery room for the birth of ideas, a place where history comes to life.”- Norman Cousins. There is something to be said for writing literature in a sea of novels and novellas, as though creativity can be obtained through osmosis. Libraries are usually free to use and include numerous spaces with chairs and tables to hold meetings. However, in the middle of that sea, are other readers and writers trying to work, which can lead to whispered meetings or noise complaints. Often, libraries have rooms that can be reserved for community use, where critics can be free to be talk without disturbing other workers. Using these can require contacting library administration, who will clear up the regulations and terms of use of these facilities. Critics interested in using a library’s conference room should be prepared to justify their group’s validity and reasons for meeting. Some libraries allow only non-profit organizations to use their meeting rooms.

Playground/Park/Outdoors- “Nothing coaxes jumbled thoughts into coherent sentences like sitting under a shade tree on a pleasant day.” – Carol Kaufman, NY Times. Some writers benefit from fresh air. It can be relaxing and studies show that sun exposure helps establish a strong sleep cycle, increase Vitamin D absorption, and can cause stress relief and relaxation, all of which can lead to more energy to put towards writing and editing. There is also easy access to outdoor facilities. However, fighting the urge to lie out in the sun can be counter-productive to writing group goals. If the group is one for casual chat and critique, then this would serve its purposes. But a serious push for studying requires sitting up, paying attention, and having all participants actively engaged in discussion. There is also a problem for critique groups, in that if any one of their members has allergies, staying outside for an extended period of time becomes a challenge.

Home- “You will never feel truly satisfied by work until you are satisfied by life.” –Heather Schuck – This is a location with easy access and atmosphere control, having a critique group member volunteer their own home means that no one has to ask anyone in administration, like the coffee shops and libraries, for permission and there is no fear of disturbing other workers. The downside of using this environment is the distinction between a “work zone” and a “relaxation zone.” It’s important to have a work-life balance. Productivity increases with routine, at home routines can involve watching television and eating meals, instead of working on written content.

Diner/Restaurant/Bar- “First we eat, then we do everything else.” – M.F.K. Fisher. A favorite environment with many writers is a local diner, restaurant, or bar. These places offer the availability of substantial food and refreshment, unlike coffee shops which only provide sugary foods and drinks. Often times, if staff are tipped well and managers don’t mind, critique groups can meet here without having to confer with anyone beforehand. Typically, diners and bars are well-crowded and conversation is a norm, so there is no fear of interrupting another patron trying to work. The downsides of these environments are if the diner not selected well, the meals they provide can be expensive and that plates of food can often leave little room for writing samples and workshop notes. The work usually has to begin after the table is cleared.