What we’re about
This group aims to provide a friendly environment for writers of speculative, fantasy, and horror fiction (including literary genre fiction and speculative poetry). Rather than an open critique format, we’ll be using the Milford method wherein each reader has four minutes to critique a piece. It sounds crazy, but it’s alarmingly effective and allows the many shy folks in the genre world to have a say. Submissions are limited to six each month and decided on a first uploaded, first-serve basis. Writers at any level are welcome, but manuscripts for critique should be in English and speculative in nature. We will be taking over the Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in Shibuya from ten am to noon on the last Sunday of each month. Come for the words and leave filled with caffeine and sugar. This group is inclusive and open to all identities.
How it works.
Read each piece prior to the meetup. Prepare what you want to say.
The group critiques each piece one by one and each commenter has a four-minute turn to comment on a piece. However, it's not a requirement to speak for the full four minutes. As is often the case, someone will get to what you've wanted to say before you do, and in that case, a simple "I agree with Jane about..." is fine.
The writer stays silent during the critique. However, after a piece has been critiqued by the group, the writer has four minutes to respond and answer questions.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Word Count: Up to 7500 per submission.
Submissions are limited to six and on a first post, first-served basis. Note that due to the time investment, Submissions over 1,500 words will only be accepted up to one week before the meeting time, so if you have a longer piece, get it up prior to that deadline. After that, only shorter pieces and poetry will be allowed submission.
Please don't submit the night before.
The submission window will open and a file will be posted on the first of the month. Please do not submit beforehand.
The Google drive link for submissions is below. We will take up to six submissions per meeting. However, if you find there are six submissions and would still like to participate, drop me a line and we'll put you on the waiting list. You can still participate if you do not submit, but we may not have enough time to include your critique. Also, this is the first run, so let me know if the link isn't working.
Note: I've replaced the link below to one that (I hope) will work. If you're having trouble uploading your file, please email your submission to Smarterinabsentia@gmail.com and I'll post it from here.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UNYnHwXdejXZek67ANMvkCAl_mdiy3P2?usp=sharing
