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Here you will find some of the most common questions asked of the Colorado Springs Fiction Writer's Group. You may notice that the same question is phrased differently or is in more than one section. This is because we want to ensure that all questions are thoroughly answered. If you don't find your question answered here, please email it to
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Only CSFWG members may submit to the group, however visitors are not only welcome to, but expected to, take copies, critique them and orally discuss them at the next meeting should they decide to return.
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Are your meetings private or open to the public?
The Colorado Springs Fiction Writer's Group is open to the public. Visitors are welcomed and encouraged to participate. Those wishing to get copies of submissions for the next meeting may fill out this Visitor Contact Form or call us at (719) 574.5571.
Where and when are your meetings?
The Colorado Springs Fiction Writer's Group groups meet on different days and times to allow our membership the ability to choose the group which best fits their schedule..
SATURDAY GROUP (click to visit the Saturday Group's page. ) - Main benefit - Have remainder of weekend to write after attending the meeting.. Typically meets the last Saturday of each month (barring holiday conflicts) from 2-5PM in the Meeting Room at Panera Bread (3120 New Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922). Directions, meeting dates, submissions and Saturday Group member bio pages may be found here.
MONDAY GROUP (click to visit the Monday Group's page. ) - Main benefit - have entire weekend before meeting to finish critiques/finish writing & printing submissions. Typically meets the last Monday of each month (barring holiday conflicts) from 6-9PM in the Community Room at Barnes and Noble Booksellers (795 Citadel Drive Easy, Colorado Springs, CO 80909). Directions, meeting dates, submissions and Saturday Group member bio pages may be found here.
How many groups do you have?
The Colorado Springs Fiction Writer's Group currently has two different groups.
SATURDAY GROUP (click to visit the Saturday Group's page. ) - Main benefit - Have remainder of weekend to write after attending the meeting.. Typically meets the last Saturday of each month (barring holiday conflicts) from 2-5PM in the Meeting Room at Panera Bread (3120 New Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922). Directions, meeting dates, submissions and Saturday Group member bio pages may be found here.
MONDAY GROUP (click to visit the Monday Group's page. ) - Main benefit - have entire weekend before meeting to finish critiques/finish writing & printing submissions. Typically meets the last Monday of each month (barring holiday conflicts) from 6-9PM in the Community Room at Barnes and Noble Booksellers (795 Citadel Drive Easy, Colorado Springs, CO 80909). Directions, meeting dates, submissions and Saturday Group member bio pages may be found here.
Which group is best for what I write?
There is no easy answer for this. Our groups are purposefully not genre-specific. This allows writers to get insight from peers who don't write, or often read, within the genre being critiqued and get a broader spectrum of opinions on their prose.
Can I attend meetings without joining?
Yes. As a matter of a fact, it's required that visitors attend three times and participate in the critique process at least twice before being allowed to join the Colorado Springs Fiction Writer's Group. We have this rule because of the following reasons:
- This cuts down on the number of new members submitting their work, getting a stack of critiques, then disappearing. While it doesn't sound like a big deal, it increases the workload of our members and takes advantage of the editors within the groups.
- By coming three times, visitors will be familiar with how our group works and be able to make an informed choice as to whether the CSFWG is right for them. Specifically, the visitors will be aware that there is no such thing as a "perfect" submission coming through the group because of all the differing perspectives on the submitted work.
- It allows the visitor and the group to get to know each other a little better.
Why are your articles and electronic versions of submissions in PDF format?
ARTICLES - This just allows the group to supply formatting onto documents often downloaded and printed.
SUBMISSIONS - When submissions are critiqued the person making comments often refers to specific pages as examples. By keeping documents in scanned PDF format members who download the submissions may follow along page-by-page, as the author intended.
Is there an age restriction regarding membership (can underage people join)?
Our starting age is 16. It's not that authors under 16 can't write, or write extremely well, but often submissions may contain adult language, situations, actions. We understand that most teens have already been exposed to these situations in word/video/deed, but there's a question of the comfort level of submitting members. By group consensus the age of 16 and a parent consult/signed permission slip is required for petitioning members under 18 . . . and yes, the group's youngest member to join so far was 16. In the spring of 2007, at the age of 17, she won second place in the Paul Gillette Memorial Contest - Young Adult Category.
I'm interested in visiting a CSFWG meeting, but really don't want to sit around for three hours listenting to other people comment on works I haven't read. Is there a way to get copies for the meeting I'm interested in visiting so I can participate?
We've heard this complaint many times in the past and, starting July 2007, we have a solution. Visitors interested in attenting and wanting to take part in their first meeting may call us at
. We will arrange for you to get the current month's submissions for the group you're interested in via Internet download.
I write (any genre). Which group would be the best fit for me?
There is no genre-specific group within the CSFWG. By making sure the writers within each group are diverse, we better ensure that the submitting author will get critiques from a larger cross-section of the writing/reading membership.
I'm interested in visiting a CSFWG meeting, but really don't want to sit around for three hours listenting to other people comment on works I haven't read. Is there a way to get copies for the meeting I'm interested in visiting so I can participate?
We've heard this complaint many times in the past and, starting July 2007, we have a solution. Visitors interested in attenting and wanting to take part in their first meeting may call us at
. We will arrange for you to get the current month's submissions for the group you're interested in via Internet download.
What is the difference between the groups?
As we have no genre-specific or starting/advanced writing groups, the differences between our groups are few. These differences are to better allow the membership to find a group meeting which best fits into their life schedule.
- Meeting Dates - Each group meets on a different day of the month.
- Meeting Times - Each group meets during a different time frame
- Meeting Location - Some groups meet at different locations around the city.
- Group Members - Each group has unique members which comprise its population.
Beyond that the groups operations are identical.
I write (any genre). Which group has the most members which match the genre I write?
There is no genre-specific group within the CSFWG. By making sure the writers within each group are diverse, we better ensure that the submitting author will get critiques from a larger cross-section of the writing/reading membership.
Do I have to have a Member Bio page?
Yes. There are reasons for our membership having bio pages (and having it filled out). It's:
- A place for potential agents and publishers to see you, your bio and samples of your work.
- A membership directory for visitors and new members to better associate names and faces.
- A way to begin promoting yourself to the public at large.
Do I have to use my real or last name on the Member Bio Page?
No. You can simply use the first initial of your last name or a pseudonym.
Do I have to have a photo on my member bio page?
Yes. First and foremost, it's a way for visitors and new members to better associate names and faces. For more click "HERE."
Do I have to have my e-mail on my Member Bio Page?
The email address on the CSFWG bio page is the "@csfwg.org" and not your personal email address. The link (as well as the CSFWG phone number) is actually encoded to help avoid bots from harvesting that information.
Can I change the format of my CSFWG Bio Page?
No. The CSFWG format is universal. If you want pages you can control the layout of, we suggest MySpace.
Can I list my Member Bio Page with search engines?
Yes. The CSFWG lists its website with all the major search engines, but if you wish to list your bio page you are more than welcome to.
Will the CSFWG list my Member Bio Page with search engines?
Yes. The CSFWG lists its website with all the major search engines. This includes all pages contained on the site.
What exactly are the membership requirements?
We have no mandatory submissions or screening panel. All a potential member really needs to join is the following:
- A group with space in it.
- Attendance for 3 consecutive meetings (barring emergencies).
- Payment of the $25.00 annual membership fee
Why do I have to come to three meeting before becoming a member.
This rule is in place for a few reasons.
- It allows the visitor to act as a member and give critiques, showing the group that they really do wish to join.
- It avoids the "submit and run" writers. Our group has published authors, editors, etc.. and too often we have had someone come, drop their $25 on the table alongside the first 50 pages of their novel (or short stories) and swear the group's the very thing they need. Of course the next month they show up to get their critiques, but haven't bothered to critique anyone else and we never see them again (meaning they got 10-15 professional edits/critiques most pay well over $100 each for). By having them come and participate for three meetings we have avoided this particular problem.
- It allows the visitor to see if we're the type of group they want to join.
When you state a visitor has to come three times before joining does that mean they can join on the third visit or do they have to wait for the fourth?
There's many questions about this (some saying it's too long), so here's the breakdown:
- First Meeting - this is the first time you come to the group. Whether you called and downloaded the submissions or are a walk-in who just sits and listens, it still counts.
- Second Meeting - at this meeting we expect you to critique and participate in the discussions.
- Third Meeting - this is where you pay your $25 annual membership. You "can" submit at this meeting as well.
So from the time you walk in the door to being able to submit is actually only two full months (first meeting, month, second meeting, month, third meeting and joining).
Do I "have" to critique for those meetings I attend before joining?
Yes. That's the biggest part of what these meetings are about. Getting your work commented on so you can improve your prose.
I want to join the CSFWG. What do I need to do?
Simple:
- Download the necessary information from the Visitors Section.
- 2a - Call us at to get the current month's submissions (quickest way to get started), or
- 2b - Come to your first meeting and physically pick up the submissions.
- Attend a total of three meetings (which you may join on the third and submit at the same meeting if you wish).
Can't I do a "trial submission" and see if I like the critiques the group gives me before joining?
No. The three mandatory visits before joining are to allow potential members to see what the critiques are like. Trial submissions have, historically within the CSFWG, ended up causing the same problem as allowing members to join right away. For more, click "HERE."
What if I decide to take a break from the group for a while. Do I lose my membership and have to rejoin?
No. The CSFWG offer "Hiatus" status for those who have been members for at least six months. A member may go on hiatus up to their membership renewal date. At that point they must return to the group or be dropped for the time being (they can rejoin at a later date without the three meeting rule). However, a returning member is expected to attend for at least the next six meetings (so there's no pay, attend a single meeting, go on hiatus for eleven months, return, pay again and repeat the process).
What exactly do I get for my $25 annual dues?
Good question.
- The ability to submit your work to the group for critique.
- A member bio page containing the following
- Your bio
- Publications
- Sample works
- An "@csfwg.org" email address with 10 meg of space
- Access to the members-only portion of the CSFWG website
- The ability to download the month's submissions should you miss a meeting.
Is my membership tax-deductable?
Not at this time. We're currently working towards becoming a non-profit. At that time memberships should be tax-deductable.
Do you offer membership refunds?
No. By requiring potential members to attend three meetings, there is no reason for a refund policy.
I want to join and pay electronically. Can I do this?
Not at this time. When we achieve non-profit status this may change.
Only CSFWG members may submit to the group, however visitors are not only welcome to, but expected to, take copies, critique them and orally discuss them at the next meeting should they decide to return.
If I miss a meeting is there a way to get materials?
Yes. The submissions from every group are scanned, OCR'd (so there may be a mistake or two) and converted to PDF files for members to download. The Username and Password supplied for email access will also work to access the members-only portion of the website and download copies for critique.
May I submit hand-written work if it's neatly printed rather than cursive?
No. Computers are cheap now, in some cases cheaper than a typewriter. Hand written works, even when neat, mean more effort for the critiquing members when reviewing your work.
How much may I submit at a single time?
This is outlined in the member's handbook. A quick rundown for submission is:
- Maximum of 50 printed pages (25 pages if double-sided)
- No more than two submissions (still adhering to the maximum of 50 printed pages - so, for example, two short stories with the "combined" page count not to exceed 50 pages), with the exception of poetry.
- 1 inch margins all around minimum
- Times New Roman, Courier/Courier New, Garamond or Arial font (typical typewriter fonts)
- 12 point or larger (no using smaller font sizes to get more story on the page)
- Space and a half or double spaced type (no single spacing except for synopsis of previous chapter)
- Be sure to place your name on the work
- Be sure to staple your work.
- Be sure to number your pages
How many copies do I need to bring to a meeting?
That depends on the group you're attending. The best way to get a number is to count the number of members in your group and add three (one copy is for the webmaster to scan and the other two are for potential visitors).
May I submit work anonymously or under a pseudonym?
No. As we all know each other there's really no reason to submit anonymously or under a pseudonym.
The Submission Guidelines say "no porn," but I have a story/novel chapter/poem which contains a lot of graphic sex. May I still submit it?
Absolutely. The only subject matter rule barring submissions is “no porn.” This means no submissions that are sex just for the sake of sex (you can write a story about a nymphomaniac, but let us into their head, not just their bed). As for violence, violent sex, gore and other questionable topics, if it’s necessary for the story, then put it in. If you feel the need to warn your peers of the content, simply make a note on the top page of the submission (Warning: Contains ___________________).
Can I submit electronically?
No. We tried that and found three glaring problems with electronic submissions. First, those who submitted only got an average of 20% of the critiques they did when submitting physical copies because the reader was stuck at the computer. Second, Of that 20%, many comments that should have been marked weren’t because of the time needed to type in the comment rather than just scribbling it down and putting an arrow to the point at hand. The editing process took significantly longer. Third, while electronic copies save money and trees, they don’t allow the group to “toss it in the bag” while they’re going out or critique it during lunch, while in a waiting room, etc.. This allows more time for your reader to be productive.
Can't I do a "trial submission" and see if I like the critiques the group gives me before joining?
No. The three mandatory visits before joining are to allow potential members to see what the critiques are like. Trial submissions have, historically within the CSFWG, ended up causing the same problem as allowing members to join right away. For more, click "HERE."
How many different works may I submit at a single time?
As we accept novels, short stories and poetry and the submission limitations are as follows:
- Novels - 50 printed pages (no chapter limit). Page formatting may be hound "HERE."
- Short Stories - No more than two submissions totalling 50 printed pages maximum. Page formatting may be found "HERE."
- Poetry - No more than 20 per submission. Poetry takes longer to critique and ponder.
What is the page limit for submissions? Is the limit "per submission" or "per month?
50 printed pages total for novels and short stories.
The Submission Guidelines say "no porn," but I have a story/novel chapter/poem which contains a lot of graphic sex. May I still submit it?
Absolutely. The only subject matter rule barring submissions is “no porn.” This means no submissions that are sex just for the sake of sex (you can write a story about a nymphomaniac, but let us into their head, not just their bed). As for violence, violent sex, gore and other questionable topics, if it’s necessary for the story, then put it in. If you feel the need to warn your peers of the content, simply make a note on the top page of the submission (Warning: Contains ___________________).
Should I make the changes suggested by the group?
That, in the end, is up to you. Any suggestion should be considered. If one or two make a suggestion, then consider it. If numerous people make the same, or similar suggestions (or have the same or similar concerns/problems), then you may want to take a closer look at your work.
How do I approach work I find personally objectionable/offensive?
First try to just skip over the part(s) you’re finding offensive and make a note that you couldn’t read that area and why (be sure to add the “why” – it may help the author understand they’re alienating a portion of their potential readership). If that doesn’t work because the entire story/novel chapter isn’t something you can read, then get the group’s Vice President and Officer together after the meeting and discuss it. Just remember, the goal of the CSFWG critique groups is to allow writers multiple viewpoints on their ongoing work. To be a part of that you need to critique.
What if I don't read some, or any, of the critiqes?
Members are expected to read and critique submitted works. Not getting submissions critiqued happens to everyone once in a while, so when it does don’t worry about it. However, habitually failing to critique may result in revocation of membership in order to open that spot to a new member who might better use it.
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