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Now Illinois members from Carbondale to Freeport, from Belleville to Chicago, can connect in cyberspace day or night. Ask. Answer. Wonder. Share. Suggest. Advise. Empathize. Encourage. The Listserv is free and easy to use. Members can join by sending an email to Listserv administrator Jim Danielson at Emanjd2003@yahoo.com. You'll soon be connecting with SCBWI members all over Illinois!

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One of the primary goals of SCBWI is to bring writers and illustrators together. Here's what members say about the value of participation in a critique group:

	My critique group stretches me to write my best. They encourage me when I "get it right," and they don't let me "get away with it" when I try to take the easy way out. -- Nancy Cavanaugh
	On receiving a critique: I'm often too close to my material to see its shortcomings. Critique group is invaluable for providing me with feedback--pointing out the places in my story where I left out something important that I know but the reader does not. On giving a critique: I gain so much from critiquing other people's work. (That's one of the reasons why I teach.) By studying the strengths and weaknesses in someone else's story, I learn how to improve my own writing. On commiserating & celebrating: Several members of our group were feeling discouraged and unmotivated recently, so we decided to take time to celebrate the good things that had happened in the past year. We contributed pot luck refreshments, but one member surprised everyone else by showing up with a hand-framed inspirational quote for each member! (Thank you, Cathy!) -- Carmela Martino
	For me, writing without a critique group would be like cooking for an empty restaurant. Without them, who would consume my work, sigh contentedly after a fulfilling chapter, and ask for more spice when necessary? In the rough and tumble world of submissions, I know I have an audience in my group. They are generous with their time, they are wonderful writers, and they are true friends. -- Sara Shacter
	Being a member of a critique group is an exercise in trust. I bring first drafts to my critique group and they're very generous about giving not only feedback but new ideas. When you're wandering around in the dark, it's nice to have someone alongside you carrying a flashlight, someone who will tell you when you're about to walk into a wall, without doing it in a way that makes you give up altogether. -- Pam Todd

How to Find a Critique Group: If you are an SCBWI member interested in either joining or forming a Critique Group in Illinois, click here to print the Critique Group Questionnaire , complete it and mail it to Critique Group Coordinator Teresa Smith. (E-mail her for her address at PhDTree@aol.com.) She'll do her best to match your needs, interests and schedule with those of other SCBWI-Illinois members.

SCBWI also offers a handout - STARTING A CRITIQUE GROUP. Send a SASE to SCBWI, 8271 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048.

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