My only criticism of this conference: No critique groups should have been held in the lobby/lounge area of the hotel. The noise level there was distressing. Critique groups held in faculty suites should have been the norm (deeper critique shared and connections made because of the calm/quiet).

I had one critique group in a faculty member’s suite, one in the dreaded (though so pretty): Lobby/lounge.

That being said, both critique mentors I was assigned encouraged discussion, made time for writers to ask questions about publishing/writing/agents/editors/etc. Listening to the work of other MG writers was priceless, for me. I felt humbled and inspired (so many beautiful ideas in the making).

More perks: Editors panel, agents panel and lectures.

Yours in learning more about what you love (especially if the learning takes place in Monterey),

PB