By Edwina Perkins @EdwinaPerkins

Critique is one of the most powerful tools in a writer’s development, and I mean that from experience, not just theory. Let me give you four reasons why it matters:

You can’t see your own blind spots. When you’ve lived inside your manuscript long enough, your brain fills in what you intended. A fresh set of eyes sees what’s actually on the page.

It separates intention from effect. What you meant to convey and what your reader receives aren’t always the same thing. Critique closes that gap.

It builds resilience. Learning to hold your work with open hands to receive honest feedback without collapsing or dismissing, is a skill every writer needs long before they’re published.

It accelerates growth. The right reader can identify patterns in your writing you’d take years to notice on your own.

The key is finding critique that’s honest, specific, and offered by someone who understands both the craft and the goals of your work. At BRMCWC, you have exactly that opportunity.

Here’s how it works:

Each participating faculty member will indicate the number of critiques they’re willing to accept and their submission deadline. Please pay close attention to those deadlines, they vary by faculty and will be firm.

A few important details to keep in mind:

• The total listed reflects the number of critiques a faculty member will accept across all categories combined not the total per type.
• The cost is $35 per critique. Each faculty member will communicate their preferred payment method.
• After submitting your material, you’ll meet with that faculty member for a 15-minute appointment at the conference.
• Before signing up for any other one-on-one appointment, check with the faculty member you’re doing a critique with to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Our critique faculty, along with their areas of interest and specific submission instructions, will be announced by the end of March.

The list is coming! Stay tuned.

Edwina Perkins is an advocate for inclusive storytelling and champions diverse voices in Christian publishing. She serves as Co-Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, where she also coordinates Mentoring Moments and manages Sensitivity Between the Lines.

A long-term member of Word Weavers International, Edwina now serves on its advisory board and serves on the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association (ECPA) advisory board, where she previously served as Emerging Leader Coordinator.

Edwina is an award-winning writer and experienced educator, Beyond her writing and editorial work, Edwina serves as a speaker, freelance editor, mentor, coach, and sensitivity consultant. She teaches at conferences throughout the year, advocating for honest, inclusive storytelling in Christian fiction. Her work has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies.

Connect with Edwina on her website: edwinaperkins.com