So you like to write; you're wondering if the stuff you've composed is "good enough;" and you're contemplating getting some feedback. (other than from your mom and best friend, who's totally impressed and in awe). I know, you think. I'll join a critique group.
Now if you're in the Joliet area, I can recommend a fantastic one (www.writeonjoliet.com), and short of finding such a group near your hometown, you can always begin one. Now while some people shy away from a a critique group for fear of hearing their worked verbally shredded - My former co-leader said one newcomer declared he'd never be back because the criticism was brutal - if one approaches the group with the idea that the opinions declared are just that, the writer can walk away with valuable information.
1) Realize that the group - no matter how large or small - is composed of readers and writers with diverse interests.
The romance writer might yawn at westerns. The Christian children's writer might cringe at your porno sex scenes. The prolific blogger on trout fishing may never have read a dystopian novel. When absorbing criticism - such as overuse of cliches - keep in mind who is offering it and take it with a grain of salt.
2) Realize that the group - no matter how large or small - is composed of writers with diverse writing abilities.
Novice writers might not recognize orphan dialogue, sagging middles, or prologues that really should be first chapters. Experienced writers might forget what it's like to be a new writer and start expounding on complex-compound clauses while you're trying to remember subject-verb agreement.
3) Realize that the group - no matter how large or small - is composed of writers with diverse commitments to their craft.
Reading the 20,000 well-crafted words you've written since the last meeting might spark jealousy amongst the less verbose members - whose idea of writing is talking about it on Facebook - and their feedback with reflect that. Or your piece might really suck. Gather opinions, step away for a day or two, and then examine all comments objectively.
4) You'll learn how your selection resonates with a slice of the general public.
Guaranteed: You'll neither receive a standing ovation or a chorus of boos. Some will love it; some will hate it; and some will text their friends under the table about their weekend plans just as you come to the dramatic part.
5) Positive feedback doesn't always mean something is working.
People may soft-pedal comments to prevent hurt feelings, especially if you have a reputation for becoming defensive. Or the supporting character or plot twist might appear stable and compelling in said selection and then completely fall apart in subsequent chapters, which the other writers will not know.
6) Conversely, negative feedback doesn't always mean something is not working.
Maybe you simply need to strengthen a character or premise or dialogue to fix the problem. Or maybe your felllow writers might have expressed a different opinion had they read the previous three chapters. It's okay to offer additional details and then see if their comments remain the same. Also, people are human. If you are writing gripping hunting scenes and a member is a vegan, those personal views may color the feedback.
7) Don't be afraid to ask for more information.
Why does this character seem underdeveloped? Why are you saying this is "telling" when I think it's "showing?" Why does this dialogue appear weak? And so forth. Keep in mind, though, a critique group is not your editor, so don't treat it as a free one.
8) Don't be afraid to cry.
At home, right before you get over it and begin revising.
9) Remember that you're only reading a sample. It's impossble to make an "all or nothing" pronouncement on a sample.
Ask people to write down their comments. Review all of them against the work as a whole. Not every suggestion is gospel, but it's likely you'll find some of them vital to the health of your story.
10) Do unto other writers as you would have them do unto you.
When it's your turn to critique, recall what was helpful and what was less so and then deliver it in a manner that is respectful of the other writer and his masterpiece. Because that's what his work-in-progress is to him.
Now if you're in the Joliet area, I can recommend a fantastic one (www.writeonjoliet.com), and short of finding such a group near your hometown, you can always begin one. Now while some people shy away from a a critique group for fear of hearing their worked verbally shredded - My former co-leader said one newcomer declared he'd never be back because the criticism was brutal - if one approaches the group with the idea that the opinions declared are just that, the writer can walk away with valuable information.
1) Realize that the group - no matter how large or small - is composed of readers and writers with diverse interests.
The romance writer might yawn at westerns. The Christian children's writer might cringe at your porno sex scenes. The prolific blogger on trout fishing may never have read a dystopian novel. When absorbing criticism - such as overuse of cliches - keep in mind who is offering it and take it with a grain of salt.
2) Realize that the group - no matter how large or small - is composed of writers with diverse writing abilities.
Novice writers might not recognize orphan dialogue, sagging middles, or prologues that really should be first chapters. Experienced writers might forget what it's like to be a new writer and start expounding on complex-compound clauses while you're trying to remember subject-verb agreement.
3) Realize that the group - no matter how large or small - is composed of writers with diverse commitments to their craft.
Reading the 20,000 well-crafted words you've written since the last meeting might spark jealousy amongst the less verbose members - whose idea of writing is talking about it on Facebook - and their feedback with reflect that. Or your piece might really suck. Gather opinions, step away for a day or two, and then examine all comments objectively.
4) You'll learn how your selection resonates with a slice of the general public.
Guaranteed: You'll neither receive a standing ovation or a chorus of boos. Some will love it; some will hate it; and some will text their friends under the table about their weekend plans just as you come to the dramatic part.
5) Positive feedback doesn't always mean something is working.
People may soft-pedal comments to prevent hurt feelings, especially if you have a reputation for becoming defensive. Or the supporting character or plot twist might appear stable and compelling in said selection and then completely fall apart in subsequent chapters, which the other writers will not know.
6) Conversely, negative feedback doesn't always mean something is not working.
Maybe you simply need to strengthen a character or premise or dialogue to fix the problem. Or maybe your felllow writers might have expressed a different opinion had they read the previous three chapters. It's okay to offer additional details and then see if their comments remain the same. Also, people are human. If you are writing gripping hunting scenes and a member is a vegan, those personal views may color the feedback.
7) Don't be afraid to ask for more information.
Why does this character seem underdeveloped? Why are you saying this is "telling" when I think it's "showing?" Why does this dialogue appear weak? And so forth. Keep in mind, though, a critique group is not your editor, so don't treat it as a free one.
8) Don't be afraid to cry.
At home, right before you get over it and begin revising.
9) Remember that you're only reading a sample. It's impossble to make an "all or nothing" pronouncement on a sample.
Ask people to write down their comments. Review all of them against the work as a whole. Not every suggestion is gospel, but it's likely you'll find some of them vital to the health of your story.
10) Do unto other writers as you would have them do unto you.
When it's your turn to critique, recall what was helpful and what was less so and then deliver it in a manner that is respectful of the other writer and his masterpiece. Because that's what his work-in-progress is to him.
No comments:
Post a Comment