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    For Only the Very Brave....Enter at Your Own Peril...Offer up your Works in Progress HERE!!

    A few guidelines:

    Constructive criticisms only -- remember that for every negative comment it takes 10 positive to undo the damage. Our goal is to support each other, but to tear each other down.

    Critiquing Basics

    BEING A GOOD CRITIQUE GROUP PARTNER

    Here are some general rules to being a good critique group partner. You will get out of this experience what you put in, so do your best to follow the rules below.

    1. BE HONEST
    Now is not the time to lie. Be gentle, but tell the truth. If the submitter's story doesn't have enough plot, or the characterization needs work, tell them so! Editors don't have time to tell you what they think--critique partners do.

    2. BE THICK-SKINNED
    The first time you have a story critiqued by a group of writers might be difficult for you. If some critiques are somewhat negative to your material, it doesn't mean you're a bad writer. It's sometimes hard to separate our writing from ourselves, but it is absolutely necessary that you learn to do so. Nothing is personal in a group such as ours, comments are made on the words that are submitted only. Even after you're published, editors will want to change things. And you may well gather a heap of rejections before that time. Buck up and get used to it.

    3. CONSIDER COMMENTS CAREFULLY
    Not every comment a critique partner makes will apply to your story. It could be just a personal preference. You are the final judge of what to change and what to keep. However, don't blow off a comment because it hurts your feelings. If possible, let it be for a while, and look at it again later. Often you'll find at least a shred of wisdom in the critique.

    4. BE KIND
    This is important, treat others as you have them treat unto you. Honesty doesn't mean brutality. A writer's story is his/her baby--and you don't want to tell someone their baby is ugly!!! Word your critiques carefully, as you would have others critique your work.

    5. BE ENCOURAGING
    One of the biggest benefits to having critique partners is having others who understand what you are going through as you sweat blood trying to get work published. Encourage one another to your best writing, and help one another when you face a nasty case of writer's block or rejection. Hang in there together!

    6. BE FRIENDLY
    Get to know each other. Become friends. Writing a story in today's market is a harrowing experience, best shared with others. The more you know about each other, the more you'll be able to help.

    7. BE PROMPT
    When you send something out to be critiqued, you are probably on pins and needles to know what others think. Remember, your partners feel the same way about their material!!! Do your best to get back to them within a reasonable amount of time.

    8. LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE
    Often the first thing you'll be tempted to do as a critique partner (especially if you have strong grammar skills) is to start nit-picking commas, etc. While this is helpful on a FINAL DRAFT, what you should be looking for in the early stages is the overall picture. Is the plot sound? Do the characters do and say things that are out of character for them? Do they depend too much on adverbs, rather than choosing strong verbs?


    More to come when I think of them *chuckle* Feel free to throw out your own additions to these!


    Created by:
    avatarmunalotus.gif
     * Lotus Horemheb, Nov 18, 2003 - 11:44

    17 Members have made 39 Posts here to date.




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