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Critique

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She glanced down at her paper and scribbled a note.  My hands faltered and I had to quickly refocus my thoughts so I could keep up with what the speaker was saying.  Against my better judgement, I flicked my eyes again in her direction and found to my dismay her pencil moving silently across her paper.  This can’t be good.   I steel myself for what’s to come afterwards and press through the remaining minutes of my time.  Not soon enough my time comes to an end and I relinquish my post to another scared, trembling student.  Now I just need to sweat it out for the next forty-five minutes and through three more students before she’ll give me her critique.  As much as I try to sit still, my foot is bouncing with anticipation and my heart is beating out of my chest.

 

I went to school for American Sign Language interpreting prior to my writing career.  The whole foundation of interpreting is built upon standing up in front of a group of people and throwing your best attempt out there.  When you’re in training, that attempt gets critiqued and in my case, those doing the critiquing were pretty darn ruthless.  For every five negative comments, they might throw out one or two positive comments.  It wasn’t fun.  Truthfully, it was extremely discouraging, however it taught me one thing–I can always improve.  There is always an opportunity to excel in some way, shape or form.  The same is applicable for writing.

The best way to improve your writing (besides practicing and actually writing) is to have a group of people with whom you can share your writing and know that they will give you honest, truthful feedback.  I’m not saying to send your writing to just anyone so here’s a few guidelines you can use when trying to set up a critique group for your writing.

  • You must trust the members.  When I’m in a critique group I want to be able to trust the members.  Knowing that they won’t steal my idea is huge as well as that their motives are to improve their writing, not to cut another person’s writing down.
  • Critique on the same topic.  If I’m asking you to critique my fiction novel and you are asking me to critique your non-fiction dissertation on the life cycle of frogs, I think there could be a problem.  Try to swap critiques in the same genre, that way you have a familiar knowledge base.  I don’t want to put my fiction “baby” on the table of an “I read only non-fiction” kind of person.  It’s the same way that a lover of historical fiction probably won’t have nice things to say about my new young adult fantasy novel about dragons.
  • Focus on the positive.  What is the writer doing well?  For every one negative thing, you need to have at least three positive things happening.  I’m not telling you to lie, but I am saying that you need to focus on the positive.

 

Last month I took part in a Writing Circle with Bigger Picture Blogs.  The prompt for this month’s circle was “Embrace” and we were writing a fictional excerpt of less than 1000 words.  We met via a group skype chat for about 1.5 hours.  It.Was.Amazing.  After speaking with the ladies at Bigger Picture Blogs, I’d like to re-create this for our Better-Writer community and of course add some of our own unique flair to the idea.  First, however, I need to know who is interested?

Leave a comment below telling me if you’re interested in something like this and what you’d like to write for critique.  Have you ever been in a critique group before?  What was your experience like?  Would you do it again?

Comments

  1. Critique groups are GREAT. I’ve learned so much from my online gals. It’s tough at first because your work is like your child. You pour your heart and soul into it, and it can be hard to have it dissected. But everybody has room to improve, and critique groups help you learn to separate yourself from your writing. They’re one of the best ways to grow as a writer!

    Thanks, Kristina!

    • So very true, Susan!  Thanks for chiming in there and encouraging the idea!

  2. I would love to! Sounds like an amazing opportunity. I grow the most through making mistakes.

    • Don’t we all grow the most through mistakes, though I have to say that there is no such thing as wasted writing…okay, maybe I just found the topic for next week’s post 🙂 Thanks!

  3. That sounds like an amazing opportunity. I would be interested in this. I have only been a part of one critique group which is in the process of being readjusted. I mostly write nonfiction and poetry, but would like to challenge myself to write something new. 

  4. I would be very interested although I am so new to writing on a regular basis! I have no formal writing training or experience. I just know it is something I love to do. Having my words critiqued can be a scary thing 0_o however, it is important to accept all manner of criticism  in order to progress to the “next level”. I have no idea what genre/topic would be a good choice, but I am open :0).

  5. I have not had my writing critique since my college years and would love to join a group for critiquing. I use to write a lot of fiction and would love to get back to that but I mainly write on my blog these days with some true life stories written but not published yet. What would we be critiquing? keep me posted I am part of the Better writer group, I would love to write just for it to be critiqued.

    • All the details have yet to be worked out.  We would probably write a specific length ie. <1000 words that are fiction or non-fiction – or informative…. who knows!  Sky's the limit.  It's good you are a part of the better writer group because that's the easiest way to stay informed!

  6. This scares the PANTS off of me, but I know it’s good. So, I will be willing to participate as well. Fiction? Nonfiction? I guess I’ll go with whatever the majority calls out for. 🙂

  7. A safe place to have my writing critiqued would be great! I am very new to the writing world and I have no formal training in the area, but I have found that I love and enjoy writing anyway! Though I would definitely agree that there is always room for improvement. This is a wonderful idea and I look forward to being a part of it!

    • Thanks for commenting!  Keep your eyes open here and in the Facebook group for when we announce that things are a’happening!

  8. I would like to write for a critique but also the thought scares me. To better oneself opinions from respected people must take place. Would like to learn more about this process.  

    • The nice thing about this is there is no one person who is “better than you”  at these critiques, we’re all just writers bringing 1000 words to the table. the end.

  9. SCARY!  But a good, fun thing. 🙂  Besides, I need some opinions other than my Hubby who has to say it’s good no matter what!  

  10. Have I ever!  I did the ASL thing, too.  The interpreting classes and videotaped tested are nervewracking to say the least.  I also have a degree in interior design.  Any design school is at least 60% torturous scrutiny.  I would say to anyone doing this, first thing is develop thick skin and lose all defensiveness.  Secondly, know that you are not your work.  Separate yourself from it.  The critique is not personal.  Accept that fresh and uninvested eyes will see what you are totally missing – good and bad.  It can be the most rewarding experience professionally.

    • You are not your work.  SOOOOO TRUE!!! Inquiring minds (mine) want to know where you went to school for interpreting?  Was it Gallaudet?

  11. I, too, would be interested, and I, like most of the previous commenters, would be just a touch terrified!  Not terrified enough, however, not to join something that will improve my writing.

    • You know, I was terrified at first too and then when I found that all of us were just looking for someone to listen and tell us we were on the right track and maybe a tweak here or there it was awesome!

  12. yes! when do we start? 🙂 

    Hmmm. Well, if I ignore Twitter and whatnot, I’ll have time to do a fiction and non-fiction group. I’ve been in a critique group before, also via the web, and it was a very positive experience.

  14. I would be interested. I’m just getting into my writing this past year. I’ve had no formal training, either. I write on my blog-encouragement and humor. I am the leader in an online peer critique group currently, but could always use more help! Having a hard time making myself sit down and write! Keep me posted, too, I’d be interested!

  15. I am just starting out and need all the wisdom, input, and experience I can get! i am in!

  18. I am definitely interested! I would love to connect with some fellow writers and get some constructive feedback. My husband gets proofreading duty (for spelling and grammar errors and nothing else… nothing else for the sake of our marriage lol) and my mom for content… but that only goes so far. lol And did I mention, I seriously would love to connect with some fellow writers?!

  20. Great post.  I love my blogging group – we started as a Mastermind group and these ladies have turned into my go-to girls for critique, support and fun.  I highly recommend finding a small group of other bloggers to do this with.  I found mine right here at Allume.  Get together girls! 

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