Critiquing
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Critiquing

Critiquing is a delicate thing, both giving and receiving one.

This weekend I finished editing the first half of The Devil Inside. I’m happy with the way it’s shaping up. I added 4 pages to what I had just by fleshing out some of the conflict. I hope. (I’ll see if I succeeded when I hear back from my critique partner.):blush:

I also took a look at another writers work this weekend. I sometimes find critiquing a very good way to do something writing oriented, without actually writing. In other words, it’s a good way to procrastinate, and get myself inspired at the same time.

What I offer when critiquing someone’s work is my honesty as a reader. I believe there is space in the publishing world for all of us that want to work hard at carving out a home. And in order to do that, we have to present our best. I want my cp’s to be honest to the point of bluntness if they see something in my stories that doesn’t work, and I offer the same in return. After all, I would rather hear it from them, than an editor that won’t give me a second chance to submit the same piece.

I just read what is given me and voice an opinion. Much like a movie critic. I concentrate on flow, and pace, and plot holes. Those are things that I can do with confidence. I can say, “I find this part confusing and had to reread it.” or “Ok, I admit it…I skimmed here because things were too slow.”

I don’t lie, and I say what I think. I try to offer suggestions to improve on what I don’t like. And I make sure that I am equally honest about what I do like. The honesty I give is valued because my cp’s know that what I say is always in an effort to make things the best they can be, without changing them, or forcing my voice/vision onto their work.

It’s always a relief when I hear back after my comments and learn that the writer has not taken offense. I just offered my first critique to a new colleague Sylvia and was happy when she replied with “It’s a challenge to offer your honest opinion without trampling a person and you did it well.”

And she sent me the rest of the story. 😀 That’s a good thing, cuz I think the hero is yummy and I want more!

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6 Comments

  1. Shayner

    Sounds like good match… Sylvia likes your methods, and you like the story.

    Critique is always hard in any profession, I like your HONESTY, and focusing on the WORK, more so then the result

  4. Sasha

    I think you’re a pretty damn good cp too Cece! What we often need in a cp is someone that see’s things the same, yet different, than we do. Did that make sense? :doze:

    Anyway, you would like Marcus, Sylvia H. He’s a bit of a womanizer, and very protective of "his" women. Sorta like a historical Rowdy. 😛

  5. Ireland

    Gah! Critiques! I think I’m a fairly good critiquer, and have gotten better over the past few months. I’ve recieved a few good critiques that I’ve used. It’s a delicate process, because while you’re thinking that you’re being honest and constructive, the other person might see it as destructive and malicious. But I think it goes along with having the write partner or group to fit your personality.

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