The Wednesday Writing Worktable: Critique-ette Part 2

What happens if your critique partner(CP) starts off by saying, "Don't take it personal, but this needs a lot of work."? How do you handle a situation when your CP tells you that you should trash the novel? What do you say to a CP, whose work is better than you could ever write? How should you critique someone's work when you can't even finish reading it? It's time to apply your critique-ette.

Last week, we talked about 5 things not to do when receiving a critique. If you missed it, no fear. Read it HERE. 

This week is all about what not to do when giving critiques. (Of course, I'm going to follow-up with what to do in these situations.) I know I haven't yet discussed how to actually write a good critique. It's coming, I assure you. But would you go to a big, fancy dinner, where they have a thousand utencils and several glasses, without first knowing good etiquette? Maybe you would, but you might look like Pretty Woman, letting the poor snail soar through the air. It would be embarrassing for you and most likely the host. Chances are you wouldn't be invited to another dinner.

The Wednesday Writing Worktable: Critique-ette Part 1

What happens if your critique partner(CP) starts off by saying, "Don't take it personal, but this needs a lot of work."? How do you handle a situation when your CP tells you that you should trash the novel? What do you say to a CP, whose work is better than you could ever write? How should you critique someone's work when you can't even finish reading it? It's time to apply your critique-ette.

Last week, we talked about finding that special critique partner. If you missed it, no fear. Read it HERE. 

This week is all about what not to do when receiving critiques. (Of course, I'm going to follow-up with what to do in these situations.) I know I haven't yet discussed how to actually write a good critique. It's coming I assure you. But would you go to a big, fancy dinner, where they have a thousand utencils and several glasses, without first knowing good etiquette? Maybe you would, but you might look like Pretty Woman, letting the poor snail soar through the air. It would be embarrassing for you and most likely the host. Chances are you wouldn't be invited to another dinner.