The Wednesday Writing Worktable: A Thoroughly Thorough Critique

You've found a partner willing to exchange manuscripts or WIPs (works-in-progress) for critiques. You know what not to do in giving and receiving critiques. Still, your hands tremble as they hover over the keyboard. What do you write? What do you look for?

I prefer receiving thorough critiques, and unless told differently that's what I give. Some writers prefer tackling one thing at a time (i.e. story structure or plot or characters alone), but it's hard for the reader to keep re-reading the same story. Things tend to get overlooked when you've read it six times already. But if that's what they want, that's fine. Just be sure to know what your critique partner is looking for beforehand. Some people suggest not to critique grammar if you're critiquing a first draft. I try really hard, but I was an English teacher, it's not something I can turn off easily. So I say that's your call.

I'm not going to talk about the etiquette of critique writing. I did that last week. If you missed it, have no fear, go HERE. To read this series from the beginning, go HERE.

This is about the nuts and bolts of writing a thorough critique when asked for.

5 Ways to make your critique Thoroughly Thorough:

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.

The Wednesday Writing Worktable: How to find a Crit partner/group

On the table today is all about critiques, specifically how to get critiques.

First, let me start by saying this: Critique partners and Beta Readers are two entirely different things.

A critique partner is someone who will look at your WIP(Work-in-Progress) multiple times. They will provide useful advice on the story, characters, grammar, etc. They will listen as you hash out trouble spots and work with you to make your story the best it can possibly be. They are more like editors.

A beta reader is someone who will only look at your nearly finished manuscript. They will read the story as a reader will and provide information and advice on your nearly finished manuscript. Mostly, they might realize plot holes, loose ends, flat characters, and minor grammar mistakes. They will give it a reader's perspective.

Today, we are discussing Critique Partners/Groups. How do you find them?