OCTOBER MAY , 2020 , 2020
A CRITIQUE GROUP AS A VALUABLE TOOL By : Cheryl St . John
Whether in person or online . developing a critique group is a serious matter . Invite c o m p a tible writers . You must respect the people who are going to offer comments on your work . This respect has nothing to do with being published or unpublished ; it has everything to do with work ethic , knowledge , or willingness to learn – and enthusiasm .
Get commitments . Mechanics should be decided and then adhered to .
Ask yourself and the others what each of you want to get out of the critique experience . Consider whether or not you can fulfill each other ’ s expectations . For example . your partner might want a line edit . Do you feel qualified to line edit manuscript pages ? Maybe you need a partner to keep you on track with plotting . Is this other person able to help to your satisfaction ? It doesn ’ t hurt to
test a relationship with the understanding that if one of you isn ’ t satisfied with the arrangement . leaving isn ’ t personal .
Rules are necessary . They must be individual to your group and what works for the whole . Work presented for critique should be quality polished efforts . Bringing work that has not been through a self-edit to fix known problems dilutes the value of the critiques given . because time is spent giving feedback on things you already know need to be fixed . Do not ask for critiques on innumerable rewrites of the same pages . It ’ s unfair to continually offer critiques without bringing your own new pages .
Hook into the vision the writer has for his story and don ’ t try to make it your own
Always remember the reason you ’ re in this group relationship .
Remember instincts can be as effective as rules . Check your ego at the door . A critique group is a place to learn , grow , and improve .
Be teachable and open to suggestions for improvement . Turn off defensiveness . Do not argue or explain why your way is better . If you don ’ t understand a point , ask . If you don ’ t like a suggestion , ignore it .
Be open-minded . Read / listen with an ear for characterization , plot , grammar , tension , etc . and base your observations on story aspects , not their choice of genre or subject . Sci-fi might not be your cup of tea . but you can still give constructive suggestions . Make helpful constructive suggestions . Point out what the writer did well . Find something positive to say . Besides finding things that need improvement . tell the writer what you like . Point out their strengths . Be specific . Explain why a scene , a motivation , a reaction , or dialogue doesn ’ t work for you .
Continued on Page 21
20