Feedback

CRITIQUE

Critique, criticism, feedback, reading partners, and writing groups challenge the writer to view her work in new ways. Other new writers may find this part of the process as I did, difficult. Looking more for validation than improvement, any comment tends to be taken negatively. Signs that this was happening included feeling like the person missed the point of my story, didn’t understand the technique, or was just jealous. I found myself trying to explain my work or defending it; I had some growing to do. But just like the teenager, oversensitive to every pimple and dismissing all the positive comments, I grew out it, but not without pain.

This period of writer adolescence can be soften by joining a moderated group or an introductory writers enrichment short course at a local university. Find one that does group critiques. The teacher or moderator usually sets down guidelines to critiquing that try to eliminate comments that may be too destructive and can help sooth wounds when comments seem to strike at one’s core.

Writers need perspective on their work because usually they are too close to it to properly evaluate it. It is only through critique that perspective is obtained. This is an important part of the polishing of the writing.

Critique became more useful to me after I made up my mind to three things:

1. I would believe and enjoy the positive comments.
2. Never over react to negative criticism.
3. Keep an open mind.

Rejoice in favorable comments. These are easy to ignore because they don’t seem to tell us how we can improve. Really they are very important. After all aren’t we trying to reach an audience. How better to reach that audience than to write what they respond to and like?

Critiques are about the work not about you or your aspirations to be a writer. When negative comments result in us feeling self doubt, wondering why we continue to write when we have so little talent, we are over reacting. When we totally ignore negative comments, we are over reacting.

The balance point is to study the comments. Try to understand what they are saying and calmly evaluate what you can do to solve the stated problem. Rewrite the work to solve the problem even if you think it not worth the ink to print it. Of course, save the original. Then after a few days go back and read the two versions and keep the one that is best. Keeping an open mind will in the long run be easier on you the writer and will improve your writing.

I love all comments because they give me what I can not have by myself, perspective. You will probably find that the best parts of your best works draw the most comments, good and bad. Remember this and don’t be too ready to throw out a phrase or paragraph that draws a lot of negative attention. Often it seems to me that the very reason that some people find trouble reading a paragraph is the same reason why some people love it. Keep an open mind. Write a cure for each problem, then wait, review, and keep those that you the writer feel are best.

Really hurt or burned or angry with a critique? Wonderful! Write about it! Write with passion. Do it right now!

Lynette Rees

Lynette Rees

I’ve already recommended buying Lynette Rees’ e-book, CRAFTING THE ROMANCE STORY. This e-book is a great buy. It is directed at the romance writer, but all writers will benefit from it. It is clear, practical, and sound. Use it as a workbook carefully doing the exercises and reading the links. It will save you time and focus your effort. Your writing will improve.

For fun and relaxation or for a model to base your writing, you may also want to get her romances and mysteries. They sweep you up into them. Look for these: WATCHING YOU, A TASTE OF HONEY, IT HAPPENED ONE SUMMER, and RETURN TO WINTER. They are packed with romance, mystery, and good humor.

Following her blog is interesting and worthwhile for any writer. http://www.nettiesramblings.blogspot.com/

Right now on her blog site are links to some of the ezine articles she has written like Develop a Killer Plot, Setting as a Character, Seven Ways to Inject Suspense into Your Novel, and Seven Ways to Keep Your Editor Happy. After reading her articles you may want to stay on the ezine site and browse awhile. It appears to have many many articles for writers.

All these things can maximize your progress, make the end result more certain, and make the journey more fun, but the bottom line remains that to be a writer, you have to write. Write something. Write anything. Right now!