The Use Of Critiques
December 31st 2008 11:40
Critiques-when you look at other people's work and evaluate it, giving it constructive criticism, or when somebody does the same for you. What is their use?
The use of getting critiques is usually pretty obvious. Other people are commenting on your writing, telling you what works, what doesn't, what they like, what they don't like; you get outside opinions. But what is the use of giving critiques?
Personally critiquing for me is fun. I get to help writers and I get to read some great stories. One author I work with in particular writes really amazing fantasy. I enjoy reading the work of different authors, and I truly enjoy helping other writers out.
That's my favorite advantage. Some of these stories won't make it to publication for one reason or another, but I get to read them-not only that, but I get to work with another writer and help them better their work. I get to be part of the process. If I see their book on the shelf I can proudly say 'I critiqued that. I helped make that book what it is today.'
The other advantage is that it helps you spot things in your own writing. It may not make that much of a difference in the writing stage, but what you've learned will show more in your rewriting stages. You'll be able to point out more and more in both your stories and those of the writers you're critiquing with practice.
One more advantage-it helps you make friends. You get to meet other writers, talk to them and even form bonds with them over time.
Everyone's favorite type of critique is one that provides constructive criticism-what a person did and did not like, what they think does and does not work, that sort of thing. Short critiques are fine for short works-but most people prefer longer critiques the longer their work gets.
My personal longest critique was probably just over 800 words on a story that was around three or four thousand words. That's almost a third of the story-of critiquing. I don't always point out every little thing, but I do go out of my way to make sure there's an example of each repeating problem pointed out.
My critiques may come out harsh-I try not to spare the writers, try to be honest-but I don't mean them that way. I mean them to help the writer with their own writing process. To help them learn. To show writers and readers what works and what doesn't.
That is the point of my upcoming first page critiques on here. I have one volunteer and am looking for five more. I'll start them in the new year; life has been and will likely continue to be very busy.
If you're looking for a critique of your first 250 words, please email me at diannalgunn@gmail.com
If you're looking for a good critique community, try http://www.critiquecircle.com/
And if you've never done a critique before or had one-try it. You'll need a thick skin, but if you have one you'll like it. And trying new things is always good for a writer.
The use of getting critiques is usually pretty obvious. Other people are commenting on your writing, telling you what works, what doesn't, what they like, what they don't like; you get outside opinions. But what is the use of giving critiques?
Personally critiquing for me is fun. I get to help writers and I get to read some great stories. One author I work with in particular writes really amazing fantasy. I enjoy reading the work of different authors, and I truly enjoy helping other writers out.
That's my favorite advantage. Some of these stories won't make it to publication for one reason or another, but I get to read them-not only that, but I get to work with another writer and help them better their work. I get to be part of the process. If I see their book on the shelf I can proudly say 'I critiqued that. I helped make that book what it is today.'
The other advantage is that it helps you spot things in your own writing. It may not make that much of a difference in the writing stage, but what you've learned will show more in your rewriting stages. You'll be able to point out more and more in both your stories and those of the writers you're critiquing with practice.
One more advantage-it helps you make friends. You get to meet other writers, talk to them and even form bonds with them over time.
Everyone's favorite type of critique is one that provides constructive criticism-what a person did and did not like, what they think does and does not work, that sort of thing. Short critiques are fine for short works-but most people prefer longer critiques the longer their work gets.
My personal longest critique was probably just over 800 words on a story that was around three or four thousand words. That's almost a third of the story-of critiquing. I don't always point out every little thing, but I do go out of my way to make sure there's an example of each repeating problem pointed out.
My critiques may come out harsh-I try not to spare the writers, try to be honest-but I don't mean them that way. I mean them to help the writer with their own writing process. To help them learn. To show writers and readers what works and what doesn't.
That is the point of my upcoming first page critiques on here. I have one volunteer and am looking for five more. I'll start them in the new year; life has been and will likely continue to be very busy.
If you're looking for a critique of your first 250 words, please email me at diannalgunn@gmail.com
If you're looking for a good critique community, try http://www.critiquecircle.com/
And if you've never done a critique before or had one-try it. You'll need a thick skin, but if you have one you'll like it. And trying new things is always good for a writer.
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