Since I’ve found a local writing group where I can share my work with other passionate writers, editors and published authors, I’ve grown to understand the process of sharing and critiquing. For one, it’s not that bad to hear someone say, “I don’t know; this one I didn’t like.” That first time you hear that, it’s like the clouds open up and the light bulb comes on.
We’re not supposed to like everything we read or even every style we come across. It’s why we have different genres, right? But, you should never lose sight of your story, because in the end, it is YOUR story and you must take ownership of that story, whether it spreads like wild fire in the e-publishing world, or belly flops off the desk of a slush pile reader.
If you’re in a critique group where they’ve introduced a new writer, just beware of the elements you will face when critiqued by the newbie. Everyone wants to know what the new guy thinks, how he operates, and most importantly, who will side with him. Will he attempt to sabotage your story and turn the others against you? Will you cave to his suggestions and turn your work into a semblance of something written by your 30 year old self? Or will you simply say, “Thank you for your feedback. I do appreciate your time in reading my work.” And then you mutter something under your breath like, “fucking moron.”
Either way, critique groups are great and I absolutely love mine. I’m just happy that they accepted my application and invited me into their inner circle. And, just so you know, it wasn’t my critique group that inspired this post, nor the fact that we have a new member starting this month. I chose to share this because of a video a Facebook friend posted. It’s funny how involvement with gaming in RPGs (Role Playing Games) creeps its way into my writing on so many levels.
Enjoy the video. If you’re a gamer, I think you will find it hilarious. If you’re a writer, you will understand the frustration of the Dungeon Master!
My critique group is great. They give suggestions without taking over the story. I think CPs have to provide constructive criticism and be respectful. The two should go hand-in-hand.
ReplyDeleteI agree. But I've heard some horror stories! I'm so honored to be in a group that is supportive and mature. :)
DeleteSounds like you have a great critique group with lots of interesting and supportive feedback. I'm out here in the desert and we do have some critique groups but we have very long distances between us. Like today when I drove to my writer's group it was about 20 miles away.
ReplyDeleteYou drive to a writer's group on the same day I post about writing groups? Small world isn't it? lol
DeleteThe notorious (and deservedly so! lol) Palm City (FL) Word Weavers do an awesome job of critiquing at our bi-monthly meetings and at our once-monthly focused-critique group. There is no blood-letting permitted. We follow a set format and request that, no matter what, the reviewer start with a positive comment. Reviewers also are asked to give specific examples, citing page, paragraph, and line of the text about which they're commenting. Our focused critique group, led by the inimitable Chuck Waldron, divides into groups 4 or 5 members, depending upon the number in attendance. Each has received chapters ahead of time from all participants. During the critique, the author sits with his or her back to the group and may listen and take notes but not speak. At the very end, he or she may make a general comment about how they felt the critique went, but may not respond to the critiques. Works for us! Then again, we're a great group. Just ask us! :)
ReplyDeleteI like that format, Candice. Starting with a positive comment is always good, because this opens us up to begin with. There were 7 in our group, but I think we're down to 5 and have a 6th starting soon, and his name isn't Kanye, thank goodness!
DeleteI have a really strong group, mind you it is in a creative writing class. The entire class is just critiques, but I always find the feedback helpful. Somtimes it's a bit over the top, but mostly solid.
ReplyDeleteLoved the video, gonna send to some friends.
Haha, the video was funny. The Admin (essentially the Dungeon Master) of the online game I play posted it. I absolutely loved it because now I understand his frustration when we players want to do things in the roleplay that doesn't make sense in his world. :)
DeleteLOL I love the video--too funny. It sounds like you have learned how to make the most of your critique group. Good ones can be hard to find, but I've been fortunate with some of the groups I've been involved in. It's just as important to understand how to accept a critique as much as learning how to give a useful critique. I try to educate people who are new to the critique process so they can learn to get the most from their experience. Great post!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I totally agree with you about The Matrix Revolutions (your previous post.) That movie was terrible on so many levels. The first movie--brilliant.
OCD is kicking in. I meant to post that under your name. Dangit!
DeleteThank you Jeff! Glad you could stop by. The biggest thing I've learned being in my critique group is that when you critique honestly, as a reader (not a writer), you learn more about how to improve your own writing than anything else. It's why I enjoy the group, it whether I'm being critiqued or giving one.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Diane, and I love Candice's advice, too.
ReplyDeleteWhen I hear a writer say, "I did it because my Writers Group told me to..." it makes me sad.
I say, listen to what group members say, really take it in, but then make your own decisions. The pen stays in the writer's hand.
I know right? Can you imagine a group of surgeons, one is performing surgery on your back, knife in hand, and two other surgeons make a suggestion on the cut? If the surgeon holding the knife has doubt and feels they should go with a different suggestion, I'd be pissed if I woke up with a missing leg just to hear my surgeon go, "Well, Dr. Whosays told me to do it that way!"
DeleteI've experienced both good and bad critique groups. The group I'm currently in is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI bet you have some good horror stories? :)
DeleteI've only been part of a few critique groups, but it is definitely a delicate balance, even when you have plenty of faith in your partners. You have to be willing (and able) to take an objective look at your own work to really use the advice of a group, but also have to hold onto the vision of your story that you started with. They're both such vital skills for a writer, and knowing when to apply one over the other is, I think, one of the harder bits of this business to learn. :)
ReplyDeleteThe reason I have stuck with short stories is because I lose my vision with longer pieces. :) Oh, how I wish it weren't the case. I've started two novels, and neither has gone past chapter 5.
DeleteThanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
I have trouble with critique groups (or most groups, for that matter) - I was not first in line when confidence was handed out and critique groups can be so tough. I am glad yours is working out well.
ReplyDeleteI think there are some cases where people would do better with one on one, but in those situations you are only getting one person to one person feedback and you can get stuck in the whole "I'll give you good feedback if you give me good feedback" routine. Or in the opposite, it might happen in the "you insulted me so I'll be happy to insult you back" routine.
DeleteI've never been in either situation, but I've heard about them! :)
The group, in my opinion, is a better feedback system, but at least you get half one way and maybe half the other. If you get all to agree that you have work, then that is a good thing! Because then you absolutely know what to work on.
Having been a professor of writing for years, as well as having participated in many a writing workshop, that group critique is invaluable. My biggest suggestion is to go with the concensus; if everyone is agreeing on one issue that needs to be addressed, as readers, then they just might be on target.
ReplyDeletemeant to add, thanks for linking up with our writer weds hop!
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun on a blog hop. I get to meet other writers and share experiences. Thanks for stopping by. New follower here. :)
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