Yesterday I went to my first meeting with my new critique group. I used the term “group” loosely since right now it’s just me and one other writer. But we have plans to expand. It’s always interesting to meet other writers for the first time since you don’t know how they write, if they’ll like your writing, if you’re all at a level that will benefit each other, etc.
The scariest part, of course, is opening up your work to critical feedback.
I always have a hard time giving feedback. In general, I’m a people pleaser. It’s one of my fatal flaws. The one thing I could never stand doing is discouraging a writer the way I’ve been discouraged in the past. On the other hand, it doesn’t help the other writer if I offer nothing constructive, and it’s a waste of both of our time. Understanding the difficulties of giving critiques makes me want to be especially prepared and considerate when it come to receiving them.
I sought this critique group meeting because I knew I was ready for it. I already wrote “Draft Zero” of my novel during National Novel Writing Month 2010, then spent months trying to understand my characters and create a new outline. I’m settled in my new home and ready to get to work. Physically and mentally, I was prepared. But how do I prepare emotionally?
Really, it comes down to one thing: I want critical feedback. I want suggestions. I want to know the truth. Now that I have nothing distracting me (except my 2 wild monkeys, of course), I’m driving full speed ahead toward my publishing career and I know I’ll never make it without the help of others. I want to tear it apart and piece it back together more than anyone. Because I want to be a better writer. I want my story to be the best it can be, even if my story never crosses an agent’s desk.
To be emotionally prepared for a critique, tell yourself this: your story and your writing career are bigger than any comment from anyone. You have a dream and a vision for this story that can’t be broken. And, when it comes to any changes, down to the placement of a single comma, you always make the final call.
How do you prepare for receiving critiques? What about giving them?
Photo by La Grande Farmers’ Market
Courtney Koschel has been writing since she could hold a crayon. She has worked as a journalist, editor, technical writer, and technical editor. Young adult fiction is near and dear to her heart, which is why she writes YA and all of its glorious sub-genres.
Tonia Marie Houston is a mother, writer, poet, bookworm, and blogger. When sheís not chasing her three spider monkeys, she spends her time revising a young adult novel about life after death and second chances. Though she began to pursue her career later in life, she hopes to inspire and motivate other writers to put their best book forward.
This native Texan now lives with her Scottish hubby in North Ayrshire, Scotland, where she wanders the moors in search of William Wallace. She has been a guest blogger on Writer Unboxed and is currently working on the sequel to her YA supernatural novel, Touched by Darkness.
Jamie Raintree writes what she likes to call everyday fairytale love stories, featuring the little moments in life that are truly magical. She lives in Arizona with her husband and daughter and is currently editing her second novel.
Jani Grey is a South African ambivert, writer, reader, optimist, and bacon enthusiast. When her boss isnít looking she writes, revises, or edits YA Urban Fantasies in between work. Sheís sneaky like that. Sheís a NaNoWriMo addict and is currently working on two NaNo novels.
Rebecca Fields is a modern gypsy, roaming from place to place in search of ñ well, sheíll let you know when she finds it. Writing has become a way for her to share her adventures, both real and imagined. Along with her on her journey are her son and an assortment of rescued animals.
dittymonster
July 23, 2012 at 7:57 am
Great post. I’m in the same boat with my NaNo manuscript.
Jamie Raintree
July 23, 2012 at 10:46 pm
Thanks for reading! I hope you’re able to find a critique group that works for you.
bwtaylor75
July 23, 2012 at 8:17 am
For me, I find that you have to be open to the fact that your manuscript contains mistakes. If you are willing to accept that fact, you can move on and make your manuscript better. You shouldn’t go into a critique expecting a pat on the back. If you do, things probably won’t end well.
I love your mindset and if I had to guess, you would be an excellent critique partner. That other writer is lucky to have you.
As far as giving a critique, I try to be honest and treat the other writer the way I would want to be treated. With that being said, we must realize each person is unique and will take a critique differently. For instance, there is nothing that would hurt me. Someone could say my writing is terrible and I should change this and that, but without anything to back those statements up, they’re just words. I’m strong enough, and confident enough, in who I am that those amateur remarks don’t phase me. But those same words may damage another writer. Know when to cut ties with someone who isn’t helping you. You don’t have an obligation to anyone. If they can’t give you reasons or examples as to why something doesn’t make sense, break it off. Nobody needs to be belittled for a lack of experience.
Great post, Jamie. As you can see I have a lot to say about critiques. It really does help if you prepare yourself mentally. And as you say it’s ulitmately up to you, the writer, what gets changed in your manuscript. Good luck!
Jamie Raintree
July 23, 2012 at 10:46 pm
Thank you! I hope I am a good critique partner.
I agree with everything you said but especially about knowing when to cut ties with someone isn’t helping you. Creativity is too easily stifled–we don’t need unhelpful people shoveling more dirt on it!
Tonia Marie Houston
July 24, 2012 at 7:46 am
You said it well, Jamie. I’m looking at edits from my publisher now, and there’s plenty of red, but I know they love the story and only want what’s best for it. So, I suck it up and prepare myself to go back to work before I move forward. That’s what writing is- one step forward and two steps back. We have to ask ourselves the questions you mentioned and be willing to work hard. Writing is hardest for the writer. I believe that 100%.
Like Brian said, you sound like a dream critique partner. Honestly, I think a writer who can’t handle critiques has much more work to do than any of us with red-lined manuscripts. We have to go in with eyes wide open.
As a critiquer, I try to follow this rule: for every negative comment, write two positive things. I start with what’s positive and well-done and try to end with the same. We know what it feels like and I wouldn’t like myself at the end of the day if I knew something I said defeated someone. No thank you.
How awesome it is that you’ve found another writer in your region. I live in a rural area, and have yet to find someone. However, I feel lucky to have a supportive online community and the assistance they offer. You’re on the money when you said we can’t get anywhere without a little help from friends.
Jamie Raintree
July 25, 2012 at 4:17 pm
I wish you didn’t live so far away! I would love to have you a part of the group.
Courtney Koschel
July 27, 2012 at 6:33 am
Fabulous post (as always), Jamie. I’m touching on critiques today in my post, and I linked back here. I think it’s always a timely topic. I’d love to hear more about your group! I know you’re not that far away from me now
We still need to meet up!
Jamie Raintree
July 27, 2012 at 11:27 pm
Yes we do! We’re meeting weekly and all of us are working toward getting our novels ready for publication or contests. It’s so nice to have them!
I’ll be sure to let you know when I’ll be in your area.