Yesterday I received an email asking for some writng advice. The person wanted me to explain the process I use for revising my manuscript based on critique comments. As I thought about what to tell her, I couldn't help but think about the difficulty of belonging to a critique group.Your writing group should help you to improve your manuscript, which means your partners are going to point out flaws. Sometimes this will seem harsh—like you've put your manuscript in front of the firing squad and they pulled the trigger. Sometimes you'll take it personally. If you manage to avoid major issues with your work in progress, then the group should focus on the minor flaws, which at times can feel like nit-picking. If you do have major flaws, you should expect your group to tell you. Even with nice comments sprinkled through it, constructive criticism can be hard to swallow.
That's why I think it's important to understand where you are as a writer. Sometimes critiques can make you feel like your writing isn't worth the touch of an agent's fingers as she dumps it in the trash. Self-doubt is something many authors struggle with on a regular basis, and if you don't have the ability to put aside those feelings and keep at it, you aren't ready for a critique group. You need a cheerleading group—and that's okay. My advice to you would be to find people who can encourage you as you write, who can love your story as much as you do, who can motivate you to pursue your dreams. Sometimes you'll find this in a critique group, but the goal of the group should be improvement and not cheerleading.Along with thick skin and broad shoulders, you need to know your voice and your writing style. Critique partners have the best of intentions, but the advice they give you is still based on opinion, most of it's subjective. You have to have the ability to discern between which comments improve your story and which ones impede on your voice and style. If you fail to know this information, it's possible to lose the fabric of your story.
So are you ready for a critique group?
lol, my post today is on critique groups as well (on what makes a good crit buddy). Great minds think alike! Terrific advice, btw.
ReplyDeleteI think I am ready. I just want it to be a group that I feel safe to be me. I have been praying for God to open this door in my life.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts. I really messed up my ms taking advice from one crit partner. I'm in the process of fixing it now. I think your last tip about discernment is important.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts on crit. groups, Tara. I'm not in one currently, mainly due to time constraints. But I know some writers who've found them incredibly helpful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog from Katie's! I'm looking forward to getting to know you!
Oh, I hope so, I've been in one for years and they are the most helpful indeed!
ReplyDeleteBut your right, not everyone is ready to enter into the critique rounds. It can be very daunting at first even with tough skin.
Roni, I laughed when I saw your post today. We must be on the same vibe.
ReplyDeleteTamika, I will pray for Him to lead you to a group.
Susan, I know you'll do a great job of fixing your WIP.
Jody, thanks for joining my blog. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.
Eileen, I'm glad you've found a good group. It can be beneficial for it if you're ready.
I thought you had some great points here, Tara!
ReplyDeleteI never did find my niche in critique groups, but I think if I'd found the right group it would have been wonderful. I tried several and just couldn't get them to work...so I have to wonder if *I* was the problem! After all, I was the common denominator in all the groups. Hmm. I think I was wanting too much to stay on task when the groups got too social.
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
I've been thinking alot about critique groups and wondering if I really am ready. I only have one ms under my belt and it has not been revised much. (yet) I've heard you should write alot and find your voice before getting into a critique group, but goodness, I could sure use the help! lol
ReplyDeletegreat advice. I found a great crit partner on the Verla Kay board and find I like that a little better. That way, I don't get conflicting views and it doesn't take up too much time to crit one other ms.
ReplyDeleteA great post. I have to be careful because I start trying to change my story to fit the critique and just get more confused. I need to trust myself more.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog.
Beverly
Hey, Tara! I've been told how helpful a crit group can be, but I just don't think I have time at this point to join one. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to give as much as I would need to. I barely find the time I need to actually write.
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend!
I've done many critique groups over the years. The key is to find one that "gets" what you're doing. People who enjoy reading your genre and are familiar with it. I once was in a critique group with a hardcore suspense writer and she didn't care for my lighthearted style. She was constantly cutting me down and condescending to me. In that case, it was wise to just cut ties because it was beginning to affect my confidence in myself.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, I've left critique groups because the socializing dragged out the meeting for hours. It just took too much time.
ReplyDeleteSherrinda, there are crit groups for beginning writers, and it can be less intimidating when you know everyone else is learning, too. When you're ready, I hope you find a great group.
Terry, I actually have a crit partner and a crit group. I find it works well for me to have both. I think a crit partner can be a great way to ease into sharing your work.
Beverly, I think being aware that it can happen helps. I've been fortunate not to lose my voice, but I think it's because I'm a stubborn person.
Stephanie, I totally agree about finding a critique group in your genre. When a writer doens't get your style (or genre) it can lead to issues that take up more time than the critique. I'm glad you were able to walk away and hold true to your style.
I have wondered sometimes how in the world people survive what appear to be some brutal crits. Now I understand most don't and the ones that do are just a hollow shell of the starry eyed writer they used to be. LOL
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I did find this a very helpful post. I don't have this experience but I can see how a bad crit group or going to early could really mess a lot of things up. Writing is a very personal and intimate art. It is far to easy to take an arrow to heart and you do need to be careful and informed in order to protect your creative spirit while learning how to improve.
Very good points. I think I could benefit from a critique group. I've found a fabulous critique partner, and for now, that's enough for me, but if I found a group, I'd probably join. I love hearing what other people have to say.
ReplyDeleteI have a pretty thick skin (or so I think)- but you're right, it is important to take all the comments in and decide for yourself which are good for your story :)
Great post!
I was told not to join one by an editor. I took plenty of advice and now regret some of it. xoxo
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LeSan, it's a sad truth that many aspiring authors do not survive brutal critiques. Even those with thick skin sometimes make the mistake of following advice not right for the story. While I think crit groups can be a good thing, I feel people need to be ready for them.
ReplyDeleteErica, good luck finding a good group. Sometimes you can find people willing to start a group by posting the opportunity on your blog. I might have to write a post about how to start a crit group.
Beth, that's interesting. Did the editor give you any reason not to join a crit group?
I've belonged to a writing group for over 2 years. We read our stories and critique each other's work. I didn't know much of anything about writing when I started, and they have been a tremendous help.
ReplyDeleteJanet, I'm thrilled you've had such a wonderful experience. :]
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