I've written the draft of my novel and, wow, it's fantastic. Well, I think it is. Does anyone else think the same? I don't know. Writing is a solo endeavour, just me sitting alone at my desk transferring the story in my imagination to my computer screen.
To make the story the best it can be, I used all I've learned from how-to books, writing courses, conferences, workshops and competitions. Did I really make the story the best? The only way I'll know is if others read the story and give me honest feedback.
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| Image: courtesy of lisalewistyre.com |
At this point I joined a critique group. Being told of the faults in my story at first annihilated my high opinion of my writing but the angst soon disappeared. Why? The negative comments weren't personal, about me. The focus was on my writing. These other writers praised what worked and showed me how to improve what didn't, willingly giving suggestions.
Our crit group gets together once a month either in person or online.
We email our chapters to each other, read the chapters, make comments on the writing that works or doesn't work and why. When we meet we discuss our comments and if requested brainstorm ideas.
We each write different genres. Others may think that a disadvantage but for us the differences are a plus. Writing that needs explanation is seen more clearly as are ways to clarify.
If you're as serious about your craft as I am and you're unsure if your writing is the best you can make it, do join a critique group. You'll learn a lot and your learning curve will be rapid. There may be times when you pout, pull at your hair in frustration or simply ignore advice and go with what your instinct tells you. There may be times when you laugh at mistakes that glare back at you.
But overall, your writing will improve and your stories reveal themselves for the great tales they are.
Are you part of a critique group? I'd love to hear of your critiquing experiences.
Love to love - rock music. It may seem strange but rock songs played loudly relax me.
Love to laugh - I can't write with music playing. My muse shuts down in the midst of noise. Any noise. Silence is my muse's friend. Now, if I had an Isolator...Imagine my daily word count!
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| Image: courtesy of boingboing.net |
I think critique groups rock, I really do. And I think that possibly all members writing sub-genres might even be an advantage for an objective critique. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work, no matter what the sub-genre.
ReplyDeleteHi Malvina. So true that when some writing doesn't work it just doesn't. Having your writing checked by a crit group helps you see the faults and gives advice on how to fix.
DeleteI meant... All members writing DIFFERENT sub genres might work better!
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteI knew that!
DeleteCrit groups CAN be amazing tool, but the wrong one can also be a very demoralising tool. I think it's important to 'trial' a crit group, to see if you're a good match.
ReplyDeleteHi Dee. Thanks for stopping by. Yes, crit groups have their positives and their negatives. It's important to research a crit group before joining it. How do they critique? Do they critique the sub-genre I write for? Do they let personalities interfere? are just some of the questions you need to have answered. But when you find the right one, as I have, a crit group is your writing's best friend.
DeleteI'm lucky enough to belong to a wonderful crit group of three who meet in person for a day once a month to discuss our wip. Having my story flaws pointed out is often confronting, but knowing it's done with the intention of helping me to become a better writer makes it bearable. And you know what? My subsequent changes ALWAYS make for a better read!( Thank you ladies. :) )
ReplyDeleteHi Marilyn. Yes, it's confronting to have your work (your baby) dissected and shown its bad points. But we writers are too close to our work and often don't see the errors and so would never fix them and make them better. I love my group!
DeleteSo true.
DeleteGreat post Enisa. The whole point of a crit group is to give constructive feedback on the work at hand and not destructive feedback. We all have faults and weaknesses as writers and a crit group helps us to manage those faults and weaknesses and to produce better prose. Fresh eyes always see more than we do. I love my crit group.
ReplyDeleteHi Cassandra. Writers who write stories without faults from first draft are a blessed group but unfortunately very rare. Most writers fall into the 'having faults in their work' group and so do benefit greatly from critique groups checking their work. Of course, as they progress along the writing path (via the help of the critique group) the faults are less and less. When that happens critique groups are great for discussing story lines and brainstorming ideas.
DeleteGreat post Enisa. :D
ReplyDeleteHey, Nicole! I just wanted to give your latest release a special shout out! For those not in the know...Nicole Hurley-Moore's latest release McKellan's Run is available through all good etailers. You'll love this rural romances! The Amazon link is: http://www.amazon.com.au/McKellans-Run-Nicole-Hurley-Moore-ebook/dp/B00SAMB0AY .
DeleteI'll join you in the shout out, Dee. Nicole Hurley-Moore writes stories that pull at my emotions and from the blurb I'm sure McKellan's Run will do the same!
DeleteHi Nicole. Lovely to see you here. Do you work with a critique group?
ReplyDeleteActually, I don't but after your article maybe I should. :) I'm part of a writers group but generally we meet up for long lunches and a good gossip.
DeleteI'm part of a writers group consisting of 10 members as well as critique group of 3. Each has their own role. In the writers group meetings we discuss the book chosen as reading matter for the month then focus on a particular aspect of writing, e.g. characterisation, and do an exercise. My critique group is focused on looking at each other's current work. Of course with the friendships formed there's some time for chats and meals and we get together for a Christmas dinner each year. All in all, both groups are beneficial to writing.
ReplyDeleteThe various literary groups I've belonged to have helped keep me grounded, motivated and improving. They are the best resource out there!
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy. Agree with you 100%. My crit group keeps me enthused with my writing always and helps me grow as a writer.
Deletethis is a really informative site. Keep up the good work
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