My first experience allowing a group of veritable strangers to critique my written words might have made a less determined writer turn in her quill and nibs. One of the women asked me if I read books in the genre for which I was writing. Ouch. She wasn’t even trying to be mean.
My husband had already read the same excerpt and deemed it confusing, but what did he know. After that session, his stock as a first-reader shot up. But I wasn’t in a hurry to offer another piece of my heart as a critique-group chew toy.
Since then, I’ve spent over six years with that group and formed another critique group with two of my writing buddies (waving at Jayme & Sonjia!)
Over the next few weeks, or until I get bored with it, I’m going list the critique principles I think are important for a healthy group and for valuable participation as a writer.
Rules – Everyone needs to know how the game is played. Some groups critique off-line and review in the meetings. While other groups critique in the meetings. I’ve heard of groups where only one person critiques. Personally, I wouldn’t participate in a group like that. Even newbie writers are readers, and every reader has a valid opinion on what he likes or doesn’t like about a work. Encourage participation not demagoguery.
The group needs facilitators, not dictators. Someone needs to keep things moving, but forward, not around in circles.
For the groups in which I participate, a writer brings multiple copies of five, double-spaced manuscript pages to distribute at the meeting. Someone else reads your work aloud, so the piece is read as written, not as it played in your writerly head. People mark their thoughts on the copies and provide comments after the reading.
The writer is not allowed to argue with the commenter. The comments should be honest, but not crush the writer like a new harvest Pinot Noir. Be respectful. It works.
My sister’s critique group, much smaller in size, has members swap chapters before the meeting. They bring the critiqued chapters to review at the meeting.
Some groups require that you bring something to the meeting in order to attend. I think you should encourage people to observe and participate, even if they aren’t ready to share. But, whatever you do, make certain the rules are clear. If people want to plug in, make it easy for them.
Are you in a critique group? Have any horror stories you’d like to share? Any wonderful moments?
p.s. Photo by Randy Son Of Robert
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Helen:
So glad I stumbled upon this blog post. I have been in two separate writing groups recently and had somewhat good experiences in both. The first was too large (20+) and we were allowed to bring a short entry to read to the entire group and then they all could jump in with feedback. I loved being in a group surrounded by other writers and always got pumped up to write, but I felt the group was too large and the feedback was not always the best.
In the second group we submit ahead of time and each member of the group provides critique both verbally and in writing. The feedback I have received was great and I was amazed at how much work the members put into the review of the work. However, this group is rather large as well and when you get over 10 different critiques by writers of very diverse writing styles, it is difficult to sort through the feedback. The group also meets two times a month.
I really believe in the value of a writers group, but I would like to form one of my own with other women writers who write in the same genre as me. If you have any suggestions on how to recruit and find members, what size, timing of meetings, etc., I would really appreciate them.
Thanks!
I love to hear about people’s experiences in these groups. It sounds like you have a some good options. If you hang in there, you might find some people to connect with on a smaller scale.
I’ve received some wise and wonderful counsel in critique groups, but people don’t always agree. When it’s a matter of mechanics, I listen to those most experienced. When it’s a matter of taste, I listen to the ones that might actually read my genre. I write thrillers. Even Stephen King can’t make everybody happy.
I appreciate the kind words. Thanks for coming by.
When I participated in judging (more like grading) entries in an Art/Sci competition the leader stressed the Oreo cookie style of critique. You want folks to want to participate and try, so you give them a cookie, first, something good about the project, then whatever you thought could be improved (the filling) and then closed with another positive (the other side of the cookie). It’s become my default when asked to offer opinions or criticism.
You’re absolutely right. Your critique of someone’s work should be like eating a cookie. Goes down easily with milk. Thanks for the insight!
It would be hard for me to be in a group unless I really trusted the others. Stopping from SITS
Agreed, but trust is always gained over time. It’s only the losing-it part that can happen in an instant.
Hey- found you via SITS. How did you find your critique group? Via internet? I have no idea how to find local people to meet with in person.
Like your site- added to my reader!
I’m involved in two. The first group held an event that I read about in the newspaper. The other I founded with two women. In both cases we use a Yahoo Group to send reminder notices about meetings. Check with the local libraries in your area, they often know about such happenings. All the best. Thanks for coming by.
I’ve never actually got together with a critique group but I have sent my writings to numerous people for feedback and constructive criticism before; it does sting sometimes. I’m honestly not sure whehter I could sit with a group of people and have them criticize my work right in front of me..I’m very protective of my writing and my first drafts are so raw..
Any suggestions for the transition to group critiques?
As a matter of fact, I do have a way to transition into a crit group. Go to one. Observe the way they treat others. If you have a group of smart, nice, talented writers, you will know after watching. If not, find another one before you offer them a chomp at your work. Trust is vital.
Honesty can sting. We all want to walk into a crit group and have them proclaim us perfect writers. It surely didn’t happen to me. But now, others seek my opinion, because I offer consistent feedback. A crit group may not be for everyone, but it gives me an opportunity to observe first-hand reactions to my work. Plus, it harbors a sense of community and offers a regularly scheduled session of encouragement. Writing can be lonely. I need both.
Thanks for coming by!