Tuesday, April 10, 2012

How Do You Critique?

Seriously.  I’m asking.  
Next week, I am taking a giant leap in my writing journey and joining a critique group.       
And I am scared to death
This is not an online critique group.  Did I mention I’m an introvert?  
This is a meet-in-person, local group. Did I mention I have less than stellar self-esteem?  
Luckily, I live in a town called Niceville, so I’m hopeful the other members remember this, and all play nice.  Did I mention I have never met any them, or even had any kind of email contact other than this past week?  What was I thinking?
Most successful writers, editors and even publishers recommend having a good critique group to help edit your work. So I jumped.  And two of my new critique group members have already emailed me their pages. (I’m still working up to sending mine.) 
So I have their pages.  Now what?  
I have no idea what kind of critique they are looking for.  Maybe they just want reassurance.  A  pat on the back.  A “Great work. Keep going.” comment. For me, (remember, scared-to-death) I’d be happy with giving and getting that.
But mentally, I’m ready for more.  Emotionally, I’m not so sure. 
So this week I began compiling a checklist.  Did I mention my love of lists? 
And if I happen to crash and burn, as a result of this leap, at least I’ll have a useful checklist.






Anyway, here it is, so far.  
Questions to ask, and answer when reading the first 10 pages of my work, my critique member’s work, and even when reading published works.
  1.     Was I hooked and why or why not?
  2.     Is it clear who the protagonist is?
  3.     Do I care about this protagonist?
  4.     Are the other characters interesting?
  5.     Is the action clear?  Easy to follow?  Does it move too quickly, or too slowly?
  6.     Is the action mostly shown.  Is the balance of showing vs telling okay?
  7.     Is the POV clear and consistent?
  8.     Is the genre clear?
  9.     What is the tone?  The mood?
  10.   Is the setting clear?
  11.   Are there enough grounding details.  A variety of senses used?
  12.   Is the dialogue clear as to who’s speaking.  Enough action with dialogue? 
  13.   Too much dialogue?
  14.   Is there too much backstory?
  15.   Is a theme hinted at?
  16.   Is the author’s voice clear?
  17.   Does the plot so far seem original?
  18.   Does it feel like the story is starting in the right place?
  19.   Is there enough introspection and connection with the protagonist?  Too much?
  20.   Is the language appropriate for the intended audience age group?
And finally, 

     21.  Do I wish I had more pages?
Maybe you found this list useful.   And if you have any other suggestions, or additions to the list, feel free to comment.

24 comments:

  1. Thank you for this list. I have neglected joining a critique group not because I'm afraid of my work being evaluated, but I don't know where to start as a critiquer. I would love more workshops on what makes a good CP.

    Ok, maybe I'm a little afraid of having my work evaluated, but as I try to tell my son, "would you rather I find out it's wrong or wait until you take the test?"

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    1. So true! A workshop on critiquing is a great idea, I will look for those. And, I tell my son the same thing. Thanks for stopping by.

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  2. Wow, I'm impressed. That's an extensive list. I doubt I'll remember to look for all that stuff even if I print it. But if you email me the list, I'll try. Now I wonder if they all could be sub-categorized under the areas I'm used to checking, as in plot, characterization, etc. I once tried to suggest we use a checklist in ECW and got shot down. We could see how this group feels about it, although it might require a longer meeting if we didn't just hit the most important points and then hand over the checklist with the pages.

    I did get over my fear of getting critiqued. I doubt I'll ever get over the hurt when I found out the most serious problem with my writing. By that I mean having it called "an acid trip" and that just because I can imagine something doesn't mean I should put it in my book. Now anything less will be a walk in the park.

    I just posted the third of a series on editing that includes using a critique group to improve your writing and editing skills. I'm at sherahart.blogspot.com.

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    1. I am heading over to your blog now to read up on editing and critiquing. Thanks for stopping by.

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  3. Awesome list!!!

    Good luck with your critique group! I hope you have a blast...

    Lisa :)

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    1. Thanks for the burst of positive energy! Here's hoping it is a blast.
      Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. Great list. I'm pretty sure I've never gotten all of that into my first 10 pages, but it's a very good baseline.

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    1. I agree. Seems like a lot to get in the first pages, and I have seen lists with more. Yikes! Thanks for stopping by.

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  5. GOOD FOR YOU! WTG! You have more guts than I would ever have...I like hiding behind my computer and phone just fine...LOL! But you are taking a great leap and I bet it will be the best leap you've ever taken! Good luck!!

    PS Your questions look great!

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    1. Thanks for your comment. Now I don't feel so bad, at least others are as wary as me.
      I'm not the only chicken, LOL.

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  6. Did the group not give you any ground rules for "engagement"? That worries me. For mine, only constructive criticism is allowed-- no 'you suck, don't quit your day job' comments. We also ask that the writer not talk while everyone gives feedback, unless they are asked a question. It's worked out really well. Remember the sandwich rule too-- always present a negative between two positives. It's a lot easier to hear something that needs work, or is weak, if it's preceded by a genuine positive comment and followed by one :)

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    1. No rules, so I sent them the link to this blog. So far all seem positive about having a list. I like the sandwich idea too. I use that with my kids, but they are onto me. LOL
      Thanks for stopping by.

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  7. "What did I do really well?" Never forget to ask this one. In fact, make it first. And then throw it in again at the end. Because it's really easy to lose sight of what's good and /shouldn't/ be taken out, and if someone doesn't remind you, you might end up cutting out the best part. Plus, I always like the reminder that I'm not a total failure. Your strong points are as important as your weak ones - so ask about them. Even if you think you already know what they are, you might be surprised.

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    1. Thanks for your comment. Well, said. I can see me doing exactly that. Throwing out something that might have been the best part.

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  8. Participating in a crit group can be intimidating, but it is worth it, once you find the right group. I learn so much by reading members' subs. It's like being in a creative writing class--what you put into it is what you get out of it.

    My group at FTHRW e-subs chapter by chapter. Active members comment, and collectively, the feedback really helps, plotting to polishing. I've not found a local in-person group, but I bet it would be fun. It takes time to develop trust and rapport.

    Your list of points is very good.

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    1. Thanks for your comment. I agree it will definitely take me time. I am slow to warm up to people but your words are very encouraging.

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  9. Hearing about your courage to join a critique group is inspiring. The fear of not being educated enough on critiquing stops me. Your list is a good idea I have one I am making because I would like to give a constructive positive critique to other writers too. When the timing is right, I am going to try the muddle puddle critique group. I am hoping all the best for you in your new group. 

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    1. This was exactly my problem. I had no idea what or how I should be critiquing. Good luck in your search for a group. If I can do it, you can too LOL.
      Hopefully, in the future I'll have another post with glowing reports for the critiquing trenches. Thanks for stopping by.

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  10. Good luck with your group. The biggest takeaway is to remember no one can define you. Let your voice shine.

    And your questions are very helpful. I critique for several people and sometimes, haven't considered all those you put down. I'm saving your list to use!

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    1. Thanks for the reminder to not lose my voice, something I could do. Glad the list was helpful.

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  11. Hi Suzanne, it's never easy having to critique another writer's work, especially to their face, so I always try to give a reason why something didn't work for me. Your list is great because it covers specifics like setting, POV etc and these are things that really need to be clear. I almost think, though, that getting a group of writers to agree on all those points will be impossible, so when it's your turn for the hot-seat, remember they are just opinions and not all of them will be helpful, or even right. Good luck and happy writing. Amanda (Justwriteit group)

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    1. Good point, getting a group of writers to agree on all the points will likely be impossible, so I should take what rings true and leave the rest. Thanks for stopping by.

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  12. Suzanne, I just ran across this post in my in basket. This is a great set of questions to ask yourself as you critique. Do you mind if I use them with my writing group? glvwg.org. I can totally (did I just say 'totally')empathize, Suzanne. The first time I read a selection out loud to a crit group I literally shook. Now I run the same group.

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    1. Feel free to use the list, I am happy I can help. Thanks for the support and you are an inspiration that I can do this. Thanks for stopping by.

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