Good Morning!
One of the most important parts of writing is the revision before the editing. When you put in place your writing plan you must include a time to be critiqued by your peers and to give that time to them. We will discuss that critical area here.
My group, the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers, is active in doing critiques outside of our regular meetings. That session has to be a core group of 6-8 or 10 that commit to this challenge which then becomes an opportunity.
My group, the SSWW, meets for critique about every other month for two hours. The format is different from our regular monthly speaker meetings because the entire focus is the critiques. All those attending must participate in some capacity and for all to feel welcomed and supported. We meet at the same place as our regular dinner meeting so there is very little change except the format. Everyone who is reading brings copies of 2-3 pages for all attending.
The rules of the game of critique for our group are noted below. We pride ourselves on being fair and honest in our dealings, yet constructive and helpful. We are handling the feedback in the Plus/Delta format with the Plus first and the Delta – the Greek sign for change – next. We have had much success with this format and plan to continue with it. The group varies each time we meet, but some of the same ones come to every meeting.
The purpose of critique is to help and support your peers, learn from them, listen to their voice, experience other writers, get ideas on writing, stay in the “loop” of writing by the networking and conversation that takes place and to be a part of a vital aspect of the writing community. Enjoy the handout and best to you as you venture forth on your critique journey.
CRITIQUE GUIDELINES FOR THE SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS
The purpose of a critique is to offer constructive criticism to improve our writing. Please comment on what is good and most effective about the piece (PLUS) and what will improve it (DELTA). Be tactful and kind. Do not discourage writing style or content.
RULES for a Critique Group:
v The leader (Patricia) will enforce the rules and keep order
v The names of speakers/readers WERE drawn ahead of time for their presentation
v The one being critiqued reads her piece uninterrupted
v All in attendance, including critique people, listen in respectful silence
v Critiques are orderly, in turn from names drawn in advance
v All others to critique wait in silence for their turn
v All critiques are timed – two to three minutes maximum
v No comments on the speaker and no discussion at this time
v No comments from the speaker during any of the critiques
v Leader asks for comments from speaker after all critiques are done
v Leader asks for further comments from the attendees at the end
v Amended copies are returned to the speaker at the end
v Next speaker/reader is presented with the same format
ITEMS to be considered:
v Do not critique the contents, only the writing
v Are the characters made real?
v Is the story believable?
v Are the five senses utilized?
v Do the characters and action move the story?
v Is the dialogue realistic?
v Are the descriptions specific?
v Are conjunctions or pronouns overused? (he, she, it, that, and, so, then, the)
v Are there grammatical errors?
v Are words repeated too often?
v Are there stacked adjectives?
v Are there clichés?
v Does the title suit the piece?
v Are there misspelled words?
v Does the writer tell instead of show?
v Is there a conflict, a protagonist?
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION! PATRICIA, facilitator – 480-250-5556