Marilyn, who writes
the RBPD series as F. M. Meredith
Is A Critique Group
for You?
Some people love
belonging to a critique group, others are totally opposed to them. This summer
at a writers’ conference, I moderated a panel about critique groups. Three
panelists loved their critique groups, three hated them.
1.
In the beginning, I learned how to write.
2.
I found out what a point-of-view meant and how
to use it.
3.
I’ve learned, and continued to learn better
grammar.
4.
I learned how to describe people, places and
things.
5.
My group point out mistakes I’ve made. Sentences
and plot points that need to be made clearer.
6.
I’m able to share what I know to help others
write better.
7.
I get encouragement from the other writers.
8.
And I get lots of criticisms. If they didn’t
critique what I wrote, I wouldn’t go anymore.
9.
I consider my critique group my first editor.
What someone needs
to understand, is when hearing what others say, don’t start defending your
writing, just listen, write down pertinent points they make. Wait until you are
home to take a good look at what was suggested. Maybe you won’t make the change
the way they said, but it may give you an idea of how to make your work even
better.
If you can’t take
criticism, you don’t belong in a critique group. Over the years we’ve had many
people come to the group but didn’t stay because their words were too precious
to them. Everyone’s writing can be improved. If someone has suggestions as to
how my writing can be better, I want to hear it.
What about the rest
of you? What are your feelings about critique groups?
Too many people are telling lies: The husband of the murder victim and his secretary, the victim’s boss and co-workers in the day care center, her stalker, and Detective Milligan’s daughter.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/yabj9z9f
F. M. Meredith who is also known as Marilyn once lived in a beach town much like Rocky Bluff. She has many friends and relatives in law enforcement. She’s a member of MWA, 3 chapters of Sisters in Crime and serves on the PSWA Board.
Webpage: http://fictionforyou.com
Blog: https://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com
Facebook: Marilyn Meredith
Twitter: @marilynmeredith
Next up I’m
visiting https://lindathorne.com/blog/
and answer the question, Why Do I keep on Writing?
I could not have gotten published without critique groups. With my first book, I was dependent upon them. It wasn't long before I could sift the good critiques from the bad. Hopefully others starting out will catch on to that quickly too.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I couldn't do it without my critique group.
DeleteA critique group give me the push I need to get something done. Otherwise I'd probably sit and read other people's books.
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting me, Gloria. I'm a day late getting the word out. Thanks for stopping by, Linda!
ReplyDeleteOh, Gloria Getman, this is so true. I have to produce something new every 2 weeks. It's a much needed discipline.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. Self-discipline is the hardest kind. Keep writing.
DeleteMy group meets once a week usually, and right now I'm having trouble finding time to write. Driving me a bit mad.
ReplyDeleteI tend to get a little depressed when there's no time write. I hear that lack of time is no excuse. Make time, they say. I can only think "they" must have a housekeeper.
ReplyDeleteGloria, I don't even have that excuse, I hire relatives to clean house--but I do to many other things.
DeleteLove my main critique group and have learned from others. Like you, Marilyn, I see them as my first editors. The trick, as you said, is not to argue or explain, just listen, take notes, and pay attention.
ReplyDelete