By critique, I don't mean snarky comments about not quitting their day jobs, but a thorough written statement that starts out with what they're doing right before pointing out what they can improve upon. The word wrong should never be used in a critique. Period.
In his brilliant book This Won't Take A Minute, Honey, Steve Almond talks about his own revelation:
My critiques sometimes ran longer than the stories in question. A number of my comrades found this behavior presumptuous. I, on the other hand, assumed I was being wildly generous. We were both wrong. As it happens, I was explaining to myself how to stop sucking as a writer.
I have found a couple of pretty good online critique sites and I always give at least five for every one I get, because I've found it helps me exponentially to do so.
If you haven't tried giving a critique, don't be shy. Take a deep breath (at the very least your chest will look bigger) and jump on in. Even if you are a non-published writer your opinions are valuable. Most writers know that, and they appreciate any and all feedback they can get on their work. I know I do.
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2 comments:
It probably helps if you have an audience. From the sound of it, just assume that your audience is a bunch of ignorant airheads. I feel great about the future!
Aww, come on RM, I don't think the list applies to every kid.
You can't blame them for the things that are omitted from their history books, and I'm happy you can't go into Wal-Mart and buy a gun over the counter any longer.
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