As I mentioned on Sunday, I've decided to put THE CRITIQUEE'S CHARTER up on the FindAWritingGroup.com website (if you'd like to offer your suggestions for item #12, click here).
THE CRITIQUER'S PROMISE
At the moment, I don't have anything for folks on the other side of the critique fence. With that in mind, I'd like your help in drafting THE CRITIQUER'S PROMISE. Written along the same lines as THE CRITIQUEE'S CHARTER, it will be made up of useful advice about critiquing, but written in the form of a series of reassuring promises to the person whose work is being critiqued eg:
1. When reviewing your work, I will remember that my job is to critique the writing, not the writer.
If you'd like to help me create THE CRITIQUER'S PROMISE, leave your suggestion(s) in the comments below. Sometime next week, I'll post everyone's proposals over at the FAWG, Live Journal Community in the form of a poll, so people can vote for the items they'd like to see included in the promise.
If your suggestion gets voted in, I'll include it in the final 'document', along with your name and a link to your website/blog. Also, if you can come up with a better name than 'THE CRITIQUER'S PROMISE', I'll be happy to put that to the vote too.
If you don't have an LJ account, you can still leave a comment, just remember to add your name and a link to your blog or website.
I think that's everything, but if you have any questions, let me know.
What would you put in THE CRITIQUER'S PROMISE?
- Mood:
cheerful
Profile
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jongibbs- Jon Gibbs
- My writing website
Page Summary
- jerrywaxler : Awesome idea! Critique groups are SO helpful [+2]
- msstacy13 : (no subject) [+2]
- msstacy13 : (no subject) [+0]
- lisa_schroeder : (no subject) [+1]
- peadarog : (no subject) [+2]
- mary_j_59 : (no subject) [+1]
- damcphail : (no subject) [+4]
- hildy9595 : (no subject) [+1]
- asakiyume : (no subject) [+1]
- tracy_d74 : (no subject) [+3]
- davegullen : (no subject) [+1]
- mikandra : (no subject) [+1]
- mikandra : (no subject) [+1]
- writerjenn : (no subject) [+1]
- snapes_angel : (no subject) [+3]
- slweippert : (no subject) [+1]
- lavericknine : Grammar usage and style [+1]
- ken_schneyer : (no subject) [+1]
- jennygordon : (no subject) [+1]
Comments
I will offer gratitude for turns of phrase or images that tickle me.
Jerry
Although if, perchance, the phrase or image just doesn't work in the context,
don't allow your gratitude to obscure that fact.
OTOH, if the phrase or image tickles you and works well,
be sure to say so.
When I applied for the MFA writing program at the U of Washington (Seattle)
I had to have letters of recommendation from my former profs.
If you have not read widely and deeply, you will have no context
in which to place the work at hand, and your critique will be of little value.
And you must be both respectful and incisive.
A surgeon unwilling to make careful incisions is of no help to anyone.
In presenting a critique, I think it's best to present the negative items first.
Remember Pavlov?
If you follow this pattern of criticism followed by praise,
you will train the people you're working with to accept criticism gracefully
because you're rewarding them with praise immediately afterward.
Okay, to put that into an enumerated list?
for the purposes and benefits of the work and the author.
I guess that leaves ten more.
:)
of your number one.
If an author consistently shows a weakness in grammar
or spelling or some other point that concerns writing
then one must say so.
If, on the other hand, you're jealous of how thin she is
or resent how much Stephen King she's read,
well, it would be best to recuse yourself
from the discussion.
I promise that if I must snigger, I will do so quietly.
When critiquing your work, I will focus on its strengths as well as the areas where I think it might be improved.
When critiquing your work, I will understand that any comment I make is a suggestion and will be integrated or adapted at your discretion.
When critiquing your work, I will remember that my way is not the only way in matters of style and story development.
When critiquing your work, I will explain the reasons behind my proposed changes.
When critiquing your work, I will question what is unclear to me so that you can consider how to address the issue.
When critiquing your work, I will do my utmost to provide clear and complete feedback on all aspects of the story.
Good luck with the project!
Danielle (queen of critique)
Best,
Danielle
www.badassfaeries.com
Thanks, Dave :)
While we all recognise that 'this is crap' is rude, we understand that if we wish to entertain lasting and reciprocal critiquing relationships with people, we cannot say things like:
'I can see English isn't your first language' (even, dudes, if you know this to be true, just don't say it, right?)
'I couldn't read more than a page of this' (yeah, because you SO expect this person to be a critting buddy. C'mon, find a less lazy way of saying this)
Another good point I've read is that give positive commentary, as well as negative commentary. Pointing out what you liked about a story, as well as the places you sort of hiccuped, helps the author figure out what's working and what they need to improve on in their writing in general. Some stories may be strong on dialogue and weak on imagery, or strong on imagery and weak on dialogue. Somesuch to that effect, anyway.
In less flowery wording, I won't lie to you to either pad your ego or tear you down to make myself feel better. Secondly, I will not be an @sshole about it. :)
I think it's very important as a critiquer/critic to show sincere interest in what you're critiquing. It's hard not to be overly critical on something you don't care for.
Additionally, it is essential to understand the project's goal and the style that'll best "showcase" the ideas. The form and style of writing is an art itself. It's similar to designing a webpage to match and enhance the content.
"When reviewing a piece I will focus on content in order to suggest a complimentary style and format."
One time when I gave a critique the writer said a lot of the things I changed had been changed previously by a teacher. The things I changed were primarily in style. The teacher corrected dramatic parts of the writing to be grammatically correct. When I read it this strangle hold on grammar destroyed the affect of the writing. I think teachers, even on the college level, are often old fashion and narrow minded. Perhaps, right now, I particularly dislike them.
Anyway, really looking forward to the finished list. :)
Edited at 2010-10-07 03:25 am (UTC)
I promise to respect the fact that the story you have created is yours, and refrain from trying to shape it into the story I might have told.
This one is a version of what others have already offered: I promise to be honest, but never rude.
I promise to respect the fact that other members of the crit group have a right to their views and to their floor-time. (For face-to-face crit groups)
I promise to offer the quality of advice I would hope to receive for my own work.
Thanks for sharing, Jenny :)