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Posts tagged ‘critique groups’

Mar 18

The art of the critique: how to give writing feedback that actually helps (part 1)

Sharing your writing with another person is, quite frankly, terrifying. Whether it’s a rough draft of a poem or the first few chapters of a novel, handing over your work feels like handing over a piece of your soul.

Because we know how vulnerable this process is, we often fear critique groups. We worry we will be ripped apart, or that we will unwittingly discourage someone else. But constructive feedback is the fuel that makes us grow. Without outside eyes, we are blind to our own habits, plot holes, and stylistic stumbles.

Over the years, I have learned that giving good feedback is its own art form. It is not just about having a critical eye—it is about communication, psychology, and respect.

In this two-part series, we are going to master both sides of the coin. Today, we focus on Part 1: How to deliver feedback to other writers that empowers them, rather than puts them on the defensive.

Here are the guiding principles I use every time I read someone else’s work.

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Sep 21

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Push forward with your writing dreams even when it’s scary

Sending out a query letter, sharing our writing with a critique group, or even sending a finished manuscript can be scary. The stakes are high: What if we receive negative feedback or are rejected?

It’s easy to get stuck. But doing nothing just breeds more fear, doubt and regret.

What you should know is that for every bad thing that can happen, so can something good. If you’re in a respectful critique group, you’ll hear what’s good about your work, as well as ideas to enhance it. If an agent declines to represent you, you’ll likely receive some bit of feedback that can help you target your proposal differently the next time. Ultimately, you have more information to work with. Read more