Friday, October 17, 2014

Lies They Tell Writers, Part 5: Join a Critique Group


Early on in my attempt to become a writer of something besides advertising copy, I heard a lot about the importance of joining a critique group. You know, where you sit around with a bunch of other writers and read what you’ve written and talk about it. Theoretically, others will point out problems with your work that you can’t see because you’re too close to it. They might even tell you how to fix it.
But opinions differ. 
The person sitting across from you might have an altogether different idea than the person sitting next to you. Not only different, even contradictory. Someone else may offer yet another conflicting opinion and more contrary advice.
It’s all very confusing to me—too confusing.
What to do? Who do you believe? What advice do you take and what do you ignore? If you have any faith at all in you’ve written, I suspect you would disregard it all and go with your gut. And, at that point, what’s the point?
Besides, who’s to say these people know any more than you do?
I suppose you could trace my dislike for such things to my years in advertising, where you must listen to clients (and others) comment on your work, then try to incorporate their often absurd notions into your ideas and copy. Having lived with that for decades, maybe I just enjoy going my own way, not having to explain or answer to anybody. Except, of course, editors and publishers who are paying for their opinions.
Some people swear by critique groups. One friend, in particular, insists it makes him a much better writer. But as for me, I would rather spend my time writing than talking about writing.

14 comments:

  1. Absolutely true, Rod. The other guy's idea is not what my stories are built upon. I even get balky when an editor wants to edit something...and he is paying for the privilege.

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    1. Rod. I am with you. In fact, it is my impression that there is a whole coterie of "writers" out there who are not in fact writers. They are just critics and cannot wait to share their incisive wit and wisdom with those of us who actually put words on paper AND HAVE SOMEHOW GOTTEN PUBLISHED.

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    2. Good to hear from you, John, and I appreciate your comment.

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  2. A critique group taught me how to write. Now that I don't need a lot of detailed prompting on the craft, I still benefit by hearing what they, as readers, like or dislike about the work. And the cherry on top: I like being around writers, novice or otherwise.

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    1. It works for some people, for sure. Thanks, Wally.

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  3. I'm glad to hear you see it that way, Rod. I've always had that feeling but I felt guilty about it. For me, it works best to have one or maybe two people whom I trust to look at what I've done and give me feedback & suggestions.

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    1. Whatever works, Jim. I suppose we all have to find our own way--and some of us find the same path.

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  4. I'm with you Rod. I think we need other people to critique our work; but I'd rather hear from a reader than another writer. Back when I started, I was fortunate enough to get critical help from Dusty Richards. I learned from that because he was a good teacher. These days I rely on first readers to help me get a MS right. These folks aren't writers. They're good readers. They're not trying to change my style. They point out things that don't work. It makes things go easier with my editors.

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    1. Sounds like a good approach, Paul. And, having read your writing, it must work.

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  5. I belong to a critique group. I am so blessed to have them as mentors. I have had some excellent suggestions and have 'learned' a ton about the craft of writing. I listen to everyone. I use what I like and throw out what I don't. I paid a professional editor who told me I had the last word; I'm the author. I told her, "Don't touch my conversations!" I do concur with most of what you said Rod. I just happen to be in a great well educated writer's critique group. I will bookmark this blog. Hal Swift recommended it to me. Lewis N. Hellyer is my pen name.

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  6. Thanks for your comment, Lewis. Sounds like you're involved with a good group of people.

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  7. I'm a critique group zealot. I meet weekly with five other ladies who believe in tough love, writer-style. We each have different strengths, and together we're able to hit all facets of the piece we're working on: grammar, story arc, emotion, verbiage, point of view. In my experience, it's made a huge difference in my learning the craft and plying it. I was lucky to happen upon such a great group, and that makes a big difference.

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    1. Liz, I appreciate your comment. Like my Daddy always used to say sometimes, it takes all kinds.

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