[stylist] Lack of Critiques -- Suggestions?

Wed Jun 8 15:35:26 UTC 2011

Hi Neil,
You make many excellent points here. I know that for myself, there are many
times when I read a piece and have to delay responding to it because I know
it would take more time and careful thought than I have in me at the moment.
Then, of course, the e-mail slips lower and lower in my In Box, and I don't
get around to it for a month or whatever, when I finally decide to go back
and clean up my e-mmail. 

I tried making a special folder for Writers' Division critique requests,
which worked a little better. Then, I had to switch e-mail programs and
never created a new folder.

I think the whole idea of critiquing and being critiqued is a touchy one.
We're all simultaneously reluctant to say something that would hurt
someone's feelings and anxious to steer each other away from the pitfalls we
see in each other's writing. Talk about an approach/avoidance complex! The
reality is though that learning to take criticism in the spirit in which it
was given is essential for the professional writer, though I wonder how
successful people are really at it. Just because a person suggests that you
do this or that, doesn't mean that you have to make any changes at all. It
is important, however, to give real consideration to the opinion. Sometimes,
people are bothered by something, but the solution isn't the right one. This
is doubly true for nonwriters, which constitute the bulk of our audience in
the real world.

As an example, I had my sister read my manuscript. She doesn't write and
doesn't have a lot of time for reading. After 7 chapters, she told me that
the names of the characters were getting in the way of the story. She
suggested that I shorten the names. I thought about this and re read it with
her concern in mind. In fact, I was using proper names far more often than
necessary. I edited the entire book with the aim of limiting proper names.
It wasn't a matter of shortening them but of either replacing them with "he"
or "she" or by simply eliminating unnecessary dialog tags. I think of myself
as a stickler for clarity, so I don't know yet whether I've made enough of a
difference to satisfy my sister, but I learned a lot from her comments and
the way I responded to them.

Donna

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Neil Butters
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2011 11:13 AM
To: stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: [stylist] Lack of Critiques -- Suggestions?

Hello,

Donna brought up a good point yesterday, and I think it might deserve more
discussion. By the way Donna, you don't need to apologize; I wasn't
offended. Besides, by my interpretation of Robert's decision, your NYC Blind
Vendor post, like the one on volunteering posted today, is acceptable by
itself. Responses such as "Volunteerism is great. Everyone do it." Should be
posted elsewhere.

Donna mentioned the lack of comments/critiques on her work. I think most of
us have a similar experience; I submitted a short story last year, and only
one person commented on it. I wonder if it would be useful to discuss the
reasons that we don't critique other members' work very often. Maybe then we
can hit on solutions.

I can think of a few reasons. Disinterest in the subject. I am guilty of
this, although I'll never be able to comment on poetry because I haven't
developed an appreciation for its beauty and power. Time, there never seems
to be enough. Uncertainty. How do I tell someone the writing is weak and a
grammar course is needed? This is the mentality of, "I don't want to hurt
anyone's feelings," (and no matter how hard I try to be constructive and
"nice," some people just take my words the wrong way and get defensive). And
finally the selfish - He/she didn't critique my work, so why should I
reciprocate?

Now for some suggestions. Even if the subject doesn't interest you, take a
look anyway. Writers are always urged to read writing from other genres to
help round out their own. Perhaps members sending in their work should make
a list of things they want commented on, such as characters, grammar, etc.
This would help the time-restricted reviewers among us to focus on what the
author wants, as well as provide novice reviewers with some guidance. And
commenting on the writing of someone who took the time to read your work is
simply  a nice thing to do. When I sent in my story, I had previously
critiqued the work of four members. Only one of them looked at mine.
Finally, for the writers, maybe try discussing the comments with the group.
This might bring up more interest in the work. And remember to thank the
reviewer. Only half the writers who I had critiqued gave me any
acknowledgement.

I realize some of these suggestions are used by some people, but maybe a
more concerted effort would help.

Any other reasons or suggestions?

Neil

requires . 

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