[stylist] Lack of Critiques -- Suggestions?

Thu Jun 9 16:42:42 UTC 2011

Barbara,
I am starting to believe that there is no such thing as a "final" version.
Personally, I've edited my novel scores of times. If a publisher picks it
up, they'll want to put their mark on it. Even published novels have changes
made to them in subsequent printings. I think in poetry, the nature of the
form is such that it seems like it would be difficult to change things, but
I know that people do re write poems too. Still, there's nothing saying you
can't just share your completed work with the list. You don't have to take
suggestions, but I think other people's input is valuable even if you don't
change a word. If nothing else, it might give us something to consider for
the next thing we write.
Donna

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Barbara Hammel
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2011 11:18 PM
To: newmanrl at cox.net; Writer's Division Mailing List
Subject: Re: [stylist] Lack of Critiques -- Suggestions?

I can tell you, for one, I get caught up in what I read and never seem to 
find anything to critique unless it's a glaring misspelling.
I guess I need to learn the art of it and also what to do with it when I get

critiqued.  You see, when I submit poems, I tend to ignore because the poem 
is written how I want it--for better or worse.  That's another lesson I need

to learn because some of my work could probably be grandly improved upon if 
I just knew how to treat the "final copy" as a draft.
I had that problem in college also, because I write the drafts in my head 
and what gets put on paper is the "final product".
Barbara

Let every nation know whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay 
any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose 
any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.--John 
F. Kennedy
-----Original Message----- 
From: Robert Leslie Newman
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2011 11:39 AM
To: 'Writer's Division Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [stylist] Lack of Critiques -- Suggestions?

This is a good question. Posting one's work on STYLIST for a critique is one
of the better features of the list. We have some members who will super dive
into the word, by phrase, by sentence, by paragraph of it all --- then some
of us who will read and say --- "interesting --- maybe I'll make a grief
comment, but I'm not sure I am the best person to be correcting someone
else." Or --- something like that. I always appreciate our little covey of
editors!

And I suppose that if one of us super needs and is looking for a thoroughly
critique, this may not be the avenue to go. Though, it may be possible to
find a serious editor here, someone that will work with you off-line.

My problem in editing, is that I usually find myself feeling/thinking that I
don't have the time, and so beyond a brief comment, I'm pretty sure I'll
have the tendency to skip on by and pray the lists roosting editors will
swoop on down and give the writer a critique or two.

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Neil Butters
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2011 10:13 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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