Jun 5, 2010

Wannabe Writers #19

Wannabe Writers is a writing group for the un-published and anyone is welcome to join. It's a place where future authors can ask questions, share stories, and get feedback. Click (here) to find more about how it works.

Where I am in the writing process: I am currently in the process of trying to figure out which story I need to focus my attention on.  I've been struggling with this for months now.

My current problems:  I don't have a current critique partner.  (My sister doesn't count--she never reads anything!)  SO in the beginning I once had about 5 critique partners.  And I've learned a lot from those experiences.  Here some types of critique partners you might find. 

Type 1:  Enthusiastic in the beginning type.  I often find a critique partner whom I think is wonderful.  We exchange back and forth for the first couple chapters.  Then the honeymoon period ends.  For one reason or another things just start to dwindle.  Maybe they didn't like my work.  Maybe they weren't that serious about having a critique partner.  But either way they just stop communicating. 

Type 2:  Different levels.  I've had this go both ways.  One of my critique partners in the beginning was very responsive.  Always reading everything and very eager to give feedback.  But when I read her stuff I was bored out of my mind!  I kept it going just because it was great receiving all her feedback on my work.  Eventually that one ended.  Another example.  I had a critique partner who already found an agent.  She was my favorite.  But I was never up on her level.  Her stuff was fun to read, but I think eventually she got bored with my stuff. 

Type 3: A sugar coater.  I've had critique partner be super responsive but never say a bad work about anything.  I might keep in touch with them for a while but eventually I start needing stronger advice.  Stuff that will really help me grow as a writer. 

Type 4:  Too harsh.  This is the worst.  It kills your confidence and makes wanting to continue on with writing impossible.  Don't diss someones work (no matter how bad you really think it is). 

My question this week: Critique partners?  Anyone have a story on where they found a good one?  And ways to keep the relationship going?

8 comments:

Tara Martin said...

It's funny that the topic is critique partners this week, as it's been on my mind since I'm nearing completion of the first draft of my novel. I'm still a few months away from searching out a CP, but thanks for the advice.

Amanda said...

I am very lucky to have found a wonderful critique partner!

Miranda Hardy said...

I am utterly nervous about finding a critique partner. I do believe writers are on different levels. Some day soon, I will try to solicit others for this. I just hope I find some great ones!

Hannah said...

My writing group has been going strong for over five years now. We have our slow moments but overall, we're still really good friends and I think they've made me a better writer. I don't know how they feel about my influence to the group...

I've also just started an online group. It's going pretty good so far. I hope it lasts!!

If you're interested in joining, we've lost a couple of peeps who said they would want to join...let me know, I'll run it past the group. :)

Anonymous said...

Got my post up with 10 minutes to spare before Saturday's over! Whoot! ;D

Unknown said...

I've belong to the same online crit group for about 2-3 yrs. I value their crits greatly. I've just found a partner through kidlit.com. We'll see how this one goes...looks promising. I'd like to find a crt partner I can meet up with face-to-face, tho.

Bookish in a Box said...

I don't have any critique partners, but I lucked out with a golden beta reader.

Would it work for you to switch between the stories you're working on? I've done that before until one of them took over all my thinking time.

Raleigh RoxStar said...

This is a great question and it comes at a very appropriate time for me.

The thought of both receiving harsh criticism and having to share a less than glowing review with a crit partner has always made me uncomfortable. However, I am at a place in my life when I am ready to take my writing to the next level. I know that joining a critique group is a big part of that.

I am actively looking for a crit partner and I'm looking forward to any advice on how to find a good one and how to be good crit partner.