Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Critique Partners and Writer Surgeons

On December, 2013 I signed up for a project to help the Phillipines. I wrote a short story inspired on a piece of wonderful music. It was published along with other amazing stories in the anthology "Beyond the Binding."

The Power of Will was my first serious attempt to write a short story. Saying I was insecure about it is the understatement of the century. I dared because a scene flashed in my mind the first time I heard the music, but I knew I would need much more than good music to do it right. I would need help.

I am not afraid of harsh critique. Ridicule is my true terror. I know this comes from a considerable lack of humility but that's the way it is. I don't mind to offer my drafts for critique and have them torn out, decorated with red markers and shredded into confetti. I prefer it over having something published for selling and have people laughing at basic or stupid errors.

Since Father Dragon meant business, besides asking his closest friends, he went to knock at the door of the most impartial critique-partners he knew. "We are tough. We are heartless. Ah Hoo! Ah Hoo! Here is my child. Make it bleed. Make it strong. Make it a story worth reading! Ah Hoo! Ah Hoo!"

Yeah, dragon loves Sparta. It wasn't like that but it was pretty close to how I felt. I won't lie. As prepared as my brain was, I was appalled when I got this in return...more than twice.
One critique partner I highly respect gave me no less than 10 pdf pages, because she kindly included the technical reasons behind her recommendations.

At that point, throwing the child off a cliff or just burn it was overly tempting. Nevertheless, general consensus said it should live, provided that I made the necessary changes. Did I mention I don't write short stories because I just can't make it short? To me, the task is like getting an elephant inside a VW.
But I had engaged my word. I had no other choice but to make it fit by any means necessary. A lot of sweat and dead brain cells later, I wrote a story I really feel proud about. I didn't just learn how to write a short story. I also learned about what Father Dragon considers crappy critique, quality critique and surgical critique. And it doesn't have anything to do with the amount of red (or blue) marker on the drafts.

Finding Number 1. Avoid addressing issues in second person. You did this, you didn't do this, you should, you shouldn't.. (you, you, you). Remember it's about critiquing the draft not the writer, thank you very much. I think that's one big reason why many writers tend to take bad feedback so personal and sometimes get so depressed or angry.

Finding Number 2. Saying why you didn't like specific things helps more than just pointing flaws out. It also helps to make sure you're not just having a bad hair day and you're venting your frustrations on the draft. (Believe it or not, it DOES happen.) Those reasons will help the writer to understand better if it is just personal appreciation, if what he sees in his mind is not what the reader is seeing, if it truly works with the writer's whole plan or not, etc.

It happened to me that two persons pointed at the same issue but for totally different (and ironically opposed) reasons, making the change unjustified.

Finding Number 3. I have to say I was extremely lucky that my toughest critique-partners are what I call writer surgeons. Yes, they put my draft under the microscope and dissected it inch by inch, but they NEVER messed up with my skills as writer or the heart of my muse. On the contrary. They always checked on my vitals. They pointed out the problem (or many problems), backed them up with reason and additionally, gave me several options to solve them out.

This, my friends, this is walking the extra mile. This is true gold to me, not just in regards of critique, but in life in general. There are those who only complain about everything. They know life sucks but they can't tell you what's bothering them exactly. There are those who pinpoint problems and give you complete explanations about why things don't work. They are of great help to understand many things. And there are some, a few, who name the problem, explain it and also offer solutions. It is up to you to listen or not, the job is still yours. But when you are standing in the dark, clueless about what you're doing, these people are a blessing.

Of course this is only Father Dragon's point of view. Anyway, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who helped me getting the elephant inside the car! Sorry I delayed this for too long but thank you so much for answering the dragon's distress call so promptly and efficiently. Dragon Hugs!

This post is part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Find the list here. Also visit the IWSG website, full of interesting writerly stuff, here.

31 comments:

  1. Firstly love that pic and the analogy! It is true what you say, (I have had similar experiences) it is the way in which something is said. Negativity for the sake of it is simply not helpful. Yay for great crit partners.

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  2. Yes the elephant is in! Wait...how the hell... Anyway congrats on your critique partners helping get your work into it's best shape.

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  3. Not only for writing, but in our lives we ALL need that critique. That surgical, powerful, empowering critique. Or we risk settling for second (or third) best.
    Hugs.

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  4. Aloha Senor Muy Creativo :)

    I just helped critique a blogger buddy's WIP and after reading your post, I am probably between #2 and #3.

    Your words are wise (as usual) and I agree... critters (!!) should steer away from the You and focus on making the words stronger - if possible.

    We are a community and a wonderful one at that. Be honest with the crits, but don't knock the person. If it necessary to go negative, be honest, and remember there *will* always be room to go positive, too.


    "Puede que no siempre beber Dos Equis, pero cuando necesito una sonrisa o una pick-me-up, yo siempre visitar al Padre Dragón."
    --- El hombre más interesante del mundo


    PS: Al, forgive me for presuming, but isn't English a second language for you? I mention this only to give you extra kudos for writing an ms in another language to begin with.

    (Dragon dude, I can speak Dutch, but this hombre would *never* write anything in "het Netherlands.")

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    1. That's right, my friend. English is my second language. Very bold of me, I know. I sometimes still get trampled in it. Thank Higher Powers I don't forget Spanish or I would be on my way to becoming mute. ;) Thanks a lot for your words and it makes me smile every time you speak Spanish.

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  5. This is such a timely post for me (me! me! me!) Father Dragon. I'm in the process of editing my first novel. Such a painful process it is too. My critique partner rocks. My Lord that man has the patience of a saint. And, a sense of humor to boot. But, the best thing he has is the ability to tell me where I need improvement and do so without crushing my writing spirit. He provides me with food for thought and has a way of saying "have you thought about doing it like this" and not saying, "woman, have you lost your ever loving mind?" He knows it's overwhelming to learn all of this at once and knows how much I appreciate his time and him. So, now, while I consider looking for someone else to add to torment with my book, reading this really made me reflect on his awesomeness. Thanks!!

    Elsie
    co-host IWSG


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  6. The trouble is some editors or critics have no idea how to do their job. One then ends up with a shoddy piece of work, a good story badly presented. It doesn't make me ridicule the author, but makes me howl in frustration.

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  7. You're right - if the critique isn't specific, if it doesn't address the issues in the manuscript with a reason, then it doesn't help.
    Glad you found some good partners.
    And made that elephant fit.

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  8. Very wise words and exactly why I won't critique anyone's work. :) I don't feel qualified to do that kind of dissecting. I've been on the other side of it, of course, and seen the same things as you did - there are editors which explain why they were confused/sidetracked/whatever at a certain point and ask questions to help the writer think. Then there are the editors who randomly make their own changes, destroying the flavor of the writing and inserting their own voice and views like little generals.
    And I agree with Mark. You get extra kudos for writing in a second language!
    Awesome photos!

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  9. Great IWGS post. I've only critiqued a few short stories for some folks, and when I do I always offer reasons and possible revisions. I am now going to be extra conscious about referring to the specific work instead of the author. I can see how personal attacks, whether intentional or not, can be demoralizing for any writer.

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  10. Amen to that! I'd rather get raked over the coals by my CPs in private than get vilified on Amazon. LOL

    I agree! But extend a little grace to your CPs. Learning to critique well is as much of a process as learning to write well. I must admit, I've given my share of bad critiques.

    Excellent post, my sweet dragon! I'm happy for you!!! :D

    IWSG #224 until Alex culls the list again.

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    1. To tell the truth, I also gave crappy critiques when I first started. I'm so sorry for that.

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  11. All of my first drafts come back looking all blue...I thought that was just normal ;)

    A good critique is sooooo valuable. And honestly, who likes ridicule? It's hurtful and mean. Nope. No reason to be mean about a critique.

    Can't wait to read your short story!

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  12. Giving and taking critique is never easy but if you find the right balance of honesty and good taste it usually works out for the best (barring the occasional tantrum).

    mood
    Moody Writing

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  13. Bam, this is so spot on. My first (and only!) attempt at fiction and I sent it off to CPs. One (thank you, River Fairchild) really was supportive of me as a writer and did everything just as you described. The other, ouch. I learned so much from both, but came away far less damaged from Laura's help. You hit it, Dragon. By the way, just from the way you write your posts here, I have no doubt the writing was very very good.

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    1. Er... and by Laura, I mean River, of course. Huh? ;)

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    2. *snicker* Who am I? Where am I? Oh, down the rabbit hole...with Julie...

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  14. Perfect! I couldn't have said that better myself but I agree. Your #3 is the best type, I'm glad you found such great CP's, Al!
    I also rather be told bluntly what doesn't work before my work is published than to be ridiculed at that point. True, true, true! The whole post is true! :P

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  15. I loved the analogy of getting an elephant into a VW -- and especially the picture of the elephant in the VW's back seat. That being said, dear Father Dragon you are very fortunate to have found such #2 and #3 critique partners. Kudos on sharing your findings.

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    1. And thank you very much for your part in getting the elephant in the car. You're amazing!

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  16. Hello Father Dragon! I love this post. You are extremely lucky to have found such wonderful critique partners. When I'm ready, I hope I can be as lucky as you. :) Enjoy your day! Lily Eva

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  17. Wonderful post! I love my CPs, and they are surgeons too. I need their honesty, because through it, I become a better writer.

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  18. I admit to being a "tough critiquer," but I always have the author's publishing destiny in mind. It is really hard to tell a writer something in the story or writing "delivery" just doesn't resonate with me. But, critiques are just another author's opinion; sometimes it focuses the author, sometimes it angers them.

    It is good that you said "thanks" to everyone who offered feedback, whether or not you found it useful. the purpose of a critique, to my mind anyway, is to get the author thinking objectively about the writing before submitting it to the harsher critiques of the publishing world.

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  19. I love critique partners and constructive criticism. My critique partners have become a few of my very good friends.

    Sometimes, I've found it tough to be a tough critiquer. One past partner wanted no less than 2 pages of notes for her 200 words. I had to over-analyze every word, because the writing itself was good and the story was entertaining. It got to be too much for me. It started hurting my head.

    Glad you managed to fit the elephant in the VW! Hopefully he doesn't get peanut shells all over the seats.

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  20. As per usual, Father Dragon comes across with some very excellent advice. I'm not to the CP point, yet, but when I get there I'll be keeping all this in mind.

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  21. There is nothing you should treasure more than honest feedback. If you want to be an author it's best to make your mistakes before putting your work out there. Reviewers can much harsher and there is nothing that can be done at that point.


    Anna from Shout with Emaginette

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  22. Some very good advice on how to critique that I will try to remember when I'm in that role.

    But now I have that old kids' riddle stuck in my head. How do you get four elephants in a VW?

    (Two in front and two in back.)

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  23. I'm thrilled you're getting your work out there. It takes guts, but you can't improve unless you learn and change. Critiquers who give reasons "why" they feel as they do are definitely the cream of the crop. It takes a lot of extra time, but it's so worth it. Congrats on being brave enough to take the plunge! :)

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  24. CPs are amazing. The more blue marker the better, I say! There are always ways to make any book stronger and sometimes we're too close to see that for ourselves. It works both ways, what we point out on another's work can help our own too.

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  25. Finding good critique partners is sometimes like finding that proverbial needle in the haystack. I currently have two fabulous CPs but I'm on the hunt for a third. Not easy.
    I'm thrilled you've found some great critiquers.

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  26. Elephants inside cars are so much tidier than those hanging on the top of them. Very happy that you found the right people to help you get that fellow corralled properly. Oh, and I'm really thrilled to share space in the collaboration with you.

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