tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723124266752750306.post2027566880981158356..comments2023-07-26T03:02:44.055-07:00Comments on ANWA Founder & Friends: Recent Reflections on CritiquingMarsha Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389060049107102815noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723124266752750306.post-15373889666388259302008-01-24T01:51:00.001-07:002008-01-24T01:51:00.001-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Rene Allenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12403830772764710785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723124266752750306.post-147513775794444202008-01-24T01:51:00.000-07:002008-01-24T01:51:00.000-07:00It's a delicate thing, isn't it, critiquing a crea...It's a delicate thing, isn't it, critiquing a creative effort? I liked what you wrote, Joyce. Is there a difference between being direct, and being brutal and overly blunt? I know the critiques I most appreciate are the ones that first give me feedback about the writing - good sentence, awkward, lost the flow. I also find very useful information about structure - things that seem out of place, or that do not add to the story line or character development. Third, I value a sentence or two about impression - I was immediately a part of this piece, or, slow beginning, tighten up the first paragraph - <BR/>There are a zillion things to offer in a critique - sometimes too much about visceral reactions only tells more about the person doing the critique than anything about the writing.Rene Allenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12403830772764710785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723124266752750306.post-56213971239207443562008-01-22T12:45:00.000-07:002008-01-22T12:45:00.000-07:00Oh, Anna, how you make me laugh!Oh, Anna, how you make me laugh!Joyce DiPastenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16638031103659265422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723124266752750306.post-76254024015541184912008-01-22T10:31:00.000-07:002008-01-22T10:31:00.000-07:00Trying to help another 'tweak' her writing can fee...Trying to help another 'tweak' her writing can feel somewhat as scary for me as I felt when as a kid, being egged on by slightly older kids, I inched along the raised rail of a railroad track, my arms outstretched for balance (which I lost repeatedly). <BR/><BR/>If the author and I could just talk it over, instead of writing, my body and voice inflections would show the love my poor choice of words may belie. For instance, I've often wanted to change another's style to fit mine, so I have to watch out there. Sometimes I can't figure out which age she is targeting. Also, I'm never positive I'm really helping, and occasionally, as right now, I'm full of fatigue and chocolate, which adds to the dilemna. Even so, I find it easier to critique than to hatch plots all by myself. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for your insight, Joyce.<BR/><BR/>p.s. I wrote this far last night, went to sleep at the computer, and was surprised just now to find my comment still 'unpublished'.<BR/><BR/>Have a good day. I love you.Anna Arnetthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09882034663742937010noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723124266752750306.post-40851773948573298282008-01-22T07:33:00.000-07:002008-01-22T07:33:00.000-07:00Actually I have a personal theme regarding critiqu...Actually I have a personal theme regarding critiques, be brutal and I mean it. Having said that, I cannot then be offended. I got it from work. I once wrote an article that was quite good (I'm still rather proud of it) and while I was out reporting on a trade show, my boss willy nilly changed my title. I was irritated to say the least; years later, I find the title he gave it better and more enduring than the one I did. Don't be afraid of harsh critiquing. And chose not to be offended. And always remember it's just someone's opinion. BTW this is not a critique of your opinon of critiques, ha.Terri Wagnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06905158157291602809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723124266752750306.post-6779660746274136232008-01-21T19:31:00.000-07:002008-01-21T19:31:00.000-07:00Joyce,I love your sense of humor. I look forward t...Joyce,<BR/>I love your sense of humor. I look forward to meeting you in person! You make a very good point that I have considered often. It is more difficult to give a fair critique on something in which you have little interest. However, I find that if the piece is well written, it will often suck me in and leave me wanting to read more. I had no interest in reading a vampire story when Stephenie Meyer first wrote "Twilight." When I agreed to critique the manuscript, I had to begin reading with an open mind. The story did the rest for me!Kari Pikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13855609339118198399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723124266752750306.post-68767962268529329812008-01-21T17:04:00.000-07:002008-01-21T17:04:00.000-07:00Dear Joyce:Very well said. I hadn't thought of cr...Dear Joyce:<BR/>Very well said. I hadn't thought of critiquing in this fashion before. I'd be interested in reading your sweet romances. I like romances that aren't too much you know what I mean. I read a wide variety of genres.Margaret Turleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12761685502321532820noreply@blogger.com