More about Critique Groups

Last time out, I stressed the importance of critique groups and warned of certain personality types. The group I work with now is made up of six authors who are writing long works of prose. We’ve limited ourselves to this number, which allows time for each one to present about four pages and get input on the writing and not go over the two hours set aside for critiques.

With any luck at all, you won’t run into the types I warned you about. If you do, the group is faced with a decision. Do you allow someone to disrupt or waste the group’s time? If the answer is no, the only alternative is to ask the person to leave the group. Harsh? Yes, but better than later altercations or recriminations.

Protocols: On the giving end, be positive; point out the good parts as well as criticisms. When it’s your time in the barrel, don’t be defensive, and don’t defend your work. Make note of the criticisms, and how many in the group agree with the comment. One only — may well ignore it. A majority — best pay heed. However, in the end, it is author’s choice — you must decide whether to change the prose or not.

There are wide variations on how to run critique groups. Rather than an attempt to cover them here, I’ll recommend: How to start and run a writers’ Critique Group, by Carol J. Amato.

BeeJaySez

Critique Groups

I cannot over-emphasize the importance of a good critique group. I completed a novel before joining a group the first time. Figuring I would be the big frog in the small pond, I plunged ahead. After the others bled red ink all over my prose, I began to appreciate the value of honest comment and critique, and found I was happy to be a small frog.

There are some areas where caution should be exercised. As long as other members are offering honest impartial input, fine, however problems can arise when you run into some of the following types.

= Sergeant-at-arms: The door keeper, the rule enforcer. Dennis Lehane said, “Know the rules before you break them.” The Door Keeper won’t allow any variation from a strict interpretation of the “rules” of writing.
= Know-it-all: The Big Frog. This person will waste the group’s time while concentrating on themselves.
= Non-reader: This one doesn’t bother to read and “anything’s okay.” Another time waster.
= Guru: Previously published (in one way and mostly in another) and it’s “my way or the highway.”
= The Realist: This person is unable to suspend reality and isn’t capable of giving the reader any credit.
= Keeper of Moral Values: Probably enough said without expanding.
= Market Expert: A variation of the Know-it-all, this one “understands” the market and will give you all the reasons your book will not sell.
= Word Smith: Always looks for ways to change your prose. Does not understand Voice. Be especially aware of this one when they tinker with your dialog.

Don’t let these warnings scare you off. When you find a good fit, a critique group will return benefits beyond your imagination.

BeeJay