Monday, April 12, 2010

Critique

For the most part, I would say that fiction writers are on the sensitive side. Would you agree? I think it comes with the territory of being able to write entire books about people we’ve made up in our minds.

Unless you write books and hide them under your bed, there is some point when they’re going to be read and critiqued. Gasp! I don’t know if you’re like me, but the thought of someone reading my stuff and pointing out everything that’s wrong with it is frightening. It’s not that I think that there is nothing wrong with my writing because I know that everything I write needs improvement and can benefit from a great critique partner. To me, the process is difficult.

I recently joined the ACFW critique group, and I’ve yet to contribute anything. Why? I’m intimidated. I’m not new to writing. I have a degree in professional writing. I’ve been writing and studying the craft of writing for years, but one glance at someone else’s work, and all of my insecurities kick in.

What about you? Do you struggle with insecurities about others reading your work?

18 comments:

  1. That comic is funny and so true. I don't ever want to hurt someone's feelings but it seems to be necessary requirement in getting better. :O)

    www.dianeestrella.com

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  2. YES!!!! ANd you know the funny thing is all of the critiques my beta's have, I had already pinpointed with my gut editor and yet let them slide. SOmetimes your gut is your best friend.

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  3. Julie, I do for the first few times. I love my online group so much, but I just went to a live group a few weeks ago where they read and crit your piece OUT LOUD. Oh my gosh, my hands were so clammy. It was really nerve wracking and I'm no stranger to critiques!
    But it's also very helpful and most critters are really kind in their comments. I hope you're able to sub some work soon. It's like ripping a band-aid off. You just have to do it. :-)
    Thank you for stopping by my place today!

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  4. The comic is WAY too funny!!! Love it! Yes, submitting for a crit is sometimes scary. The best thing that even happened for me was buddying up with my two crit buds. I know they have my best interest at heart, and I don't worry about weird motives or anything like that. And they always give their pointers in love.

    Take a deep breath and hit send :D

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  5. I'm not an author but, I think anyone in a creative endeavor is nervous about sharing his/her work. It's putting your heart and soul on the line. I have a quote that's been helpful to me. I first heard it in a workshop with Gail Vick and MaryJo Carney. I'm not sure if the attribution is to either of these artists: My left hand is being held by someone who know less than I. I am teaching. My right hand is being held by someone who know more than I. I am learning. Thus my hands must both be held for me to be.

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  6. I know exactly how you feel. It's a necessary part of the process, though.

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  7. Learning to get critiqued is a bit like starting an exercise program. At first you're sore and tender, but as you get used to it, it gets easier. :)

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  8. Ahhh! I had this great response typed out and and... well, Blogger ate it. I hope it was satisfied ;) Ahem...

    Basically, I said something similar to this post... http://eisleyjacobs.com/finished-works/critiques/ but more direct and to the point in a comment.

    I encourage you to get yourself out there and offer your two cents to your fellow writers. You will see that they aren't out to make you feel bad... their job is to offer you a differing opinion (that you dont have to take!) on your novel and help you maybe see something that you didnt realize was there.

    If we took the 2 cents from that critique, and that 2 cents from this guy, and the 2 cents from them, and maybe 2 cents from your mom... all together you might have 2 more cents for your novel you didn't have before.

    In my opinion even if the crit is in left field... it makes us think a little harder about "that scene" and it ends up being a win/win situation! :)

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  9. Ooo, I loved Erica's point. Makes so much sense. Yes, I am a softie, but love it when critique improves my writing.
    ~ Wendy

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  10. oh absolutely. even the novel that landed me an agent has never been read by anyone but the two of us. i don't think this is a good sign.

    i need thicker skin sometimes.

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  11. Oh, gosh, yes. I've been involved in a crit group for years and you'd think it gets easier, but it doesn't. LOL
    But as much as we don't want to hear negative things, you will elarn and grow from it so much. And when you hear positive things, it'll give you even more incentive to write more. :)

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  12. What a funny comic! Sometimes being the one to deliver the crit is as hard as being the one who is receiving it. I'm with you though. I'm currently not in a critque group, would like to join one to learn and improve my writing but wondering if I'm tough enough yet. I guess the only way to get stronger is to work the muscle though!

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  13. Oh yes, it's difficult! I find it hard to do crits and am so nervous and getting crits back. Even though I know my story needs tons of work, it is difficult to hear someone else say it!

    Developing think skin is a hard process, but is so very important!

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  14. Yes, I do struggle, but it gets easier every time. In fact, I show it to as many people as I can just to get over it. At least, I hope I'll get over it.

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  15. I struggled a lot with showing people my work when I first posted an online portfolio. I was terrified of other writers discovering what I feared: that I couldn't write. The best way I got over my angst was to keep submitting my work to crit groups, to contests, to magazines, to whoever would give me feedback. Over time, I came to realize two things. That I could write, and that there was always going to be room for me to improve.

    Best of luck with it! I like your blog and look forward to reading more from you!

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  16. You have a degree in writing??? Ahhh you just intimidated me!!
    Yes, I am a wreck when I give my work to anyone to be critiqued. I hate getting it back and hold my breath until I read all the comments. I want it to be good but it isn't always:)

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  18. Love the comic! It's never easy to hear our work is less than perfect. I have to hold my tongue and listen (without trying to explain myself) when members of my writer's group give their comments. I drag home with my tail between my legs, but the next day, I find their wisdom makes perfect sense. I find as I correct the mess I've made, my writing improves. It's always a lesson in humility

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