Tag: Writing feedback

What a Critique Partner Can Do for Your Writing

~ The Regal Writer ~ 2 Comments
Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.com

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about finding a critique partner. 

Before you cringe at the word critique, let me explain. Critique isn’t necessarily a bad thing if it’s done well. As harsh as the word sounds to more sensitive ears, critiques perform some good in the world, especially for creatives who want to improve their craft.

Whether it’s provided by a professional editor or a close writer friend, a critique can provide insights about your writing–about what you’re doing well and what needs improvement. According to Writer’s Digest, “a good critique partner offers constructive criticism that elevates your story. They do this while lifting you up and never tearing you down.”

Think of a critique partner as a step up from a writing buddy. There are differences between the two. For one, writing buddies may not write in the same genre as you and perhaps may not have the same level of experience. A critique partner is a closer and more balanced relationship. More likely, they’re writing in the same genre and may already be published, so they bring that added level of expertise when reviewing your work. I also believe critique partners are more invested in your success than a writing buddy might be. 

Most important, critique partners bring respect to the relationship. They’re not trying to tear you down or make you feel bad about yourself. They’re there to help you become a better writer. Likewise, as a critique partner for someone else, it’s important to be respectful of them.

That said, there are some ground rules for joining with a critique partner–for both you and your partner. Here are a few suggestions from WritingMastery.com.

  1. Set expectations for the partnership. What type of feedback do you each need? Developmental edits or notes on story structure? Grammar and punctuation? It’s often helpful to provide a few questions that the critique partner can answer. For example, did any parts of the story lag? Their responses can point to problem areas that need to be fixed.
  2. Provide context for the submitted material. Is it only the first chapter you want them to review? Or maybe it’s 50 pages from the middle section. (Because we all know how troublesome that middle section can be.) If possible, set a deadline for their review so the manuscript pages don’t sit on the backburner for too long.
  3. Be positive in your critique. Avoid being too heavy handed with your feedback. Try sandwiching any negative feedback between positive comments. Start with a compliment, followed by critique, then conclude with another compliment. It can often soften the blow. Be specific with your feedback too. For example, if a section or story was boring, don’t just say it was boring. Explain why you think the story lagged so you lost interest. If the story isn’t your cup of tea, don’t be afraid to say so.
  4. Accept feedback gracefully. If you’re the one receiving the feedback, keep an open mind and don’t overreact if you hear negative comments. It might help to come back to the critique a few days later after you’ve had a chance to calm down. The comments may  make more sense by then. That approach has often worked for me. You also have the option, as the original creator, to nix any of your partner’s suggestions. They may not totally understand the basis for your story.
  5. Provide resources to your critique partner. If the other writer is struggling with dialogue, they might appreciate receiving resources that can help them improve that aspect of their craft. But always ask if they want those resources; don’t assume they will accept them with grace.
  6. Always respect your partner, and expect the same in return. Any relationship is based on mutual respect. If there are any differences, talk them out to clear the air. That’s why it’s important to set expectations up front so there are no misunderstandings later on. Of course, if the partnership no longer works for either of you or if the mutual respect is lacking, it may be time to move on.

    When you’re feeling stuck on a story and need an objective opinion, a critique partner can help you move past the problem areas so you become the best writer you can be. 

Feedback vs. Criticism: How They Are Different and Why Writers Should Care

~ The Regal Writer ~ 2 Comments
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As writers, getting feedback for our work is a normal part of the development process. Without feedback, we would never know how readers will respond to our story. Without feedback, we won’t understand how we can improve our work. Without feedback, we will never know how to become better writers.

Notice I did not say the word “criticism,” which opens a Pandora’s box of problems. It does nothing more than stop a writer’s progress in its tracks.

Why do we tend to cringe at criticism, but not feedback? Even the sound of both words brings different images to mind and produces kneejerk reactions. Feedback sounds softer, gentler, and kinder. Feedback might remind us of a beloved grade school teacher who provided helpful instructions to complete an assignment. Even when feedback is negative, its intent is to help you improve your effort.

By comparison, criticism sounds harsh, starting with the first hard C in the word. It immediately calls to mind negative experiences, like the day your first love dumped you with a scathing, hateful speech. Criticism seeks to tear you down. There is no intent to be helpful, instructive or kind.

Now look up both words in the dictionary. At first glance, they may seem to be similar, but in fact, they are different. For example, according to Google’s online dictionary:

Feedback is “information about the reactions to a product or a person’s performance of a task, which is used as a basis for improvement.”

Criticism is “the analysis and judgment of the merits and faults of a literary or artistic work; the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.”

Take a closer look at the two definitions. What words jumps out at you? For feedback, the prominent words are: information, performance and improvement. For criticism, the words that jump out appear to be more severe: judgment, faults, disapproval, and mistakes.

It’s no wonder that writers (and all of humankind for that matter) cringe at the word criticism. All criticism does is judge others, find mistakes and seek reasons to disapprove something or someone. There’s no apparent room for improvement.

But feedback does encourage improvement. Is it any wonder that we all may be more open to receiving feedback than criticism?

Amber Johnson at the Center for Values-Driven Leadership at Benedictine University succinctly describes the five differences between feedback and criticism in this Forbes article.

Criticism is focused on what we don’t want; feedback is focused on what we do want.
Criticism is focused on the past; feedback is focused on the future.
Criticism is focused on weakness; feedback helps to build up strengths.
Criticism deflates; feedback inspires.
Criticism says, “You are the problem.” Feedback says, “You can make this better.”

How do you spot a critic? Professional ghostwriter Laura Sherman at the Friendly Ghostwriter blog says that critics are usually frustrated artists themselves. “The harsh critics of today are the failed artists of yesterday,” she writes. Pay attention to how you feel after you’ve read their comments. If you feel worthless, develop a terrible case of writer’s block, or are tempted to quit writing, then you’ve been attacked by a nasty critic. Sherman advises writers to disregard their “advice” which is meaningless and harmful.

As you move forward with your writing practice, think about the role of feedback in your writing development. When you seek guidance from others, whether they are your beta readers, your writer’s group or your family and friends, be clear with them. Ask for feedback to help you improve your craft. Anything else might crush your creative spirit.

Also think about how you give feedback to others. Avoid being overly critical and nit-picky. Always look for something positive that they’ve done before presenting negative comments. Then suggest ideas for how to improve it. When someone asks you for feedback, be kind, be helpful and be instructive.

While feedback and criticism might be related, like distant second cousins, they serve different purposes and live on different sides of the tracks. Let feedback be your guide to a better, stronger writing life.