Great Critique Partners = Spun Gold (Pt. 2)

In Monday’s post  Are Critique Partners Necessary? I explored why our readers, mentors, and fellow writers (aka “crit partners”) are so valuable.

Today, I’d like to talk about the various strengths and “gifts” each of our critique partners brings to the table.

Years ago when I began writing, the only person I had critiquing my work was my high school journalism teacher (although I did win a lovely third place ribbon in 8th grade for a historical-type essay.)

Later, my creative pursuits were evaluated by my high school newspaper staff and by my college Creative Writing professors. As a young mother and newbie writer, feedback came from writing groups I was a member of. In fact, it was in one of those groups that I connected with my first critique partner.

We were a good fit and it was a super learning experience. When she moved out-of-state, I tried to go it alone for a while. (Never a good thing.) Eventually, I found others I meshed with and we worked well together.

I now have about three different critique partners, and I’m hoping to add a fourth. I prefer to work with a smaller group because I like the intimacy that a smaller network affords. That’s just me. Your needs and desires may be different. There’s no right or wrong method; it’s how you work the best and learn the most.

Here’s why great critique partners are like spun gold:

• They’re candid. (Tactful, but truthful.) They’re able to pinpoint problem areas and offer insight into what isn’t working within your story. They’ll make suggestions regarding the awkward spots: backstory, dialogue, plot, description, grammar, and so forth. By the same token, a great crit partner will applaud superb writing.

• They’re taskmasters. They hold us accountable. If we’re on a mandatory (or self-imposed) deadline, they’ll cheer us on. They won’t take excuses. Though a death in the family or major life event may derail our writing, “the dog ate my homework” is never acceptable. (Unless the dog is Jessica Patch’s.) 😉

• They’re encouragers. Our critique partners are natural-born cheerleaders. They know when to give positive strokes and what our “love language” is.

• They’re copy editors. They catch the tiniest details–typos and grammar faux pas–that our own tired eyes often miss, but our agents don’t.

• They’re writers. While it may be beneficial to have a few “beta readers” in our camp, our crit partners are experienced writers who are at various stages in their careers. Ideally, one or two of our partners are a bit farther down the road than we are. They know the components of an awesome story.

*****

Have I missed anything?

What are your favorite genres to read? 

REMINDER:

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(And congratulations go out to Tonya Ashley, the winner of June’s giveaway. Tonya, your gift is in the mail.)

Photo Credit: Rosen Georgiev/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Blessings Always,