For next Thursday’s critique:
In case you need guidance on how to do this whole critique thing, here are some thoughts:
- Read each piece
- Summarize for yourself what it is about
- Think of things you like about it
- Think of ways to help the writer revise it
- Consider any particular questions that the writer asked and try to answer them
When reading:
- Keep in mind that this is a draft, and not meant to be a finished, solid piece
- Notice places where you are bored or do not believe the characters (but don’t necessarily point them out to the writer)
- Notice places where you are confused
- Notice where you enjoyed the language/characters/plotting
- Think about what this piece is trying to say/do
In the meeting, after the person reads their piece, we will discuss what we liked about it first, and then ways to revise it.
- Be specific. Be prepared to back up your statements about the writing with examples so we can know what you mean.
- Be both honest and positive. Say what you think, but use tact and remember that we’re trying to encourage each other.
- Try to be objective as possible.
- Don’t get caught up in very minor details or correcting spelling and grammar.
That’s it. We’ll figure the rest out.