*Cue Julio and Willy*
I’ve discovered that a good Critique Partner is essential to my writing process. I just can’t write without them. Well, I could, but I wouldn’t like it.
All you writers out there know what a Critique Partner is. For our Dear Readers, I’ll define the term. A Critique Partner is the brave volunteer who reads (dissects) your work—often repeatedly, and tells you what about it works and what does not. To be a good Critique Partner, a writer must have a stout heart, a keen mind and a sturdy red pen (or at least, know their way around Track Changes and Comments).
The relationship between Critique Partners is a bit like a romantic relationship. You have the Meet Cute or Blind Date, the Get to Know You, then The Big Reveal. In this case, The Big Reveal is a WIP (Work in Progress), rather than an assorted collection of pink parts. The end result is still scary and one party showing more than the other tends to increase the sense of insecurity felt by the more revealed party. Ahem. Not that I know anything about that…
This brings us to the next phase, Reality. Reality is when you open up the critiqued document and discover the honest opinion of your new partner. At least, you hope it’s honest. An overly flattering or overly critical relationship does no one any good. The truth is, feedback from a good CP can make or break a story. It can mean the difference between impressing an editor or agent with your finesse or turning them off with your lack of polish. Did I fail to mention the moral support factor? Even when a CP must tell you there are flaws in you work, they stand by you in solidarity.
It is usually after the Reality phase that CPs know whether theirs may be a long-term relationship, or a One Critique Stand. I’ll admit to having had a couple of those, though I learned something even from those brief encounters—not all writers are compatible as CPs, even if they are wonderful authors and people. Also, uh…monogamy within a Critique relationship is just not for me. LOL
Once CPs have successfully navigated a mutual Reality phase for a time, the final Destination phase of the relationship starts. This is the equivalent of the Golden Years of a romantic relationship. I am blessed to be in the Destination phase of the Critique Partner relationship with a number of very special people. I’m even still friends with my very first serious CP!
As this is my last guest blog for the lovely ladies here at The Novelty Girls, I wanted to send a special thanks to them and To All the Critique Partners I’ve Loved Before. You taught me about writing, about friendship and generosity. Some of you dropped whatever you were doing at a moment’s notice to help me. You told me not just what wasn’t working with my story, but why it wasn’t working and helped me figure out how to fix it. You taught me by letting me critique your awesome work. You are the best and I love you all!
What do you all think of the role of the CP? Do you have any special Critique Partner stories to share?
September 16th, 2007 at 9:19 am
My crit partner use to be my ex, so it’s not working so well at the moment, but when it was, I think it was the only thing we ever did well together. We’re both hoping when some of the wounds heal we’ll be able to salvage our working relationship.
September 16th, 2007 at 9:56 am
I’ve had a few critique partners in my time…some good, some kinda good, some really not that good, and some downright scary. The worst–and I’ve told this story so many times, one of these days it’s going to get back to her–was the girl who suggested I seek professional psychiatric advice if “that’s how you think a relationship between and man and a woman should be.”
That one hurt. LOL And you know, I never did do anything with that manuscript…maybe it’s not to late to have it analyzed by professionals…
September 16th, 2007 at 10:18 am
Awesome finaly post, hon. I wouldn’t be where I am without my great CP’s. Not only have they helped me with my writing but they’ve seen me through some pretty tough times in my life (both personal and writing). If not for them, I would’ve quit by now.
September 16th, 2007 at 10:49 am
I tried doing the group CP thing and it was a dismal failure for me as far as the group dynamic and working with this particular group of women went.
But I think it taught me a lot about my process and how I write. I don’t like to let people in while I’m working. When I’m done, sure, but most CPs aren’t really that patient, when you consider my hit and miss (mostly miss) writing.
What I need is someone who will be around to help me brainstorm, but will wait ’til the finished product to see the goods.
September 16th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
I don’t really have an story as I don’t have a CP. I’d love one but I can’t commit the time to critiquing someone else’s work just yet. Sounds like an interesting (and somewhat scary) process.
September 16th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
I’ve got a brainstormer…and I love it. Neither of us are at the point of serious, down and dirty editing so… It’s more of a friendship than a business relationship just yet.
September 19th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
I heart my critique buds. I have two ladies that I’ve been with since I first began writing. It’s nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of when you need to and be able to trust them to give you an honest opinion.