So, I finally joined a critique group and it's been quite a bit of fun and entertainment. They tore my book apart with some great questions and now I'm trying to rewrite it using their suggestions. Some were even obvious to me and some not quite so obvious. I knew it needed improvement and am thankful for the critiques. We still have a few chapters to get through, but they have pretty well covered all the errors I made, but I am anxious to hear the rest. I'm sure it is all going to make the story better than it was.
The other stories in the class have been interesting and entertaining, to say the least. There has been two non-fiction books, and I don't know if my comments are helping or not, but I offer them anyway.
The remainder are various genre fiction that includes Sci-fi, fantasy, literature-type, a modern western and general articles on the state of things in general, and some humor-type stories.
It's the variety that makes critiquing them fun and some need more lessons on basic English and spelling, and I'm sure that most comments and recommendations are helpful to some of the "writers".
I recommend a critique group for anyone writing, whether a beginner or pro. It will be of benefit in structure, plot, grammar, and English.
Glad you are enjoying it. Make sure when you have the finished product it still sounds like you. I am enjoying your book of short stories and will post on it soon.
ReplyDeleteGood idea, Neil. I'll have to watch that. Thanks for reading my book.
ReplyDeleteI find being in a critique group very useful. Of course the feedback I get is helpful, but reading other people's work and seeing what's good and not so good about it helps me identify those areas in my own writing too.
ReplyDeleteYep. That's what makes the group interesting.
DeleteI've been in a critique group for a long time. I just like interacting with other writers and they do sometimes give me very good suggestions/ideas/corrections
ReplyDeleteI'm new to this, but it does help my writing and I enjoy talking to other writers, too, so far.
DeleteI usually pass my work to a few critical eyes on completion, step back, and brace myself. It's been helpful.
ReplyDeleteI joined the group to find a couple of beta readers, but haven't asked anyone yet. The stepping back gives you perspective and objectivity.
ReplyDeleteOscar, I have not heard of a critique group in Bombay. I'd certainly like to put up my writing for a post-mortem.
ReplyDeleteIt will help your writing to hear other people's critiques before trying to get a novel published. Maybe you could start a group if you know any other writers in the area, Prashant.
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