Growing as a Writer Through Critiques by Sherrinda Ketchersid

We have all been there as writers – the place where our work has been marked through with a red pen, shredded, chewed, and thrown out as worthless. Whether it be in contest scores, a writer’s group, or a critique partner, we have experienced the pain of a hurtful critique.

Last year I changed direction from writing historical and attempted to write a YA story. I entered a writing contest and when I received scores back from the judges, I was devastated. Comments like “This does not sound like YA.” and “From a YA perspective, it’s not believable.” really hurt my heart. Out of all the contestants, I ranked next to last. Ouch!

So what is a writer to do? Besides stuffing my mouth with chocolate, I gave the feedback some time to sit, then reevaluated the critiques. You know what? What the judges said was true. My writing was not YA material. I could see their point and was able to embrace their words for what it was…truth.

Things to consider when receiving critiques:

• You want to grow as a writer, so have an open mind. What things can you learn from the suggestions given?
• Has more than one critique pointed out the same problems? If so, consider this a confirmation you need to fix the issue.
• Ask questions and get clarification if you are confused by the critique.
• Remember that writing and reading is subjective. Ultimately, you can choose not to make changes to your story.

Those who critique other people’s work need to learn the best way to offer feedback. I am part of two different critique groups. One group is online and the other is a group that meets together twice a month to read their work aloud for critique. These groups have taught me invaluable lessons in giving construction critiques.

Things to consider when giving a critique:

• Always start off with praise for the good things you find in the other person’s work. This sets the tone for critique and acts as a buffer for the criticism to come.
• Don’t use harsh words. Be considerate and offer suggestions to correct the problem.
• YES: Your dialogue is fantastic and I feel like I’m right there, but I’m pulled out of the scene with the dialogue tags. Instead of using “she yelled”, you could use an action beat that shows her anger.
• NO: You use way too many dialogue tags.
• If there is an issue with plot or scenes not moving forward, help the writer brainstorm ideas to bolster areas that need improvement.
• While you want to be gentle in your critique, you do want to be honest. To give only praise to a new writer won’t make them a better writer. Give constructive criticism to help them improve.

Receiving criticism is not for the faint of heart, but if we want to grow as writers, we need to embrace each and every critique with an open mind. You have asked for feedback, so cull through the critique and learn ways to become a better writer. That is the end goal.

What about you? What have you learned from critiques? How have you grown as a writer from giving critiques? I would love to hear your experiences!

Sherrinda Ketchersid is a born and bred Texan, preacher’s wife, and mother to 4 children. With the children grown and out of the house, she weaves tales of fierce knights and their ladies in a time where men were warriors and women had to be strong enough to keep them in check.

After taking time off from writing, she has returned with a new motto in place to spur her on. “Writers write. Everyone else makes excuses.” Jack Bickham.  No excuses this time. She is weaving her love of romance with history to bring joy and the hope of love to those who may one day read her stories.

Personal blog: Sherrinda.com
Twitter: @sherrinda
Instagram: @sherrinda

 

We Need Each Other by Heidi Chiavaroli

When I was growing up, my mother used to tell me a story about my great-great-grandmother. My mémère lived to be one hundred and two, and guess what? She was a writer.

She wrote a book when she was a young adult. And of course, back then, you didn’t just click a mouse and send off a query. You sent the whole kit and caboodle. Every chapter, every page, every sentence you had sweat over. All of it, off to an editor who would hopefully mail your baby back to you.

Well, my grandmother’s manuscript did get returned. Rejected. And, not having any other person’s encouragement or opinion, my grandmother destroyed her hard work. She took the rejection to mean she didn’t have what it took. She couldn’t be a writer.

I’m convinced that if I lived in the same time as my grandmother, that would have also been me. But because I live in a different time, with different opportunities, I was encouraged in different ways. If you don’t have the support you need as a writer, consider seeking out an option or two below.

National Writer’s Groups and Organizations – When I first felt the urge to write seriously ten years ago, I went to one of my favorite author’s websites. Karen Kingsbury listed a number of writing organizations and I picked the one I thought would suit me best—American Christian Fiction Writers. They were phenomenal. Not only did they hook me up with a critique group, which I am still with, but they gave me a scholarship to attend my first national conference, where I met a handful of amazing women who have encouraged me over the years. It’s been fun to watch some of them go on to become bestselling authors. 

Local Groups – If you prefer meeting with other writers in person, check out your local library. Chances are someone knows of a local group of writers.

Critique Groups – Okay, I know I mentioned this above, but really, I can’t talk critique partners up enough! You can sharpen one another’s writing, and encourage at the same time. I don’t know how many times I’ve felt ready to give up only to have one or both of my critique partners encourage me. No one can encourage like another writer. Share the journey.

Conferences – Not only can you meet agents and editors in the industry at conferences, but you can form more connections with other writers, both new and farther along on the journey. No one can encourage you, sympathize with you, and rejoice with you, like other writers!

Websites and Blogs (Such as this one!) – Many authors have resources for writers on their websites. Or subscribe to blogs such as this one to get that daily encouragement.

There’s one thing all these options have in common: they each connect us to other writers. 

Writing can be a solitary journey. But I’m convinced that if my grandmother had any of these resources at her disposal, she wouldn’t have felt so badly after that first rejection. She may have continued to write, maybe even kept her stories for me to read one day.

We need each other! So don’t be a stranger. Speak up, get connected, and get writing!

Heidi Chiavaroli is an author, runner, wife, mother, and grace-clinger—not necessarily in that order. Ever since taking her first trip to Plimoth Plantation with her sister, mother, and grandmother at the age of nine, she has been fascinated with history and its significance to today’s people and culture. Heidi is the winner of ACFW’s 2014 Genesis Contest, Historical Category. Her debut novel will release next year from Tyndale Publishers. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Howie, her standard poodle. Learn more about Heidi on her website: www.heidichiavaroli.com.