Critique Group: A Great Writing Tool by Cindy Ervin Huff

Submitting our manuscripts to the scrutiny of publishers and editors never gets easy. No matter novice or veteran there is always the chance of rejection. Editing our own words is a good skill to learn. But we all know we don’t always see the blaring errors. I once sent out a homemade Christmas Card with the words ‘The angles rejoiced at his coming.” After mailing out fifty cards I saw my typo. Ugh.

Friends will laugh and love you anyway. But publishers are not so forgiving. One way I have found to hone my craft and improve my chances of publication is joining a critique group. I am part of two wonderful groups of serious writers. Each group is small. My online group has five members, and my local group has six. We are serious writers with a goal of publication. Over the years most of us have achieved that goal. We continue to meet, helping each other fix weak parts in our words.

I need these fellow-writers. They see those angles that should be angels and the storylines that just aren’t working. They keep me humble while encouraging me to press on. I would have to pay a lot of money for the edits these friends share with me. I’ve learned to find my mistakes more easily thanks to them. My POV is clearer. My voice is my own. And I’ve learned how to receive correction with grace. This has made my experience with editors at conferences more productive. I can walk away from a less than stellar appointment with a professional attitude because critiques are part of my journey.

We all need edits and input on our creations. A critique group is a great place to find them. Our writing improves as we learn from one another. Don’t let fear keep you from adding this tool to your craft box. The more we know the faster we grow. For me seeing the edits on my own paper is easier to understand than reading a craft book.

A critique group won’t get you instant success but overtime your writing gets tighter. And you develop wonderful friendships with other writers. We all know they’re the only ones who truly understand us. And that comradery goes a long way to building our confidence as a writer.

Are you a critique group member? How big is your group? Any special tips for making it helpful to all members?

~~~~~~

Cindy Huff, a multi-published writer and 2014 Editor’s Choice winner for her first novel Secrets and Charades which releases in March 2017. As president of the Aurora Illinois chapter of Word Weavers she has a passion to encourage other writers on their journey. Check out her blog Jubilee Writer www.jubileewriter.wordpress.com or visit with her on social media.

Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1946016144/

Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/author.huff11/

Twitter: twitter.com/CindyErvinHuff 

Facebook:www.facebook.com/cindy.e.huff.

Secrets & Charades order link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1946016144/

When It’s Time to Move On by Virginia Smith

Virginia Smith

At last month’s critique group meeting we read a chapter by a gal who’s been revising her first novel for a couple of years. The first man to give feedback asked, “Haven’t we seen this chapter before?” The writer replied, “A couple of times, but it was rejected again and I need to know what’s wrong so I can fix it.” He smiled rather benignly and told her, “You’ve polished it so much I need sunglasses to read it.”

We all laughed, but as we went around the circle (passing an egg timer to the next speaker in true Lord of the Flies fashion), I knew exactly how the author felt. I’ve been there. Why wasn’t my story good enough? Did passive verbs still lurk in the narrative, hidden from me but flashing like ugly beacons to a seasoned editor’s eye? What could I do to make it better?

Before my first publication I wrote a novel that was dear to my heart, and I wanted so badly for that story to become my first published book. I agonized over every sentence, rejoiced over positive comments from friends, family, and critique partners, went through countless revisions, and produced draft after draft, each better than the last. But the book went the rounds of the publishers and collected a stack of rejection letters. Finally a trusted friend told me, “Lay it down. It’s time to move on.”

That was the best advice I’d ever received. Regretfully—a little fearfully—I laid my baby aside and moved on to another story. That second story was Just As I Am, the one that launched my publishing career. As I wrote I discovered a couple of things about myself. First, I was a much better first draft writer than before. Apparently I’d learned a few things over the years. Next, my second story took on a sparkle the first one lacked. I think all that polishing had dulled the life right out of it. I needed a fresh start, with new characters and renewed energy.

Most importantly, I learned that nothing ever goes to waste in the Lord’s economy. If we dedicate our efforts to Him, He will use everything for His purpose eventually. That truth was made clear to me just this month, with the release of my twenty-second novel. Guess which book it is? Yep. The Days of Noah was written years before Just As I Am. God taught me a few things in the course of writing twenty-one books, so this time when I pulled out my polishing cloth I was able to restore the original shine and beauty of the story. I can’t tell you how awesome it feels to finally hold this beautiful baby in my hands.

What advice did I give to my critique buddy when the egg timer passed to me? “This is beautiful, but it’s time to move on. How about writing something new?” I can’t wait to see what she brings to the next meeting.

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Nothing ever goes to waste in the Lord’s economy. Click to Tweet
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About the Author

Days of Noah
by Virginia Smith

About Virginia Smith
Virginia Smith is the bestselling author of over twenty novels and more than fifty articles and short stories. An avid reader with eclectic tastes in fiction, Ginny writes in a variety of styles, from lighthearted relationship stories to breath-snatching suspense. She is the recipient of two Holt Medallion Awards of Merit (A Daughter’s Legacy in 2011, and Dangerous Impostor in 2013.) Visit her on the web at www.virginiasmith.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ginny.p.smith.

The Days of Noah
Belief in the One God is dangerous in Cainlan, a city founded on the worship of the god Cain. But when the daughter of a pagan priestess meets the son of a religious fanatic she is drawn to Shem’s caring manner and deep faith. Eliana believes his assertion that the One God will wipe the earth clean of the corruption that fills it, especially when she discovers a terrifying secret known only to those high in the government’s ruling council. Though desperate to escape her destiny, Eliana’s life has been preordained. Not even Shem’s God can rescue her from the fate for which she was born – becoming the next high priestess to Cain.

Links to Purchase:
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1937671119/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1937671119&linkCode=as2&tag=nexstecri-20

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-days-of-noah-virginia-smith/1116477261?ean=9781937671112

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-days-of-noah-1

Two Kinds of Writers by Valerie Comer

Valerie Comer

Hey, writers! Annette here. Last week, our guest discussed pantsters vs. plotters. This week, let's look at the writing process from another angle entirely, shall we? Welcome Valerie Comer with her insightful perspective on two types of writers and the effectiveness of critique groups for each type.

Two Kinds of Writers

by Valerie Comer

There are two kinds of writers in this world, and I'm not talking about plotters and pantsters! 

I mean those who are natural storytellers and those who instinctively know how to craft good prose (hereinafter known as writers—which, yes, I know is confusing…) 

I hear about people who rewrote their first novel twenty times and then sold it. This is a foreign thought to me. My first novel had lousy bones. Sure, there were some really good scenes and dialogue in it, but it wasn't worth saving. 

Any guesses on whether I'm a storyteller or a writer? Yup, writer, through and through.

I theorize that most of those who rewrite the same manuscript dozens of times to get it right are primarily storytellers. They may or may not know their entire plot before they start. Either way, they instinctively apply cause-and-effect as they write. Their stories may be camouflaged by stilted dialogue, stifling description, and lengthy soliloquies, but the core is solid. The craft of writing can be learned and applied. 

If all you have is pretty words and no story? The outlook is different. I'm a good writer. If all you read is a few paragraphs or a scene I've written, you'll probably agree. But if you sit down to critique a first draft of mine, you'll soon find that the story just doesn't hold together. Characters act against their personalities. Logic may fly clear out the window. 

Are you familiar with the art of M. C. Escher? Relativity is one of his most famous drawings of impossible reality. Go have a look at it. I'll wait. 

This drawing perfectly represents my first draft writing and, I suspect, that of others who are not storytellers. How so? Each segment of Escher's work, taken by itself, makes sense. It's only when you put them all together that you find it implausible. 

To take my theory one step further, let's talk about critique groups, which seem to be standard for aspiring writers. Each submits a chapter a week (or month), often during the first draft phase. If you're a storyteller, this may work for you. The bones are there. You simply need help polishing the prose. 

If you're primarily a writer, this exercise is futile. Each scene (or chapter) looks relatively good on its own. What you need help with is the over-all picture, which is difficult to gain when your reader gets small chunks over a long period of time. The best situation for you—and me—is a critique partner who will sit down and read your entire novel (second or third draft—fix what you can, first) in just a few days and comment on the whole project as well as inevitable line edits. 

Which are you, a storyteller or a writer? Does my theory resonate with you?  

~~~~~

Raspberries and Vinegar

Valerie Comer is an author with a dedicated writing site at To Write a Story. She teaches the basics of planning, plotting, writing, editing, publishing, and marketing fiction through blog posts as well as a free course via email. She writes Farm Lit where food meets faith, injecting experience laced with humor into her novels. Raspberries and Vinegar, first in her Farm Fresh Romance series, released in August, 2013. 

Learn more at: 
Website: http://valeriecomer.com 
Facebook: http://facebook.com/valeriecomer.author  
Twitter: http://twitter.com/valeriecomer

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Critical Thinking by Heather Day Gilbert

Heather Day Gilbert

My husband recently told me he was proud of me. Not for sticking with writing for five years, refusing to give up…not for homeschooling his children to dizzying intellectual heights…not even for whipping up supper, night after night (admission: sometimes it’s just scrambled eggs).

Nope. He said, “I’m proud of you—you’ve really learned to take criticism of your writing.”

You have to understand that when I started writing, I thought every word that hit the page was perfect. I’d blow off any criticisms as, “They just don’t get my vision.” I’d get upset when my newspaper articles were re-titled.

Then I wrote my first novel. I got some push-back, some rejection. I pulled myself off the floor, re-grouped and wrote another novel—this time, historical fiction.

I did something different with this one. I took popular agency blog advice and I joined an online critique group for historical fiction.

Now, the very word critique probably has some ancient connection with the word criticism--which no newbie writer wants to receive. However, I figured I’d give it a shot and see what all the hype was about.

For my group, you’d load up one of your chapters, then critique three separate author’s chapters. In return, three authors would critique yours. It was tricky at first, but I got the hang of it.

As others’ errors jumped out at me, I started recognizing those same errors in my own writing. And as people asked me pointed questions about my chapters, I learned. I learned what worked and what didn’t.

For example, one critter pointed out that “She threw up her hands” sounded a little too much like a stomach virus scenario.

Another seasoned writer pointed out that the trend in fiction is to use action beats instead of dialogue tags. Now, since my novel was chock-full of dialogue tags, I didn’t take this advice seriously. After all, dialogue tags litter the classics, and if it’s good enough for the classics, it’s good enough for me! I should’ve listened—when I later got an agent, one of the first things he edited was my excessive use of dialogue tags.

There was also a writer in my group who knew far more about my time period than I could ever hope to know. He made sure I got every niggling detail correct—imperative for a historical fiction author.

But before long, I was too busy with my editing and proposal-writing, and I had to drop the critique group. Meanwhile, I saw lots of blogs and comments by CBA writers, talking about their crit partners in glowing terms. I shopped around a little, looking for that one person whose advice always resonated and whose crits I always respected.

Guess what? God brought the perfect crit partner to me. Doesn’t mean she’s the only one I have. But if she says something doesn’t work, I know it doesn’t. She is strong in the areas where I’m weak. And she represents the target group for my novels.

Accepting critiques didn’t come easy at first, but like everything, with practice, you learn how to do it right. You have a stronger advice-filter in your head that says, “Integrating that will make my story stronger,” or, “That’s heading the wrong direction.”

Newbie writers, a sure sign of growth is when you’re willing to change your writing based on applicable critiques. I know that query’s burning a hole in your computer, but get your manuscript critiqued by one or two trusted writers/readers before you send it out. Though it takes some time and effort, it will close that gap between you and your agent-to-be much faster.

About the Author

Heather Day Gilbert writes stories about authentic, believable marriages. Fifteen years of marriage to her sweet Yankee husband have given her some perspective, as well as nine years spent homeschooling her three children. Heather is the ACFW West Virginia Area Coordinator. Her historical fiction novel, God’s Daughter, is rooted in the Icelandic sagas. She recently completed an Appalachian-set suspense novel. You can find out more at Heather’s blogspot: http://www.heatherdaygilbert.blogspot.com, or at her FB page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heather-Day-Gilbert/255797467834948. She’d also love to chat on twitter @vikingwritergal.

Finding (and Keeping ) A Critique Partner by Jennifer Slattery

Hey everyone, Annette here. This Manuscript Monday, we welcome Jennifer Slattery with a new series about critique groups, crit partners and how to maintain your voice. She begins today with an article on finding your own critique partner. Enjoy!

Finding (and Keeping) a Critique Partner

by Jennifer Slattery

If moderation is the key to successful living, then I need an intervention! Last month during a podcast interview Cynthia Simmons, Vice President of the Christian Authors Guild, asked me if I had a critique partner. (listen here) I laughed, then tried to explain my addiction in terms that would seem less neurotic. I have four one-on-one critique partners, actively participate in ACFW’s 200+ member critique group, and lead a small book proposal and query critique group. To some this may seem like over-kill, but each group offers unique benefits and helps to strengthen my writing. I’ve been fortunate to find other authors I mesh with, but it’s taken a bit of weeding to find them. When considering a critique partner or group, it’s important to choose honest and trust-worthy authors equal in skill level with an understanding of your genre. They also need a strong work ethic and thick-skin.

“The most important thing in a crit partner is trust,” said Ane Mulligan, Novel Rocket Editor. “You have to trust them to not change your voice and to love you enough to be hard on you. My CPs push me to be my very best. They won't let me get away with less than that. And that's real love. Telling me something is good just so they don't hurt my feelings is bogus friendship, in my opinion. Of course, a thick skin is a must in a serious writer.”

Ane’s advice goes two ways. If you’re looking for someone to feed you sugar, send your manuscript to your mom. If you’re looking to hone your craft, find a qualified critique partner, then be prepared to give and take honest feedback.

Make sure your partner understands your genre. About a year back I received a phone call from a category historical romance writer who formed a critique partner with an author from a different genre. My friend grew increasingly frustrated because her partner constantly criticized portions of her story that were organic to her genre. In the end, their time together proved futile and their relationship suffered for it.

You also need to find authors with a similar skill level. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve swapped manuscripts with, spending hours zeroing in on telling phrases and passive sentences, only to receive a “great job!” in return.

Fellow ACFW author, Caprice Hokstad, had a similar experience. “When I was a new writer, it was very hard to find a group who understood the genre I write in (fantasy) and where the writers were at least as knowledgeable as I was. For a long while, I spent much more time and energy helping others than receiving help. I would read the other submitters' chapters and get red ink all over them, but mine would come back with a word or two they thought didn't fit, or ‘This looks fine to me.’”

I’ve learned starting with a “sample swap” can save hours of frustration later. Before committing to a long-term relationship, I invite the other author to exchange a chapter to see if we’re compatible. When evaluating compatibility, I look to see how many errors and weakness they caught along with how quickly they return my work. This is where the hard work-ethic comes in.

We all have different goals in regard to writing. Some of us write as a hobby. Some of us work full-time, manage a household and write when we have time. Others of us write on strict deadlines. If you like to move fast, pairing up with a turtle will drive you crazy. If you’re determined to succeed, partnering with a slacker who’s looking to take more than they give will hinder your progress. Once again, this is where the sample swapping comes in as many poor work habits can be seen in edits, but some things don’t become apparent until later. Because of this, it’s important that you express your needs and expectations up front. Then, if your partner fails to deliver, be prepared to walk away. That might sound harsh, but this is a tough industry and you don’t have time to baby-sit. If you want to succeed, you need to pair yourself with like-minded authors who take their writing and critiquing as seriously as you do.

If you’re really serious about taking your manuscript to the next level, it’s often helpful to hire a professional. This eliminates the “critique-partner-shopping” time and provides you with expert, thorough, and fast feedback from someone who knows the industry. 

 ~~~~~

Jennifer Slattery is a novelist and freelance writer living in the midwest with her husband of sixteen years and their thirteen-year-old daughter. She works for Tiffany Colter, the Writing Career Coach, and is the marketing manager for the literary website, Clash of the Titles. In 2009 she won the HACWN writing contest and in 2010 she was a CWG Operation First Novel Finalist, placed second in the Dixie Kane and fourth in the Golden Pen. She has a short piece in Bethany House's Love is a Flame (under a pen name), forwarded by Gary Chapman, another piece in Cathy Messecar's A Still and Quiet Soul, and another piece scheduled to appear in Majesty House's Popcorn Miracles. Catch one of her faith-stirring devotionals at Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud and find out more about her critiquing and marketing services at Words That Keep.

Writer’s Groups: How to Make Them Work for You by B.J. Taylor

Last week on our Writer’s Journey Wednesday, I (Dawn) shared my experiences with critique groups. B.J. Taylor has not only participated in writer’s groups, she’s also written the book, The Complete Guide to Writer’s Groups that Work. Enjoy and learn from her tips. B.J. will return next Wednesday to talk about writing for Guideposts.

Writer’s Groups: How to Make Them Work for You

The best-kept secret to becoming a successful author is finding a professional writer’s group that really works. Why? Because you’ll learn to accept constructive critiques—an excellent way to prepare yourself to work with editors/agents—and your writing will improve.

Keep these five things in mind:

1. Size Does Matter Eight members is optimum, providing enough personal attention to supply you with diverse opinions, without being overwhelming. Remember to apply the Rule of Three to all comments on your work: if one person suggests a change, it is one opinion; if two people make the same point, you could take a closer look; but if three people feel the same way, you may want to consider it. In the end, it is your manuscript and your right to keep your words the same, but the Rule of Three will help when you’re wondering whether you should make a revision.

2. Location, Location, Location Find a group that is near where you live and make attendance a high priority. Really listen to the comments and suggestions of others. Your work will rise above the competition and contain the sparkle and shine editors and agents look for.

3. Put Your Best Foot Forward Have you ever read your first draft over again and found typos, stilted grammar, or choppy dialog? Prepare your work in plenty of time before a meeting so that you bring your third or fourth draft. Oh, sure, you’ll still see areas that need improvement when you get comments from others, but you’ll feel better when you’ve brought your best.

4. Take Every Advantage Be prepared when your writer’s group meets. Bring your work and read it out loud. Did they laugh at the right moment, become confused at any point, get misty-eyed or emotional at the ending? Learn from this group of test readers and your work will soar to higher levels.

5. Give it a Chance Ever buy a new pair of shoes that pinched your feet the first time you wore them? In the beginning, a writer’s group may seem scary and challenging. Will they like my work? Will they try to change my voice? If you surround yourself with writers who are pursuing publication like you are, you can embrace their comments and learn from each other. It takes time to feel comfortable if you join an established group, and if you start a new group, give it six months to become a cohesive, working unit. One of my groups, The Sixteen Thumbs, has met every third Saturday for 15 years. All eight members are published. We make our meetings a priority in our writing careers. Won’t you make it a priority in yours?

P.S. Wondering WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and WHY about writer’s groups? The nuts and bolts of face-to-face and online writer’s groups are available in an easy to read step-by-step guide that includes sections on troubleshooting and how to critique.


B.J. Taylor is an award-winning author and a special correspondent/writer for Guideposts and Angels on Earth. Her publication credits include contributions to John Gray’s Mars and Venus in Love, twenty stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and many other magazines and newspapers including Writer’s Digest, Romantic Homes, Victorian Homes, and Lexus. She was chosen as one of 15 writers invited to attend Guideposts Writer’s Workshop in Rye, New York in October, 2004, and is a faculty member at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference where she speaks on writing inspirational stories. B.J. belongs to three writers’ groups: two face-to-face and one online. She is working on her second novel in a three-book series, which is all about dogs and the people who love them (B.J. calls it dog-lit). She lives in Southern California with her husband, dog Rex, cats Red, Diamond and Bear, and a Beta fish named Fish Face.

B.J. Taylor – Author http://www.bjtayloronline.com/
Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/bjtaylortweets
Friend me on Facebook: B.j. Taylor (little j)

Finding the Right Critique Group by Dawn Kinzer

It’s Writer’s Journey Wednesday and today’s topic is finding the right critique group for you.

I’m a strong believer in critique groups, but not every group is a good fit for every person. And what works for you today, may not work tomorrow.

My first group was comprised of four people. We worked strictly through e-mail. During the week, we sent a total of several written pages up to a full chapter or more to the group. As soon as a member critiqued the work, they e-mailed it back, copying the group so we could see what points or corrections other people had made.

As a member of an online group, you can still benefit from other writers’ input, even though they may live thousands of miles away. You can also critique when your schedule permits. The downside is that some people write faster than others, and you can become so inundated with someone else’s work that you don’t spend time writing yourself. So be clear as to what and how much you can do within a time frame.

A year later I started and facilitated a small writer’s group in my area. We met once a month at a local library. Out of need, the meetings became critique sessions. We e-mailed work to the group a week prior to meeting, and then came together with critiques in hand, ready to discuss our suggestions. This, too, worked well for a time. Then several members moved out of state, or left because of life changes.

From that experience, McCrit emerged, the critique group that Annette and I now belong to with Ocienna Fleiss and Veronica McCann. McCrit stands for McDonald’s Critique group because we really do meet at a local McDonald’s. We settle in at a back corner table almost every Monday evening from 6:30 pm until closing at 11:00 pm.

First we allow ourselves to indulge in not-too-healthy food while we catch up on each other’s lives. Printed copies (usually 7-12 pages) of our work are handed out and a time limit is given for reading and critiquing. If someone doesn’t bring anything to submit for feedback, that’s okay.

We finish the evening by taking time to focus on each person’s chapter, sharing our corrections and suggestions. One of the many benefits is that we grow as writers/editors as we discuss each other’s work. Often times these discussions become brain-storming sessions in which plot problems are solved and characterizations are deepened.

Yes, 4 ½ hours is a long time to sit at a fast food joint. But, it works for us. First of all, coffee, hot chocolate, and other snacks are available throughout the night. ;-D We don’t disrupt our households. And the crew doesn’t care how long we stay, often allowing us to linger after doors are locked and they're cleaning up.

Tips:

* If possible, find a critique group that includes writers with your skill level or above. It's great to help those less experienced, but you also want to be challenged to improve.

* Seek out people who will be honest in their feedback, but not arrogant or unkind. Criticism is hard enough to take when it's given in love. Who needs to be smacked in the face with it?

* Don't worry about finding a group exclusive to your genre. It helps if someone in your group reads it, but it's not necessary. One of our members writes Westerns. I never would have given her book a second glance in a store, but her story was so well written, I became totally involved with the characters.

* Make sure you understand the group's expectations.

In McCrit, we treat each other with respect. We encourage each other. We pray for each other. And we celebrate successes.

Critique groups can bless your life in so many ways . . . but keep searching until you find the right one for you.

Dawn