Monday night I went to my first ever critique session. It was with a local (and by local I mean, within twenty miles of my house) group that meets every month at a Barnes and Noble. The group (from what I gathered) is a small one, but seem very dedicated. We went through the expected motions, each of us reading a sample of another author's manuscript (everyone else were teen/ya authors). I enjoyed seeing everyone's particular writing style, and appreciated the tact most members had when offering changes. I got the hang of it pretty quick, and enjoyed myself.
What was even better was when I received feedback on my PB story. It was positive, with a few suggestions on how to tighten up the word choice. Great feedback. I mean, I was confident my story was good, but I'm biased, right? I'm even more confident now and can't wait to get more into the dummy book.
p.s.- Have any of you ever participated in a critique group with a member who was so defensive and over-explanatory, that they missed the point of the (very) helpful and sound advice being offered them? Isn't it frustrating?
Wow, that's great Dee! That's fabulous that you're found a critique group!
ReplyDeleteIt can be really frustrating when someone isn't ready to hear some constructive criticism that could be really helpful to their work. But I guess, it takes a certain mind frame to be open to change, and sometimes it just takes awhile to get there..I've definitely been on that side of things a time or two! :)
I can't wait to see the dummy....
I know, I know. It's just our industry is such a hard one, with such long journeys, it's extra sad when the person whom you're trying to help refuses to see reason.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree about the open mindset. This person seems very closed, unfortunately.