I can be a pretty ruthless critter. Yes, me. It's like my Darkside. I find much pleasure in taking someone's story and ripping it to shreds.
Most of the time I remember to be nice about it. (At least, I think I am. I've yet to receive any death threats.)
But I HAVE scared a few people off. Some people can't handle the steady dose of vinegar I pour over their manuscripts, and they usually run for cover when I come critting. But here's a little sugar for my vinegar: I'm mean to you so I can be mean to me.
For example, I can't dissect your character's motivations without first making sure mine are pretty dang clear. I can't complain about your lifeless dialogue if mine is so dead it's starting to smell. Also, when I'm critting, I find mistakes in my writing by looking at yours. If your MC's whining drives me crazy, there's a good chance my MC's whining will drive someone else crazy. So, snip, snip.
Critting makes me excited to be a writer. I like to contribute, to make a difference, and to help my fellow writers dish out the best stories they possibly can. If it means I have to be a little sour rather than sweet, well, okay then. And give it right back to me.
And I love my critters. Those who can stand me usually give as good as they get. Maybe this makes me wacky, but I honestly get MORE motivation after receiving a critique. Even if it's ripping my story to shreds. Even if it's telling me I suck. As long as they point out how I can fix it, then I'm game.
What about you? Do you prefer sugar or vinegar with your critique?
I like a healthy mix of both. I like knowing what the problems are but also what is working.
ReplyDeleteHey, I can agree with you. :) I don't know how "mean" I actually am when it comes to critting, but I know I can be pretty serious at times, although I do try to compliment the writer as well. Even so, one time when I was betta-reading for a girl, she came back and asked me to loosen up a little on my next rounds. Well, perhaps then I was a little too harsh. ;)
ReplyDeleteA tough crit may hurt at first, but it always makes me try to see my story through the critter's eyes. After a crit, I try to look at my story in a new light and approach it from a different angle. The result is a much stronger story. Sure, I like compliments too, and knowing what is working helps me narrow down on the problems. But a really good critter will let you know what you are doing right while also pointing out all the flaws. I think that's one of the signs of a good critter. :)
I definitely agree with you. A harsh critique makes me work way harder to make my work better than a more complimentary critique would. But, Jaleh and Star both hit on a great point. If you don't know what's working, you'll just revise until you can't take it any more.
ReplyDelete(Stratton)