Why Join A Critique Group?

There are many reasons to join a critique group.

1. Community
Writing is a lonely occupation. Having like-minded people to fellowship with is the reason some decide to join a critique group.

2. Understanding What You Do
Most of us acknowledge that many people don’t really “get” what we do. Some join a critique group because they want to be around people who understand what being a writer is all about.

3. To Learn
Many “newbies” join a critque group hoping to glean information from those who have traveled the road a little longer than they have and can help them avoid pitfalls.

4. To Receive encouragement
Some join a critque group to have people who will hold them accountable and give them encouragement when they are down or discouraged.

5. To Hone Their Craft
Many join a critque group to have people who will help them develop the best material possible before they send their material out.

All of these are great reasons to join a critique group. Most who do take the plunge and join a group find that a sense of family develops. You really care about each other, pray for each other, and rejoice when one of the “family” succeeds.

I personally treasure all those who are part of my critique group. If I were to have a need, they would be the first I would go to. We have become that close.

I encourage you to find a critique group. You will be a better writer and person if you find the right one. I pray you are as blessed as I have been in finding such a special group.

Thankful for my critique group, Gloria

Self-Editing, A Necessary Evil, I Think

Ah, life would be so much sweeter if I could afford to have someone else edit my material and leave me with only the fun stuff! Not so. It falls to me. And, since it does, I need to be diligent about doing it.

When I first write my manuscript, I put it aside for a few days. When I come back to it, I am shocked that it is not the “perfect” manuscript I tucked away. Someone has surely gone in and sabotaged my work. I could not have made all those punctuation errors, left things unclear, or just written downright boring sentences.

No matter the culprit, it is now my responsibility to re-work the manuscript until it shines.

The first thing I do is read the story out loud. It’s amazing how many errors you can find by doing this!

I check punctuation and run on sentences (and is used way too much!)

I check to see if I have used adverbs and adjectives instead of the more powerful nouns and verbs.

I check to see if I have made the reader understand what I have imagined in my head.

I tend toward being a perfectionist so, if I allow myself, I can spend months reworking something. I have learned to LET IT GO! My work will never be perfect in my eyes so I have to draw a line and say, “I’ve done all I can and I’m going to send it out.”

While self-editing is not my favorite thing to do in the field of writing (OK, it’s down there at the bottom of the heap), I know it is vital that I do it if I plan on receiving any acceptance letters. It is also a great way to become better at my craft.

So, I guess I’ll just quit fighting it and get on with the job. Who knows, I might even learn to like it. NOT!

Self-editing because I know I have to, Gloria

A Flag of Surrender

I have a theory. I think there is a sinister plot among the files and papers in my office. Each day, when I set foot in my office, I have less room to set
foot in my office.

Why would they do such a dastardly thing to a poor writer? Don’t they realize I love all of them equally and wouldn’t dream of throwing them away? You would think that kind of loyalty would prompt better behavior.

Maybe I’ll just clean them all out and start over. That should show them who’s boss. Of course, I get sick thinking about having to start all over accumulating all that information. They have me over a barrel and they know it!

I guess the only thing I can do is move out and let them have the office. I can always work at the library. Just let them try to follow me there. Our librarian won’t tolerate such behavior. Hummm. Maybe I’ll set up an office at the library.

Raising the white flag and declaring clutter has won, Gloria

Characters Need To Change

As your characters go, so goes your book. Have characters that resonate with your reader and they will stay till the end to see what happens to them. Why? Because you have made them care about the character.

Readers want to see a character change, develop, learn. If you characters remain stagnant throughout the story, the reader may put the book down. Even if they continue to the end, they will not feel satisfied. It is also not likely they will recommend your book to friends.

The most satisfying change is positive. A person has a weakness. It manifests itself. The person sees they need to change. They wrestle with the change. They change for the better.

However, a character does not have to change from bad to good to be remembered. I once read a book that had such a character. I pulled for him all the way through the book. I knew he would change. He had to change! He didn’t. When I finished the book, I was deeply disappointed. I even threw the book across the room! Maybe the character did not change but, years have past since I read the story and I’ve not forgotten that character who disappointed me so much!

Hoping my characters are memorable, Gloria

Help The Reader See What You See In Your Head

Most writers can see their story unfold in their head before they put it on paper. But, do we show that to our readers? Sensory detail can make the reader see what we saw as we wrote the story. We need to make them feel what we felt. When we do this, we plop them right into the story, as if they are living it. Sensory detail is so important in making that happen.

Below are some examples of adding sensory detail that helps our readers live the story.

No sensory detail: It was hot and smelly in the cafe.

Sensory detail added: An ancient overhead fan above my head pushed the oppressive heat down around me while my nose was pummeled with the pungent smell of unknown spices.

No sensory detail: We walked through the forest rapidly.

Sensory detail: Our feet plunged deep into the lush grass as we walked. Hundreds of birds called out their irritation at our presence. In the distance, a thunderous growl made us quicken our steps.

Which story would you rather read?

Hoping to add sensory detail so my readers will live the story, Gloria

Scripture On Writing

Ecclesiastes 12: 10

“The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.”

May all our writing be upright and true, Gloria

Five Reasons To Consider No Pay/Low Pay Projects

Here are five reasons to consider no pay/low pay assignments.

1. You are honing your craft. It may take a while to get that book published. While you wait for the email or letter informing you it is accepted, you are continuing to write.

2. You create a presence. Keeping your name “out there” may open up a door in the future.

3. Editors read more than submissions. Who knows when some article you have written for a low pay magazine might be read by an editor who is looking for just your style of writing and will contact you. Stranger things have happened!

4. Good deeds are remembered. Let’s say you write for a low-pay, no-pay market semi-regularly. If the editor of the publication is asked to refer someone, do you think your name might come to mind? Usually, helping others will come back to you.

5. Although you won’t get rich on low-pay markets, it may just help pay for ink, paper, subscriptions, etc.. These things are necessary and somewhat expensive when you total everything up. A few low-pay checks will help alleviate some of the financial burden.

While some writers say they deserve to be paid well for everything they write, I think no pay/low pay projects that help a new magazine or e-zine get started are a nice way of paying back for all the help others gave you.

Each writer must determine for themselves whether they will involve themselves in no pay/low pay projects. I think it is worth considering.

No pay/low pay advocate, Gloria

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Why Time Alone With God Is Important

Time alone with God is necessary for me as a follower of Jesus. It’s where I get to speak to him and let him speak to me.

Why would that time alone be important to me as a writer? Because God called me to write. I know many people brush that idea aside but I firmly believe that is one of the ways God wants to use me.

When I spend time with God, I begin to understand as he does. It puts us on the same page, so to speak. He directs my thoughts, guides me in what I should write. If I did not spend time quietly listening to him, he could not direct my paths.

While spending time alone with God helps me as a Christian writer, that is only an aside. The important thing about time with God is that he can teach me and guide me to make decisions that will conform you to the image of his Son, Jesus and bring glory to his name. That is his ultimate purpose for my life!

Honored that God is willing to spend time with me, Gloria

Critique Groups And Perspective

When you join a critique group you must realize you are joining a group with varied perspectives. Since that is true, each one of the group that critiques your work will see it in a different light. While you may not always agree with what a member suggests, be gracious and accept their critique. They are looking at your work from their frame of reference.

Although you are gracious in accepting the critiques of those in the group, you must always be true to yourself. Remember, your work is being written from YOUR perspective. If a member suggests something that doesn’t “feel right” to you, you must evaluate the suggestion and go with your gut instinct about making a change.

That said, a good critique member is willing to consider the possibility that what a critique member has suggested will improve their manuscript. Don’t fall in love with your own words so much that you are not willing to consider that a member might have a better way of saying something.

You must trust your critique group to have your best interest at heart. If you don’t, perhaps you are in the wrong group!

Thankful for the perspectives of all my critique members, Gloria

What Is Your Responsibility As A Critique Member?

Being part of a critique group is one of the best things you can do for your writing and the writing of others in the group.
What do you bring to the table in a critique group?

Are you honest but kind? It does not do any good to only praise a writer and not show them ways their manuscript can be improved. But, it does not help a writer to only say negative things about their work. Finding positive things will encourage your critique member to keep writing. Finding only negative things may discourage them so much that they quit writing.

Do you respect the time of your fellow critique members? When another member is sharing their work or information, especially if it is during a time allotted to them, be considerate and save comments about your own work for your allotted time.

Are you committed to your critique group? Attending your critique group only when you “want to” or only when you have something to have critiqued is not being a commmitted member. Being there for the other members is important, even if you have no manuscript to share.

Is your goal to see that the other critique members have the best manuscripts possible? It’s not just about you is a good thing to consider. Your goal should be to see that each member of the group develops a manuscript that is at its best.

If you are part of a critique group, you are very fortunate. Try and be the best member you can be!

Hoping I am a good critique member, Gloria