So, today I will discuss how to be a good critic. After that, I will probably not be writing any tips for the rest of the month because I’ve run out of ideas! I do, however, plan to sit my butt down and write critiques of all the pieces in the gallery of my writing club that I haven’t critiqued before . . . God willing.
But on to the tip.
“Becoming a better writer means becoming a better reader.” This was the lesson taught to me by my first writing instructor in college. I believe it is the same professor who taught us a brilliant critiquing template that I have held onto for all these years.
If you have read the critiquing guidelines (as all members should have), then you will have seen this strategy before. First, say something nice about the piece. Find something good to say. There has to be something. Many times when I read a piece, the only good thing that I can say about it is that it has wonderful imagination. I can get through the worst of writing if only it has good imagination. Other times, the plot is good. Either way, there’s got to be something. The author needs to know what they are doing right as well as what they are doing wrong.
Next, state the bad things, but only do it in the spirit of helping the person. State what’s wrong, but also state a solution. For instance, if the piece is too long and wordy, tell the author that the piece is long and wordy, but don’t stop there. Suggest what sections needs to be cut and why you think so. Not only is this helping the author make the piece better, but it is also helping you. By thinking about how to make another’s work better, you are tuning your writing muscles so you can see the faults in your piece.
Afterward, state something else nice about the piece. Just find something else nice to say. It is possible to say at least two things nice about a piece. If you can’t find at least 2 nice things to say, consider not saying anything.