Online Writing Critiques
There are a number of online forums now available to writers where they can post their writing for critique by the others in the forum. Most require that you become a member. This doesn’t guarantee that all members are good writers or valuable critics. It does mean that you eventually get to know people, to some degree, and it tends to keep the casual curious away.
I belong to a couple of these sites and I post. I occasionally try my hand at being a helpful critic. However, I have to admit to being timid when it comes to offering constructive criticism. It always feels I’m imposing my writer’s voice on the voice of someone else’s very personal expression. It is uncomfortable for me to do so.
There are some writers I have gotten to know on these sites, with whom I have recently begun some exchange, and to whom I am comfortable making suggestions. This because our writing voices are similar enough, or we grasp each others nature of expression, to the degree that the suggestions at times resonate and are useful.
Other writers I read on these sites I find difficult to grasp the nature of their writing voice — so I feel inappropriate, and ineffective, offering critique.
It has become obvious to me, when reading some critiques of my work, all I am really reading is a subjective explanation of how they would write my piece differently. These critiques may be helpful to some, perhaps owing to the difference in perspective — but for me they seldom resonate, or prove very useful.
On the other hand, if another writer really grasps my voice and is similar in their perspective, then their criticism can be really beneficial in helping me tighten and improve my work. But that synergy is not widespread.
I do not want someone to explain to me how they would write my piece differently, with a different voice — I want someone who can help me use my voice to make my work better. That requires a creative connection not immediately available online, or in person for that matter. I feel a good critical relationship must be developed.
These are just my opinions, letting you know the struggle I face critiquing someone else’s work, and being critiqued. I would really enjoy hearing your thoughts on this subject, or just on writing critiques in general.
Hey there Rob– thanks for stopping by on a snowy evening .. *smile*
It’s always so good to see how much poetry and art is being created out in the world– I’ve enjoyed visiting your blog.
All the best–
Thank you so much for stopping by
your words mean a lot
Thank you for visiting Elizabeth. The snow looked wonderful, especially knowing I don’t have to shovel it! 🙂
Ischelle — you are in my thoughts.
Dear Rob,
It makes me happy when I am acknowledged for my moxie. One of my finest qualities I feel. Thank you. I very much enjoy your writing. I just posted a poem and I would love to have your comments – not necessarily critique but just to know how it makes you feel. I once read an interview with some famous writer whose name I don’t remember but I do remember that the interviewer asked him if he felt that it is a good practice in general for writers to attend those groups where they read a piece out loud and then receive criticism from the group and he response was, “Well I suppose it could be helpful as long as you bring your 10th draft and say it’s your first.”
I have taken writing courses with Barbara Turner-Vesselago (www.FreefallWriting.com) and these courses have done more for my writing and my relationship with my writing than anything else I have ever done. She has a course coming up soon in Vancouver. There is a way you talk about writing and your own process that makes me feel as though the process she teaches would resonate very well with you.
I look forward to further conversations.
All my best,
Corinna Makris
http://www.ACelebrationofCurves.com
Thank you Corinna for the kind words. I will check out your latest poem. I also plan to visit FreefallWiiting.com — appreciate the tip.
Let’s keep in touch.
–and so it goes–
…Rob
“It has become obvious to me, when reading some critiques of my work, all I am really reading is a subjective explanation of how they would write my piece differently.”
This is so true!
It is only the very best editors who are capable of offering critique without changing the writers unique voice — and they are rare.
You’ve created such an elegant site. I’ll bookmark it soon after writing this comment. Can you suggest a good site that I can use for critiques on my writing? Thanks!
SM –
Thank you for your kind words!
If you want to join a forum for critique of your writing try Emerging Poets as a place to start.
Once there, simply register and participate.
Thanks Rob. I just did that, and I’m on to something really nice there. I do like your site very much. Shashikiran
SM –
You’re welcome!
Glad you did, and good for you. 😉
I go there to read and critique when I’m having writer’s block — it gets my “writer’s mind” flowing again. I also post there for critique of any of my pieces with which I’m struggling.