The Writer's Connection, ^SM
a publication of The Virtual Writing Coach ^SM

 

"The Creative Process of Writing is a Liberating and Therapeutic Experience"
 
www.virtualwritingcoach.com

October, 2006

In This Issue:
 
1. Preview
2. Publisher's Note
3. Critique Groups
4. Helpful Hints
 
1. Preview
 

Writers are a unique breed who value their own work above those of others. No wonder we are upset when we receive rejection letters that assail our competence or intentions of writing an interesting story. Would-be authors are a jaded bunch who work alone honing their next masterpiece in the night’s stillness careful to keep their work secret until the final manuscript is ready for review by a New York publishing house. Needless to say a postcard saying “we’re sorry but we must pass on your query letter because we do not feel the market can support your work” can be a stinging barb without the armor of humor and critical self-analysis of one’s work ethic and training.

To overcome the embarrassment of sending a mediocre manuscript to one’s agent, a critique group can be an invaluable source of information and support to writers. To use an old metaphor, a better mousetrap should catch more mice. A good book should create a growing readership and appreciation of one’s work. When David Baldacci writes a book, one knows that the upper levels of government in the northern Virginia countryside will keep the reader in suspense on some new global terrorist threat. Or Tess Gerritsen’s fans will relish in another forensic masterpiece that uncovers a medical mystery and traces the killer back to an overlooked piece of evidence.

When you peruse the acknowledgement page of successful authors’ works you should notice that many people were thanked in the process. Besides the usual editorial staff at the local publishing houses, many authors have a writing coach or critique partner who receives special recognition. Some authors have taken to pairing up with other authors they respect and enjoy reading their works to produce co-authored books as evidenced by James Patterson’s recent bestsellers.

Permit me to give you ten reasons why a critique group or partner makes good sense if you want to publish your next book.

1. The writer’s voice while unique, can be compromised by bias. Another viewpoint is critical to the integrity and consistency of one’s characters.
2. Receiving advice is a humbling experience. Your readers are intelligent and will recognize immediately whether you are writing for yourself or your publisher.
3. Plots must be meticulously believable; switching voice or scenes must service the plot rather than lead the reader on a wild ride.
4. Attention to detail requires another set of eyes and gray matter who understands the importance of research and consistency.
5. Like tennis, the only way one becomes a better writer is by pairing up with better writers. Leave your friends and family out of your critique group (unless you’re Jonathan Kellerman).
6. Critique groups, like focus groups, keep the writer honest. There are no shortcuts.
7. Writers require accountability; just because we are “artists” doesn’t mean that we can write in any genre and style.
8. A properly constructed critique group of competent, aspiring writers learn from one another; our craft is to be shared, not hoarded.
9. The use of words affect people in different ways. Even if one is writing for a segmental audience (e.g. espionage sleuths or CSI junkies) one word change can signal a nuance that is critical to plot or character development.
10. Writing for an audience is more fun. Remember that writers entertain before they inform. If your critique partner starts nodding after the first page, then you might want to rework your opening chapter.

It’s been said that writing is a lonely profession. This may be true but one cannot escape the fact that writing is an art form to be learned. Why else would Writer’s Digest exist if not to educate and inform would-be authors how to bring the written word to life? They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but this comparison is not possible without the existence of words to portray a thought, idea, or image.

Helpful Hints:

1. Pick a critique partner to read your next chapter or short story. What insights did you learn from this experience?
2. Join a writing class that uses critique to improve one’s writing.
3. In critiquing another person’s story, ask yourself if you would buy this book.

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