Critiquing
One of the best ways to improve your writing (other than actually getting a formal education and reading lots and lots of books on craft) is through critiquing.
As a writer it is so hard to distance yourself from your own work. You can edit to your hearts content and still miss things.
Through critiquing, we train our eyes to look for problems. Is there too much passive voice? Are there too many echos? Is there an obvious abuse of the dreaded -ly's? Do we lean on crutch words? Does the dialogue sound too wooden or forced?
I've noticed that after a good session of critiquing, I can return to my own work with a stronger critical eye.
I begin to see the things wrong with my own work and often, while making my notes, notice that I am giving myself the same or similar advice that I gave in my critique of others.
It's not 100% fool proof. I'll still never catch all of my mistakes, but the process helps me get closer to something that will be ready to submit.
And also, let' not forget the other benefit of participating in a critiquing group. What we don't catch ourselves, others will likely catch.
As a writer it is so hard to distance yourself from your own work. You can edit to your hearts content and still miss things.
Through critiquing, we train our eyes to look for problems. Is there too much passive voice? Are there too many echos? Is there an obvious abuse of the dreaded -ly's? Do we lean on crutch words? Does the dialogue sound too wooden or forced?
I've noticed that after a good session of critiquing, I can return to my own work with a stronger critical eye.
I begin to see the things wrong with my own work and often, while making my notes, notice that I am giving myself the same or similar advice that I gave in my critique of others.
It's not 100% fool proof. I'll still never catch all of my mistakes, but the process helps me get closer to something that will be ready to submit.
And also, let' not forget the other benefit of participating in a critiquing group. What we don't catch ourselves, others will likely catch.
Comments
Katie – remember the guy on there that wrote horror? I learned a lot about pacing by reviewing his work. He needed to work on it. I felt he had some good storylines and they could have been much more powerful if his tension and pacing were improved. That really helped me think about my storylines growing and building. Whether it’s fear, love, hopelessness, etc… I try to give the story a steady climb.
Great post Katie. :-)
I've given you an award that was given to me by Suzette Saxon, who is a team member of the Query Tracker Blog. Check out my blog www.stinalindenblatt.com to see how to accept it.
Jenna - Yes I remember that guy. And I miss you in the queues.
Jessica & Lazy Writer - Yep. I feel the same way. As soon as I get back to my own piece I start working on making my work stronger.
B.J. & Lady Glamis - =)
Stina - Oh cool. Thank you. I will go check it out!