Critiquing in a hostile environment

I recently had the pleasure of critiquing a friends latest manuscript. First, I have to say that I love this author's voice, way with characters, and overall fun spirit in her novels. While this book is different than her others, I think readers will find that her voice is strong and engaging in this new format. Secondly, this author critiqued my work with a great amount of helpful input that I truly appreciated and considered.

But that brings up the subject of critiquing. Do we critique or have our work critiqued because we want someone to say, "Wow, your work is so good--don't change a thing!"? OR do we want an honest accounting?

I have to admit, I did belong to a critique group. I enjoyed the weekly groupings when we'd dish over coffee and read our work and discuss changes. What I didn't enjoy was the swift change to a hostile environment when one writer did better than another in a contest or with an editor or agent. It was truly disheartening to see a once supportive group succumb to the lure of jealousy and anger. It takes a certain amount of maturity to admit, yes, I'm jealous (total human nature), but I'm happy for your success.

So, bye I went.

Did I find peace critiquing with another group or individuals? Yes---and no. With some authors, I find that once they find a thread of success, they become that know-it-all we all hated in school. They say with an imperial or condescending tone that this is the it "must" be done. Well, yes, they have found success, but I began thinking, I've had success as well. That should account for something.

So, bye I went.

By now you may be thinking I'm difficult to please, I only want kudos, and no criticism. While some critiquing is difficult to hear, my main goal for critiquing is to better my work, hear another opinion, and grow as a writer. When you are in a situation in which the relationship is one sided, and frankly passive aggressive, it is too hostile to be successful. To me, it is unforgivable for someone to thrash your manuscript over a rock, shred it to pieces and then totally disregard any comment you have for their work. Worse yet, they then change their work to reflect your comments and take all of the credit. Again, passive aggressive.

So, now I am picky who sees my work. We discuss, and sometimes bicker, but in the end, I know that the comments are for my own writing good. They aren't derived from a negative, controlling place. They are filled with support and well-wishes and are so far the longest critiquing relationships I've encountered.

That's it according to Maddy~

Tootles,
Madelyn

Reading Across Genres

I've been a reading feen these days. Not only am I trying to get through my TBR pile, but I continue to pick up books that interest me. I just finished Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald. The novel was not only a great read, but interesting and informative as well. Yes, there were romantic elements (I maintain that nearly all books have some type of romantic element), but it wasn't what I'd call a romance and I'd label it Women's Fiction.

I find that I am drawn to stories that show me a different take on life. The Kite Runner, Double Bind, and Water for Elephants. All show me something that I'd never gravitate to normally, but that I really find broaden my capabilities as a writer and reader.

How does reading across genres help me as a writer? Many writers receive the advice--read, read, read. Well, how does it serve me as a historical writer to only read historicals? Also, how would I learn about different parts of the world if I wasn't reading Veil of Roses? By learning, reading different voices, and broadening my horizons (so to speak), I am adding to my writing toolbox. And as this toolbox grows, different layers are added my experiences and knowledge, as well as vision as a writer.

Romance is still a mainstay of my bookshelf, but Jan Karon added humor with her slice of life inspirationals, JK Rowling added mystique and wizardry with Harry, and Khaled Hosseini brought empathy and interest with The Kite Runner.

In the end, reading across genres not only brings pieces of the world's puzzle to my side, but into my heart and perhaps influences my writing in the best possible manner.

That's it according to Maddy~

Tootles,
Madelyn

School Is On The Horizon

Whoooo Hooooo! Okay, I feel as if I'm being a bad mother, but heck school is almost here and I'm thinking of all of the writing I'm going to accomplish once they're out of the house for so many hours a day.

Enough of that. I'd like to tackle the subject of critiquing. I love to working in a group of authors who want to improve. Recently, I've helped a few friends before they've sent their work to agents/editors. I'm not published by an RWA rec-publisher, but I have a Master's in English. So, I'm somewhat qualified.

In essence, I think that critiquing makes us better writers. If we can find errors, inconsistencies, or plot problems in other manuscripts, then we should be able to recognize them in our own.

Mostly, I love reading what my friends are creating, applauding their creativity, and discussing what's on the horizon.

Of course there are horror stories in regards to bad critic groups. Fighting, egos, and those who don't play fairly all add to the madness. But in the end, if a group can't help you, then you shouldn't allow your writing to suffer and you need to get out.

That's it according to Maddy~

Tootles,
Madelyn