This is a presentation offered at the 2023 LDSPMA writers’ conference. The presenter is Shanda Cottam. Any misinformation is the fault of the note taker.

Usefulness of critiques:

• Critique / workshop groups are very valuable in giving and accepting feedback.
• It can also give you editing experience.
• It gives you a chance to figure out why something does not work from others material that you may be able to apply to your own fiction.
• We are too close to our own work to see its flaws. Readers can tell you where things are confusing.
• Critique groups gets you to form your own network.

What to ask for?

• Ask for feedback.
• Provide direction for what type of feedback you want/need
• Consider carefully who to approach for a critique. If you’re in a critique group, you have hopefully already done that since you decided to join them!)
• Someone who is familiar with your genre , style, and audience is preferable.
• However, someone with great skills and/or experience in your creative field should be able to give you good feedback even if thy work in a different gener or style.

How to give effective feedback:

• Keep in mind the type of feedback requested.
• Reply within the agreed time-period.
• Critique the work, not the person.
• Show respect for both the crater and the creations.
• Use “I” statements on neutral, story-focused language to avoid sounding accusatory.
• Point our problem areas but don’t try to ‘fix’ them; offer suggestions or alternative approaches.
• Avoiding absolute word such as always or never
• Give feedback using the sandwich method: positive overall comments, the critiques, validations/encouragements. Put concern in the middle of two things you liked.
• Make your feedback as specific as possible.
• Remember that your critique is your opinions (biases and all)
• Don’t be offended I the creator disagrees or chooses not to apply your feedback.
• How to graciously (and judiciously) accept feedback:
• Remember that you gave permission to the person or groups to critique your work.
• You don’t need to like/ agree with or use the feedback, but you should appreciate the time and effort put into it.
• Separate our identify/value worth from your work-it isn’t you they are critiquing.
• Listen to feedback without interrupting.
• Listen with your entire body; people can read our body language so keep that in mind.
• Give our suggestions a decent amount of considerations, keeping I mind your audience, our messaging, and that you don’t please everyone (unique is good but make sure your unique approach hits the target)
• Tell them what you are looking for.
• When the critique is o over, confirm what you think are the most important parts of the feedback and ask for your clarification questions.
• Always say Thank you.

Book: A Lie that Tells the Truth: A Guide to Writing Fiction by John Dufresne.

Q&A

• How to find a group? Attend conferences are a great way to connect with people. Maybe guest visit a group to see if it will be a good match. Finding an accountability partner can be useful.
• Does the group need to be in the same genera? That would be ideal. Some writing groups have a great mix of generas.
• How often to me. Many writing groups meet twice a month. They’ll read the fiction in advance and review during the meeting. Another group will concentrate reviews on one person.

Extras:

• Don’t worry if people unsubscribe from your account they are not your people/ audience.
• Remember that quality over quantity is what is important in a feedback.