CRITIQUE PARTNERS

Who hasn't heard the saying, "Two heads are better than one"?

And the saying happens to be very true. Two minds working on something can always come up with an answer faster than a single brain. Two sets of eyes can also see a different perspective.

Being a writer can be a lonely profession. At home, alone, sitting at the computer, typing away your thoughts, with no co-workers to bounce ideas off of, can sometimes become very frustrating. This is where a critique partner can be of help.

Here are a few guidelines to follow when looking for the right critique partner:

Make sure your critique partner likes to read the genre you're writing. If you've written a historical romance and your partner only reads auto-biographies of political figures from the 1800's, you probably won't get an accurate account of where you've fallen short or soared with your plot.

Try to stay professional. Taking your critique partner's remarks personal isn't going to help the process. It is your story, characters, scenes, and dialogue being scrutinized, not you as a person. Becoming defensive will only stifle the new prospective you've been given a chance to see.

Don't feel you have to change or agree with everything a critique partner suggests. But try to keep an open mind. I know it's hard to tear apart something you've worked so long to create. But the process won't work for you if you remain stubborn.

If someone should enlist your services as their critique partner, remember to be kind. You can convey the changes you believe are neccessary without character assassinating someone. Calling them names, spouting off mean remarks in the margins, or putting the author's efforts down isn't going to help them to become a better writer. Trust and respect between critique partners is important, and knowing how far to push your ideas is essential. Remember, this is their story, not yours....you're just helping them to see a different potential.

HAPPY WRITING! :-)

Roberta C.M. DeCaprio                                                                                                            
www.robertadecaprio.com