A quick note on Perspective.
First, I'm a fan. Which is why having a critique partner (yes, this again) has been so useful for me. I like to frequently comment on this particular topic because in the past I never truly utilized them. My first was something of a success, a great friendship ensued and a WIP became a second draft. Yes, that's where it ends; but, I'm still kicking my draft out into the wild...with a little less hesitation now.
As always I love to share what I learn while trolling. In this case, I was on the Ladies Who Critique site and one of the members had a Scribophile account. Never one to miss an opportunity to explore a new site I signed up and I think I can safely say I spent the first 24 hours glued to the site. The members are fantastic and even more it is nice to be amongst one's peers, sharing and "geeking out" with fellow writers. Its partly why I began writing again.
Secondly, perspective helps builds a thick skin which is much needed when critiquing. I try to put myself on the receiving end of the critique.
My Top 5 Techniques to a Critique:
1. Reading aloud the document being critiqued. Reading aloud allows for placement of grammar markings to be more appropriately noted (or not in the case of a lack of some). Rather than accounting for "ghost markings".
2. Conveying the emotions felt as I read a particular passage (Did I laugh out lough? Cry?) As a reader I love it when the author makes me feel. That's why we read, right? So why not tell the author if their doing it right. Or maybe they are conveying an emotion they didn't mean to... oh wait that wasn't suppose to be funny?
3. Printing a hard copy of the document so that I can make old school pen and ink changes sans a computer. Yes, I'm old school. Sitting in bed, pen in one hand and paper in another reading, reading, reading.
4. Researching links that might prove useful for my partner in helping them to not repeat the same mistakes. This particular bit helps reduce some of the harshness of some of the rougher critiques. "Hey I saw this problem, but here's a reliable source to help you in the future." sort of deal. Honesty is important, but consider your partner.
5. Above all be positive and respectful, but honest. A WIP is someone's child, don't beat it ;)
Happy Writing Folks!
My Goodreads Reviews
The Girl Next Door by Jack KetchumMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Though the story is fictional, its basis rooted squarely in reality adds an additional haunting factor to the tale. Well-written in striking detail of the corruption of children and what seems to be a how-to guide on creating serial killers. There is a slow introduction to evil by Ruth as she slowly pushes the limits of what each child views as acceptable until she has removed all traces of humanity from the children. This story will certainly stay with me if only as a warning of the measure of human depravity.
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Redeeming Zorus by Laurann DohnerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Cyborg series is what drew me to Ms. Laurann’s Dohner’s work. Each of her stories is intricately woven together with the other stories. It’s the backstory of Zorus in her previous novels that made this particular novel unexpected. Zorus is the character you love to hate. He is arrogant, close minded, and consumed by his hatred for humans. I remember waiting to read the story not sure I was ready as a reader to acknowledge that I might be persuaded to like him. However, like every great story, the devil is in the details, there is of course a reason for his hate and one the sinks below what I might have considered to be an average explanation. Unfortunately, for new readers in order to appreciate what makes this story so remarkable you’ll have to start from the beginning.
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Playing for Keeps by R.L. MathewsonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
There was a playfulness not only in the characters but through the whole of the story which made reading this book extremely enjoyable. A great contemporary romance invoking all the right emotions, typical tomboy neighbor and a quiet, shy mouse of girl struggle through their frustrations with each other to fall in love, if by accident. As I just purchased a home this was particularly enjoyable, certainly made me look twice at my neighbors.
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Demon Possession by Kiersten FayMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
There are books you trip and stumble over and they wind up being some of your favorite reads. The Shadow Quest series for me has been this for me. I grabbed the book on a whim and within moments was hooked on the storyline. Sweet and at time gut wrenching. A girl (Analia) so broken by the commander who has kept her as a slave is only barely saved by a demon—in space no less—(Sebastian) oh those horns! Based on her description Analia appears Fae-like which makes for a good pairing to her character timid yet determined. Their journey across the galaxies and her education in life including working her first job, a first date and near rape by a crew member ensure twists and turns through the tale to keep a reader thoroughly entranced.
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