Thursday, April 23, 2009

Writers Be Warned

Another roaring night at critique group.

With the end of the school year, a lot of us have missed here and there. I don't think we've had one time since the beginning of 2009 when all of us made it. But summer's coming.

It's always nice having a variety of viewpoints when critiquing a story. Guys might view an interaction in a story completely different than a girl. Girl's might enjoy the dialogue between characters while the guys might want to skip it and get back to the action sequence. Where one might think something is completely out of character for the protagonist, others might find that it fits just perfectly.

But you know there's a problem when the vast majority of critiquors bring up the same problem in the same places. Yes, it's still the author's story and they can go any direction their characters take them, but this is what critiquing is for - to help point out the holes and mischaracterizations in a story.

Since our group's been together since 2002 we've garnered a real trust in each other. Therefore, it is easier to accept critiques because you know they are offering in the spirit in which it is intended.

To make it a better story and you a better author.

With the small numbers tonight, however, Gary will be asking for additional input from our fellow members.

Ye've been warned - argh!

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