Creative Writing--Guidelines for Preparing and Accepting Critiques from Peers

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Your Reviewer (NOT! At least I hope not.)
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Preparing to Accept Critiques:

1. Leave your ego at the door.

Do NOT come to class or group expecting to be praised for every word that you write. The purpose of this class is to help you become a better creative writer, so a little humility will go a long way.

2. Before coming to class, analyze your own work,

Using Peer or Self Reviewing a Story as a guideline; that way, you will get an idea of what kind of comments to expect from your group.

3. Write a short paragraph in which you assess your own work-in-progress draft, such as weaknesses and strengths.

What do you like best about the piece so far?

The least?

Where are you experiencing the most difficulty in the piece?

What help do you want most from the class?

4. Develop some questions that you have about your piece,

Which you will ask your peers after the class has critiqued your work.

5. If you think of any additional questions during the critique,

Please feel free to jot them down, but do wait until the class has finished with its critique before asking your questions.

Accepting Critiques:

1. It’s your story or poem.

You can choose to accept or reject a critique, for not all peer reviewers exhibit the same analytical abilities. Besides, YOU are the creator, but...

2. Approach the review with an open mind;

You never know what stroke of brilliance you might find, even in an awful review.

3. If you are not clear about something a peer reviewer has said

About your story, you have the right to ask him/her for clarification, but do this in a polite manner; try not to be defensive.

4. Read Nancy Kress' Writer’s Digest article,

“Critiquing the Critics” (see your email message for how to access it), and READ IT CAREFULLY. This October 1992 article is one of the best that I have found on the subject.

5. If you are having difficulties with a peer reviewer,

Please see me. Bring copies of your work, the reviewer’s written critique, and your concerns.

Note to Author:

This is your story, and, ultimately, you’ll have to decide what works and what doesn’t work. Read the critique carefully, take what you need from it, and ignore the rest. And PLEASE read “Critiquing the Critics,” Writer’s Digest; if nothing else, it will make you feel better if you get a negative critique.

Still, don’t expect constant praise. If you go into the workshop with an open mind, your work will open up to the world; conversely, if your mind is closed to new suggestions and ideas, your work will wither.

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