A New Way to Find Critique Partners


I get a good bit of email via this blog asking me questions. And I have to say one of the most popular questions I get asked is--can you critique my work? This is closely followed by--where do I find beta readers/crit partners?


These are tough questions to answer because, well, on the first one the answer is usually no. For me to thoroughly crit one chapter for someone, I usually need 1-2 hours. Seriously. I'm detailed. You'll feel like you've had a proctology exam. And between blogging, writing on a deadline, being a mom and wife,  I just honestly don't have the time these days. I even had to leave my own crit group last year because I couldn't dedicate enough time to be an active participant. So now I just exchange with a few trusted betas when I can.

However, just as a sidenote and a shameless self-promotion, Kat Brauer will be auctioning off a crit from me over at Crits for Water in May. All proceeds will go to an awesome charity that provides clean water to countries where that is hard to find. Deets coming soon. But I hope some of you will bid on little ol' me.

*back from our commercial break* Okay, so I need to address the follow up question of--where the heck do I find crit partners? (Because you need them, you here? NEED them. Do not go submit your work without having beta readers WHO ARE NOT RELATED TO YOU, ARE NOT YOUR BEST FRIEND, AND ARE NOT SLEEPING WITH YOU give you feedback. Don't do it.)

In the past, I've referred people to message boards, I've done matchmaking here on the blog and on Twitter (rather successfully in fact. *waves at all the crit lovebirds*), but really my advice usually came down to "you have to network". Get to know people through writing groups, your blog, twitter, whatever.

But now there is a new option that I'm so excited about. Penguin has launched Book Country. This website is a new place for writers (and readers) to go to post parts of your work (only members can view it) and get feedback from other writers. It's social networking and critiquing all wrapped into one.

For any of you following Colleen Lindsey on Twitter, this is the Sekrit Projekt she was always talking about. I had the opportunity to see her speak about it a few months ago when she presented at the DFW Writer's Workshop, so I've been waiting with bated breath for the public launch so I could share the info with you guys.

I'm not going to go into how the site works (more info on that here), but the cool thing about it is this awesome genre map that lets you code your work on genre, heat level, and humor level. So people who are looking for what you write can easily find it. Also, it's a setup that forces give and take because you can't get crits until you give some. Love that.

And....it's free! Yay for that.

So go check it out. Maybe you'll find a crit partner match made in heaven. :) If nothing else, playing with the genre map alone is super entertaining.

So have you had trouble finding crit partners? If you have some where do you find yours? Anyone try Book Country yet? And if you're looking for a crit partner, feel free to put your genre and email address in a comment below--maybe this can act as some more matchmaking! 

Crit Groups: Godsend or Time Suck?


A few weeks ago, my crit partner Lynnette did a post about advice a published author gave her.  I encourage you to read her post, but in a nutshell, this author friend asked her what was holding her back from finishing her book.  And she said time.  Like all of us, she has a lot on her plate.  Here's what her friend told her:
My author friend advised me to quit the crit group and focus on finishing my novel. He felt writers only need critique groups for validation or they get stuck in the land of perfectionism and never get anywhere with their writing.
Now, lucky for me, Lynnette didn't heed this advice and is sticking with the group because she feels the time put in is worth the gain.  But it is an interesting debate to ponder.

Personally, joining a crit group was one of the best things I did for my writing.  I definitely don't have a group of lemmings.  Sure they dole out smiley faces and lols, but they aren't afraid to give me an ass-kicking either.  IMO, it's impossible to see your own work objectively after being in it so long, so other eyes have been invaluable.  I think it's no coincidence that after I joined my group, my writing started finaling in contests.

However, I won't pretend that it doesn't take away time from my own writing.  When I'm in the drafting phase, it's really hard for me to put my story on the side to jump into someone else's with a critical eye.

If I could create a perfect scenario, I would set it up so that while I was drafting I stepped out of the group and concentrated on my story.  Then , when I had a complete draft, step back in and start exchanging crits.  (Unlike some, I work best with receiving crits after the story is done then getting them along the way.  Getting crits while I'm still writing the story muddies my thoughts a bit and can seize up my pantsing brain.)  But it's not fair to do the step in/step out thing because we're not all drafting at the same time.

So I make time for it because I think it's important and value those ladies' opinions tremendously.

But I'm really curious to hear your opinions.  Are you in a crit group or have beta readers?  Do you think what you get from it is worth the amount of time and energy you put into it?  And what do you think of Lynnette's friend's opinion--that crit groups are just there for validation and to make you obsessive about your work?

**Today's Theme Song**
"Somebody Told Me" - The Killers
(player in sidebar, take a listen)



Ingredients of a Great Crit Partner and a Matchmaking Session

 

Memory Game Tiles
Photo by PoppyPrint (click pic for link)


Looking for a crit partner?  Then, you're in luck, I'm doing matchmaking today (see bottom of post).  And if you already have a terrific group, what do you look for in a beta reader?

 

So as most of you know, my group is currently holding a contest to find our new member.  Today is the last day to enter, so if you're interested, be sure to apply on Lynnette's blog.  We're going to have a serious challenge picking the winner(s) because the entries have been strong, but we're excited.

But as I started going through entries, I got to thinking--what exactly am I looking for most?  First, I'm obviously examining the person's skill level.  I think it's important that the members of a group are all around the same stage because if you mix beginners with the more advanced--everyone ends up frustrated.

But beyond that, what other things?  If the writing talent is equal, what other things make someone a better fit?

Here is what I came up with.  I'd love to hear what you look for as well.

Voice
--I'm a bit voice-obsessed.  If I'm not feeling your voice (or there is a lack of voice), then I'm going to dread spending months critting the story.  That's one of those things that's hard to help someone fix.

Concept/Genre
--Just like anyone else, I have my subject and genre preferences.  My group only accepts those who write romance or have romantic elements in their stories.  However, even within those parameters, there are subgenres I'm more drawn to than others.  For instance, if you story is a high fantasy with romantic elements, it's probably not going to be my cuppa.

Humor
--You don't necessarily have to write funny, but if the person seems to have a good sense of humor, that's a plus.  This writing thing can be tough at times and nothing makes me feel better than sharing a laugh with my group.  I have trouble connecting with people who take themselves and life too seriously.

Honest
--Critting is about honesty (delivered with respect and tact).  I expect my partners to hold my feet to the fire if something isn't working for them.  On that same note, I want someone who will take the time to point out what they liked because, hell, I've got a tough skin, but I crave positive feedback just like anyone else.  So if I made you laugh--tell me--if I made you groan--tell me that, too.

Professional
--Now I don't mean the person needs to be formal.  God knows some of the conversations we have on our chat loop are far from professional.  But what I mean is someone who is serious about their writing and commitments--they turn their crits in on time (or send a note saying why they couldn't that week), they don't share my work with others, etc.

Insightful
--This may differ for some people, but I appreciate a critter who doesn't just say what's wrong, but offers suggestions.  Sometimes it's hard to see things because we're so close to our own work.  So I love it when one of my buddies says, "Hey, the pacing is a little slow here, maybe move this scene over here" or "this seems to start too late, maybe back up and start from this point instead."  Those are my smack forehead moments--like, wow, why didn't I think of that?  That makes so much sense.

So those are my wish list items, I'm looking forward to hearing what yours are.  But first, I've had a few people reach out to me who are looking for critique groups or beta readers (but didn't write romance to apply for my contest), so I thought I would do a little crit matchmaking again.  I've done this in the past with some success, so hopefully this helps a few of you out again.

 

CRIT GROUP MATCHMAKING


If you are looking to form/join a crit group or are looking for beta readers, please put your information in the linky box below.  Include your NAME AND GENRE in the name section AND leave your contact info in the comments section so people know how to reach you.  Then if you see others pop up in your genre, you'll be able to click on their name and contact them through their blog or look for their email address in the comments.

 

I'll leave this open for as long as needed so people can sign up in the future as well

Alright, so what do you look for most in a crit partner?  Do you think it's important to match up genre and skill level?  What lessons have you learned from crit relationships that didn't work out?  


And remember, if you sign up above, leave your contact info in the comments.

**Today's Theme Song**
"Somebody to Love" - Glee Cast Version
(player in sidebar, go ahead, you know you want to listen)


 

Letting Your Spouse Read Your Writing

 

So I asked about this last night on Twitter.  (If you're not on twitter at midnight, you really miss out on some bizarre interesting conversations.)  But anyway, Tina Lynn, Sierra Godfrey, JmDiaz, and Katie Salidas all chimed in with their opinions on the question of letting your spouse read your manuscripts.  Each had let their S.O. read their stuff, but there were mixed results on how that turned out.

 

For my two completed manuscripts, I allowed my husband to read the finished products.  And here's what I've discovered as the benefits and drawbacks of doing so.

Benefits

1. It's good for your spouse to see what you've been ignoring them over for the last few months.  When they see how much you've done, they'll feel less annoyed that you were obsessed with your laptop.
2. Spouses are good cheerleaders.  
3.  When you talk about your story or characters, they know what the heck you're talking about.


Drawbacks

1.  My hubs is a supportive and loving guy--but he's so much so that this makes him a useless beta reader because he always says he liked it.
2.  If you have an overly opinionated spouse, their negative feedback could cause arguments because you're not afraid of jumping their case whereas you would hold back if your crit partner gave the same kind of harsh feedback.
3.  It can be hard for your significant other to separate your main character from you.  This can be especially troublesome if you write romantic stories or books with love scenes in them.

For me, the biggest drawback has been #3.  After my hubby read Wanderlust, he was a little broody.  My story has love scenes between my MC and a rockstar character who looks nothing like my husband.  So of course, hubs was convinced after reading it that I must secretly want to be married to some tattooed bad boy rocker.  Or that when we go to rock concerts, that I must be picturing the lead singers in various state of undress, which of course is exactly what I'm doing but only in the name of research *cough* ridiculous.

 

Now, once I reminded him that my MC is NOT me, that just because my character hearts the hero, doesn't mean that the guy is MY hero, he seemed to see the light.  In fact, after that discussion, he said he's in a better place about it all and wants to read my next book.

: /  Hrm.

Peek over in the sidebar and check out the genre of my current WIP Exposure Therapy.  Um, yeah.  I'm thinking the hubs might have to wait until this one gets published before he lays eyes on it.

So, what's your opinion?  Do you let your significant other read your work?  Are you cool with your guy/girl reading your love scenes (if you have them)?  If you have let them read your work, has it been a good thing or a not so good thing?
 
 
 


*Today's Theme Song**
"Hey Jealousy" - Gin Blossoms
(player in sidebar--go ahead, take a listen)


 

The Beta Club: Lights Out (Fantasy) - Come Critique!

 

                

 

It's that time of the week again!  On today's agenda, a fantasy story.  Please take the time to read through the passage and offer the author feedback.  My detailed critique is below.

Title: Lights Out
Genre: Fantasy
Author: Kristina Fugate (check out her blog: KayKay's Corner)

Excerpt:

 

    
   Winter made itself known last night—hitting us hard in the form ofa heavy snowstorm. The city had been covered in nearly a foot of snow overnightand there was no one feeling it quite like Bolton Falls and the surroundingcommunities. My whole neighborhood has been transformed into a huge, fluffypillow.

    Sadly, snow makes toddlers go insane and my brother is no exception tothe rule. And, as his main caregiver, it is my job to watch over him and makesure no harm comes to that precious head of his.
I stand solemnlyon the porch adjacent to my wheelchair-bound grandfather, tapping my footslowly as we stared out at the frozen wasteland before us. Ashton, the four-year-oldI’m in charge of, is bounding around the yard, dazzled by the heaps of icygoodness covering ground.

    “Ashton!” I call, glancing around for him. He’s managed to disappearfrom sight—probably buried under a pile of snow. His head pops out of a moundof ice, his brown curls littered with snowflakes. “Get away from the road.You’ll get hit!” I command, waving him over.

    I take a quick peek at my watch, realizing it’s nearly time for Granddadto take his medication. Issuing a heavy sigh, I put my hand on his shoulder andsqueeze, trying to get his attention. “Grandpa,” I say loudly, hoping mynearly-deaf grandfather would hear me, “it’s time for your medicine.”

    “Whaa…?” he hums, glancing up at me, “You say something, Skye?” I narrowmy eyes and clench my jaw tightly, trying to keep my cool.

    “Your medicine!” I repeat, almost shouting, “It’s time for yourmedicine.” His expression changes, as if he’d just realized it himself, and hegoes to nodding—like he always does.

    “Ash!” I snap, “Stay close to the house! I’m going inside to giveGranddad his meds!” With that said, I wheel my senile guardian inside. We’vegot one of the smallest, drabbest places in Falcon Ridge, the rather high-classneighborhood we live in, decorated with black and white pictures of relativesthat have been dead for decades and furniture that was probably manufactured inthe 1930s. Our place even has a different smell compared to the other houses inthe area—a very distinctive musky odor.

    I park Grandpa at the kitchen table and go to the cabinet, shiftingthrough dozens upon dozens of pill bottles. I’d had to move them up on theshelf because Grandpa likes to feel independent and take his meds by himself;two stomach pumps later, I figured out they needed to be out of his reach.

    I grab the needed bottles and splay them out on the table, leaningforward on my elbows. “Gramps,” I say sternly, catching his attention, “yourmeds.” He nods for a few moments and stares at me expectantly. “Two of these,”I say, pointing to the appropriate bottle, “One of those kidney pills. And twoof these red ones with a full glass of water. Yeah?”

    “Yes,” he hums, waving me away, “go watch Ashton. I’m sure I can take itfrom here, child.” I quirk a single thin eyebrow, momentarily wondering whetheror not he could really handle it, but decide to let him haveat it and walk away.

     “I’m so underappreciated,” I grumble, gritting my teeth angrily asI head towards the door, “The most unrewarded person on the face of this—”

     My heated comment is cut short by the sound of Ashton screamingbloody murder. The front door flies open and my brother rushes inside, wrappinghimself around my leg. “Si-sissy!” he stammers. He’s trembling and crying hislittle eyes out.

    “What’s the matter, mutt?” I ask, rolling my eyes, “Didja fall in theroad? I told you not to—!”

    “A boy!” he wails, “There’s a boy!”

    I bring my eyebrows together to form a stern, confused line. “A…boy?” Iask, “Whuddya mean a boy? Did someone push you?”

    “No! No! There’s a boy in the snow!” he screams, shaking my leg roughly,“He’s in the snow!”

    My heart almost stops. I can’t be hearing him right. “In…in the snow?”

 

 

Below is my crit.  Click FULL SCREEN to view, then once in the document RIGHT CLICK to zoom in to see comments.

LightsOut-Crit by Roni

 

 

Because I referenced buried dialogue and wordiness in my critique, I figured I'd link to the posts that described those things:

 


Alright, so what did you think of the passage?  Did it hook you?  What did the author do well?  What areas need some work?  Thanks ahead of time for taking the time to give feedback!
 


*Today's Theme Song**
"Everything to Everyone" - Everclear
(player in sidebar--go ahead, take a listen)