3 of 18

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

soon the student is encouraged to try new techniques that they may not have otherwise thought of.

STRAIGHTFORWARD EASY TO UNDERSTAND CRITIQUE

This is essential. What happens if a story is critiqued in an intellectual manner is that the critique puts a distance between the student and themselves, and fails simply because they could not talk at the level of the student. All students are learning. When we forget their feelings and self indulge in clever and witty intellectual nonsense, what we do is alienate the writer and lose their interest. This really is a huge mistake that I have seen in practice where those that critique are too intellectually keen on listening to their own words and fail to listen to what the writer is saying.

By being polite and clear, helpful and friendly, a writer can be molded without taking away their individuality, which is an aspect they need to develop in order to become a great writer. Killing all their instinct and feeling for words with harsh criticism loses students who are there on a site because they want to learn. It is a choice, and by politely helping instead of criticizing with no encouragement, the student begins to see the places in their work which are weak and that need further development.

Inside the head of each writer is an individual that wants to express themselves in words. Clear instruction and a friendly manner go a long way in encouraging and watching them develop into able writers, and the satisfaction of seeing the work progress and get better is a reward that careful critique can look forward to, knowing that in some small way you played a part in helping a fellow writer develop and hone their skills.

Learn more about this author, Rachelle de Bretagne.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about How to critique a short story in an online writing group?
We want to hear your view. Write now!