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WORKSHOP CRITIQUES: FOUR WAYS TO CONVEY CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

Writers who seek out critique workshops want to improve their writing. They must. Why else would they allow their works to be judged by other writers?

While writers who offer their manuscripts to the group must be mentally prepared to accept criticism, it is the group's responsibility to make sure opinions are conveyed in a positive

and encouraging manner. Yet is that always possible? Some manuscripts need a little fine-tuning, but others need a match and some kerosene. How can you, as a critique group member, impart constructive criticism to another writer?

START WITH POSITIVE COMMENTS. No matter how badly written a manuscript is, there is always a little nugget of goodness nestled in it. Even if it's only a word or phrase, point it out before expounding on the manuscript's problems.

"Writers should convey criticism honestly, but with tact," say Judy Snavely, the award-winning author of THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE. "I have experienced something very close to ridicule a time or two from my fellow writers. It's unnecessary and unprofessional."

Your choice of words can help or hinder a fellow writer. Blurting out, "This is awful," is not helpful. In one classroom workshop I participated, a beginning writer turned in forty pages
of his mainstream novel. I disliked the protagonist, the love scene offended me, and the writing was, well, awful. I found one beautifully written sentence that I complimented him on and then I picked one or two aspects-out of the hundreds I wanted to say-to tactfully criticize.

Positive comments cushion the forthcoming criticisms and the writer will probably be more receptive to your ideas. If you can't find a single good thing about the work, do as your
mother told you, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."

USE THE PHRASE, "IT'S YOUR STORY." THEN BELIEVE IT. End your commentary with, "This is my opinion, but it's your story." Using this phrase will reassure the writer that you're trying
to help him or her and it also reminds you not to try and change the story to fit your ideals. Always remember that you are trying to help the author first. As writers, we automatically think of additions or plots or twists, but we can't impose our ideas. Unless a writer wants a brainstorming session, focus comments on your initial reactions to the work. Offer suggestions for changes-but only go into detail if asked.

OFFER YOUR EAR, NOT YOUR PEN. Unless you're getting paid, be careful

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