Now, we all have probably received some form of critique on our writing at some point in time, whether it be on this very site, at school, from a friend, family member, whoever. The reason they give us this critique is to point out our weak points and our strong points. On some occasions, the person points out this flaw and that flaw, but they also point out some good points in the story, offer some help, or say it has potential. They are the ones who want to make you a better writer. Now, there are two options you have, take the advice or bag it.

I would suggest taking the advice.

As a group, *writeaway wants all of its members to be promoted through their writing. They want their poets and prosers to get better and better no matter how good they are. Through the Comment Service, all of you deviants would be grateful to receive many comments, good and bad. So, before you go ahead and point out complete flaws in any writer’s piece, remember, there are a few critiquing techniques you should know.

How to Critique

1. Remember, treat others the way you want to be treated. That has to be one of the most important quotes that everyone should know. When you are writing what you liked and disliked about a person’s piece, think of it as if you are receiving it. What would you feel? Would you feel anger towards that person for saying that your piece was terrible and should never have posted, or would you be better off saying that this piece needs to be looked over once more, that there are grammatical errors, and be offered a helping hand? You know which one makes you feel better and still feel good about your writing piece in the end.

For example, A is the wrong way to go about giving a critique whereas B is the type of feedback you should aim for.

A. Wrong:
^{This piece happens to be unworthy of being posted on the sight. I don’t like it at all. How could you write this piece of trash about so and so who falls in love with so and so? Delete it or my eyes will burn.}

Something along those lines [though, this is a little harsh] is the wrong way to critique. Sometimes this is also known as flaming, when someone deliberately states harsh points about another person’s art causing an argument to erupt. We are a family here, so we would like to all get along. [If someone has been purposely flaming you and it has been happening constantly, contact an administrator immediately].

B. What You Should Aim For:
^{Your piece seems to have a lot of potential, but I couldn’t help but notice that you stated that character A was sixteen in the first paragraph and in the last paragraph you mentioned he was twenty when there was no time-change. I also noticed there were quite a number of typos. You might like to look over your piece to fix that. However, I really enjoyed the setting. The way you described the beach scene was perfect.}

It is appropriate to always give a helping hand, but also point out what is good in the writing. No writing can be fully out of line. All writing has its bumps, but all writing contains smooth edges at some point.

2. Good Points = Happiness. Remember, always point out something good in a writer’s piece because there is something bound to be good in it. You may not have enjoyed the characters, but the situations they were placed in may have fascinated you, or vice versa. Even if you want feedback, don’t you also want some good things pointed out about your writing as well so you can keep at it?

3. The Give and Take Method is a must. Whenever you receive critique, a comment, something that helps you out, try to return to favor. It is only fair, and it also allows you to learn about other writing styles here on DeviantArt as well as helping you with your own technique and style. There is always something you can gain from taking even a minute just to read someone’s work. I know that some of you are busy, we all are, but giving a comment in return once in a while is better than never.

How to React to Critique

1. They call comments love, so hug them. Try your best to take critique the right way. Think of comments or critique as gifts sent to you. As I stated before, the people who give critique are only trying to help you become a better writer. They don’t want to put you down, or anything like that. Thank them and if you do not agree with some points that they have made, explain why thoughtfully. We all have our own opinions because we are all different people and have different tastes.

2. Arguments only lead to more arguments. Learn to accept critique. No matter if you like critique or not, you will get it at one point in life. No writing piece is perfectly polished without any flaws. There is always something that can be fixed, something that can be rewritten, or something that may be omitted. Remember, don’t argue. You can point out why you disagree and make compromise.

3. Less is not more. At the end of your reply, if you want, you may ask for more critique to be given. This, in chance, is a good thing to do because it allows the reader to reread your work and tell you any other important points that they enjoyed or would like you to further expand upon. Remember critique is a special gift, so get the most you can out of it.

On one final note, when giving and receiving critique look for some good points made, some bad points made, and some things to work on.

Don’t forget to check out *writeaway, the new group for all you budding poets and wannabe novelists. This group aims to promote writing and help you to become recognized within the writing community here on DeviantArt.



Written by ~Vampiress22, part of the Resources Staff for *writeaway