who critiques your writing?

[8017949444]

i'm just curious. other than this board, who critiques your writing? do you just keep it to yourself? do you share it with an english teacher/professor?

my brothers read the stuff i give them, although they dont seem interested enough to read the stuff i have saved on the computer unless i tell them too. i also print out a copy of what im working on for an english teacher, they seem to absolutely love correcting my spelling errors, as well as giving me helpful style tips.

[Marky Lazer]

Basically, some of my friends read it. And haven't totally completed a draft where I was satisfied with, but once I do, I give it to an English professor. For me it's even a bigger deal, because I'm a non-native Enlgish speaker.

[Prefx]

My grandmother or my friends. My writing teacher (brilliant person) would be the person I go to if I ever decide to send something in for publishing.

[jenna]

used to be my sister, who's also a writer. but we don't speak anymore, so i don't know what i'll do when i need something critiqued! bah, i'm sure we'll start speaking again eventually anyway....

[Cyril]

For me, it's aspiring writer friends who can understand and judge my work without any pollution of affect...

But never, never family or close relatives not related to writing. They cannot have an objective point of view on my work. They're too much implied and so their critics are too kind (they don't want to hurt me) or too bad (human reflex, people are more severe with the work of people they love because they're afraid to be too kind) instead of being constructive.

[I, Brian]

If you can get writers at a similar level to you then that's great. Just make sure they're not too precious, though - last crit group I was in one of the others refused to continue after I made a couple of critical comments in my critique.

[cornelius]

my friends, and some of the friends of my friends... I gave the first part of my book to quite a lot of people, yet there is almost no one that comments it. This forum has so far been the only real resource of comments. My friends did give some directions. They chose some of the names ( the main characters represent my friends and me, but that 'll become more clear later, If I'll post more parts, that is)

[Marky Lazer]

Originally Posted by cornelius

This forum has so far been the only real resource of comments.

*feels flattered and blushes*

[cornelius]

well, thx Marky (and timeros, wherever he is)
you helped me a lot!

[the_faery_queen]

i spam many places well live journal and fantasy-writers.org. i have gotten the best editing help there. being dyslexic, i often have trouble with words, using the right one, i also have a rather fixated brain, that will repeat things, so i find tha tplace useful for helping me sort that out. i let my parents read it, or i used to. but my dad reads fantasy, so i find that embarrassing, in case he hates it, and my mum doens't, so she wouldn't get it!

[Paradox 99]

Although I agree with Cyril's comment that having family members critique your work is a bad idea, I've found my wife to be extremely helpful. As a proof reader for clinical documentation she's excellent at spotting grammar and spelling errors, and she's never afraid to tell me if my work is bad.

I also have a work colleague who loves to read and has been very helpful too.

But, I have to admit, that since coming here I have found it to be a superb resource. As well as the obvious objectivity that comes with this community, people here tend to be honest and helpful and the criticism is very constructive. Personally, I've found that this forum is now the best place for me when I need help and advice.

(Paradox extends arms for a group hug....)

[kyektulu]

I have had my writings critiqued by friends and family in the past. They have said my work is good yet I know they will be biased so I am definetly going to get others who do not know me so well, I need outside input.
The book I am working on now has not yet been read by any other eyes than my own.
I have promised my mother and partner that they can be the first to read my novel.
Then I shall post a small taster on this forum.

[edott]

My wife as she has a degree in english and a masters in library science she seems qualified. I also have a friend who is a published writer and get her to read them sometimes as well. I also pass it by a few friends of mine. there is also a Muslim sci-fi fan club that i'll post it to.

[edott]

and you can to if you want you can go to my homepage i have a short story up there now and some pictures.

[Alchemy_Girl]

If you need writing critiqued, just get your story worked out, get a friend, tell your friend about it, and, with a little luck, you'll get a co-author. They are great to have, and are often sources of great ideas. That always works. Remeber, though, if you want it to be mostly your work, a cheaty little trick is calmly telling them that their ideas "Simply aren't logical," or "Wouldn't neccesarily work in the story." Be polite, though! ^-^;;