Thursday, May 31, 2012

THE VALUE OF CRITIQUE PARTNERS


I had the good fortune of having an honest person critique my very first book – my sister. Though family members tend to praise and fear hurting our feelings, she was brutally honest to the point of tearing the book to shreds. Why would I say, then, that I was fortunate to have her? The answer is simple: she taught me how to accept criticism and use it to my advantage.

No writer should be without a critique partner or two and a few good beta readers. They can be found all over the web. I found my critique group through the SCBWI website and my beta readers through the QueryTracker.net forums. Without the help of these wonderful men and women, I would be lost.

Each person brings a different perspective to your story and a different method of critiquing. Whether they go line by line suggesting changes or just comment on the things they see are not working, every piece of advice will bring your story one step closer to perfection. And isn’t that what we all strive to achieve?

Do yourself and your book a favor. If you don’t share your work with anyone for whatever reason, find the courage to get a trusted reader or two who will give you honest feedback. You won’t regret it. 

Kimmy :)

TRIANGLES, Kimberly Ann Miller, Spencer Hill Press, June 2013

14 comments:

  1. Where would I be without my writers group? On more than one occasion they've lit a fire under my tush to stop feeling sorry for myself and start submitting!

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  2. Excellent post! I heart my three CP's and don't know where I'd be without them.

    Cute pic of you and your sis!

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  3. I agree. I don't know where I would be without 'em. )

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  4. Love this post! I'm really thankful to have such an awesome writer's group. You're all so smart and helpful!

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  5. Without my writers group I'd be completely lost. My writing definitely wouldn't be where it is today. I agree that everyone needs at least a few critique partners / beta readers.

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  6. Thanks for the comments everyone! Glad you enjoyed! Weren't we so cute? :)

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  7. Yay! So glad I'm part of your circle. :)

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  8. Yes Kim, you are adorable (same exact face) and so is your sister. I will now read your blog, eagerly waiting to read TRIANGLES. I love how you express yourself, so I am sure your book will be exciting & intriguing. I didn't know about writers groups & critiquing, but what a wonderful way to help each other One day you will have to explain it all to me, how this all works. It peaks my interest profoundly! Keep up the good work...

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  9. Thanks for stopping by ladies! I'm lucky to have a fantastic set of women helping me make my work the best it can be. The writing and publishing community is a wonderful place to hang out and let your creative side spill out!

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  10. SO SO SO grateful for my wonderful beta readers.

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  11. I've been a fan of yours for a long time, Kimmy. I love the writing group I've been in for 2 and 1/2 years. I have learned so much from great writers.

    On the other hand, my two beta readers, Eddy and Darla, are not that great. Eddy never reads more than the first page, and Darla takes a month to read the first chapter. They are a lot like the literary agents I send my stuff to.

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  12. Hey Jack, are you who I think you are from QT??? Thanks for stopping by and following us! I hope you enjoy the blog posts!

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