Summer† 0 Report post Posted March 24, 2012 Over last weekend, I attended a panel at FWA in regards to being critical to other writers and how to do it in the right way. What he had discussed with us is that being a critic to other writers is sometimes very hard because it involves being honest with the other writer. As he put it, there were times where he was honest with his friends and he got "Claw Marks," all over him for doing it and lost his friends. In my case, I have writers put down on their work that critique was welcome and yet, when I told them that I didn't like the story. I got no response. Instead, they chose to block me for what I said. However, what advice would some of you writers give me if I needed to be critical without getting bitten or clawed? That is even if I don't like the story? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riddle kat† 0 Report post Posted March 24, 2012 You have every right to be critical to my stories. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MinervaMunk 0 Report post Posted March 24, 2012 In my case' date=' I have writers put down on their work that critique was welcome and yet, when I told them that I didn't like the story. I got no response. Instead, they chose to block me for what I said. [/quote'] I can't say for sure who is in the wrong because it all depends on what kind of criticism you give and how you give it. I will only assume that you remained objective and read through it because since you are a writer you probably know how it feels to be critiqued with little to no understanding from the other person about your vision. I think one of the main things you have to do is try not to say, "I don't like the story." You should focus only on things that will make their story better like grammar, spelling, setting accuracy, story pacing, character development, rising action...etc. Other than that, let the reader go about their business and continue their story if they want to. You do have a choice before hand to say, "If the story has [insert elements here] then I may not be able to read it because I'm sensitive to those topics." You don't have to read every thing people ask you to read. And if they still get upset no matter how you try to help them, who need's em? Let them strain on their bad stories if they want to. They're the ones who will hurt the most when they ignore good, constructive criticism. Where do you read these stories Summer? I might wanna read a few just what see what people like to write about. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
