Joining a writer’s group generally means you are looking for feedback on your ideas and how you present them through your writing. It also means that you will be asked to read and give feedback to others in your group. If you have never done this before, please be aware that ‘constructive criticism’ is always expected and that it is the most important element of a productive writer’s group.
There are two levels of ‘constructive criticism’
1) General suggestions about the structure and content of a piece – content editing
2) Getting into the weeds – line editing and copy editing
Content Editing and Feedback
Any suggestion about structure or content requires kindness. Writers will generally not submit work that they don’t feel is at least ‘pretty good.’ It may not be polished, it may not be complete, but it has probably taken a fair bit of effort and for most writers there is a sense of vulnerability when letting others read it. Feedback can be emotionally difficult, so be aware of this and make your suggestions with kindness.
It is often useful to read the whole piece first and make notes to yourself for areas of concern. Then go back and offer suggestions. For example, if a story wanders in an unnecessary direction, don’t just write ‘delete’ or ‘why is this here?’ Make a suggestion; ‘this could perhaps come later’ or ‘this is interesting and could perhaps become a different story.’ When a change is ‘suggested’ in this way, it leaves room for the write to consider a different approach without feeling ‘slammed’ or pushed away from the work.
Constructive criticism also involves understanding that even if the subject is not appealing, or you disagree with what is said, you are not being asked to debate. Step back from the subject and look for cohesive structure and logic. Make suggestions that pertain only to the presentation of the piece.
And remember, you are not being asked to comment on how a writer should react to the events in a piece. For example, it is not appropriate to suggest that a writer seek counseling or try to forget about an event. If you feel strongly about either, suggest it in private. A writer’s group is only about the writing. You are being asked to think about the story and how it is presented. Don’t assume you are being asked to comment on a writer’s life.
Getting into the Weeds
– Line editing. Sometime the overall tone of a piece gets lost in the sound or structure of a sentence. It is constructive to point this out. However, be careful. You want to suggest that the writer makes changes, but you don’t want to do it for them. Doing it for them lapses into making the writing your own, which is arrogant and often offensive. Constructive criticism begs that you point out the sentence or paragraph that you find awkward and that you make suggestions. For example, ‘be careful not to use the same word too many times on one page or in one paragraph’ or ‘this sounds a little bit repetitive. You may not need it.’ or ‘the style of this last sentence feels different and may need editing.’ Again, leave room for the writer to make the ultimate decision.
– Copy editing. This is a whole different kind of editing, and most writers will readily agree to it. Having someone else checking spelling and punctuation is enormously helpful. However, in a writer’s group, be sure to ask for the writer’s consent and be sure to make corrections obvious. Do not, however, depend on other writers in your group to find mistakes in your own piece. Read and reread.
Next Blog
My next blog will focus on how to determine structure when writing a memoir.
I look forward to your comments