Why do you need critique partners? Why do you need anyone other than your mother and your best friend to read your work before you submit it? After all, it's the most amazing story that's ever been put down on paper.
Ahem. Not to be the one to stick a pin in that over-inflated balloon of delusion, but you need to wake up and smell the reality. Unless you're La Nora or SEP or one of those grand dames of romance, you need another set of unbiased eyes on your work.
I'm notorious for missing words (my brain types faster than my fingers) and for forgetting the -ed on action verbs. He crush the letter his hand. Yes, that would be me. My critique partners help me see those things, but they also help me find the bigger issues. Lack of conflict. Gaps in the story. TSTL moments. (Who me? Never!) Unbelievable actions on the part of hero or heroine. Etc.
This is all stuff I'm too close to the story to see. That's why my critique partners are an invaluable tool. If the journey toward publication is a road to be traveled, I'm the driver, my manuscript is the vehicle and my critique partners are my pit crew. Could I get to the finish line without them? Maybe. But it would take a lot longer to get there.
I can't change a tire to save my life.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Theme: Critique - The Why
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I'm so glad that you've found some great critique partners that can catch your dropped words.
ReplyDeleteCp's are the best! Mine do exactly as you say. :)
ReplyDeleteCole
So true about CPs. I'd be lost without mine. I like your analogy of the pit crew!
ReplyDeleteI would die without my CPs. Die, I tell you.
ReplyDeleteMy CP's are the very best.
ReplyDeleteAs a result of their careful guidance, I'm not allowed to used the word salacious anymore. Volcanic has also gone on the watch list. :)
But that's okay, I'm truly grateful to them...even though I know *my* story is the most amazing story that's ever been put down on paper.
Get away from me with that pin! :)
L
Gee, I like the word "salacious"- sounds like delicious salad. :-)When I use words like that a certain CP of mine says, "Not so wordy, Webster", which I think is kinda cute.
ReplyDelete