In Search of Meaningful Critiques

By Natalie Bright

The creative writing instructor provided numerous reasons for joining a critique group and I rejected the idea at once. How could I possibly find a small group of writers attempting similar goals plus a willingness to meet at the same time and place for the rest of our lives?

Let us imagine we find such an assembly.  The unattainable involves leaving your feelings at the door and listening with an open mind as complete strangers criticize your best efforts. In return, you must provide positive comments and insightful suggestions for their work.

The final deal breaker was time. Whose real world itinerary allows meetings on an already unyielding schedule? I discovered so many reasons why NOT to find a writing group.

Based on the form rejection letters I’d received, I soon realized a second opinion might be more than helpful.

I turned to a son who listened intently to my ramblings. One day, he responded to my request of “listen to this” with, “That’s okay, Mom. I’d rather not.”

Not to be discouraged, I searched my heart and contemplated my dilemma carefully. I needed someone who believed in me, someone who was not afraid to bestow the gut wrenching truth.

Behold, there he sat, relaxing comfortably in his easy chair surfing through 210 channels of mind-numbing bliss. I approached my darling husband.

He agreed to help and seemed pleased that I included him in my newfound passion. Thrilled at the possibility of sharing a common interest besides kids, I envisioned lengthy conversations into the night, deliberating words and phrases.

I recognized a pattern appearing in his critiques. He started with “Promise you won’t get mad,” and ended “You should write a Western.” The critique itself consisted of one to two word comments, such as “needs research,” “no emotion,” and my personal favorite, “cornball.”

A critique group of strangers was the only option left.

Through a local writer’s organization, I found a few critique partners, who knew of a few more. We came together preparing to pour our heart and soul onto written pages with hopes of receiving sparks of inspiration — not only to learn ways to improve our work, but starved for any words of praise. We had to know if there were any good parts.

If you have not found someone to critique your work, keep searching. In case you are wondering, my husband continues to be the first line of critique, only because once in a while he surprises me with a unique, very male perspective so amazing and so opposite of mine.

More importantly, I have learned if someone responds to your story with “cornball”, it’s probably true.

Natalie Bright