Motivation Monday

"A 'no' uttered from deepest conviction is better and greater that a 'yes' merely uttered to please, or what is worse, to avoid trouble."
- Mahatma Gandhi

On the heels of a week long writer's workshop/find yourself/find your voice/critique-not-critique I couldn't have found a more fitting quote.  Critiquing is tough business.  Words and opinions can be interpreted a million different ways.  The topic of critique groups came up a lot over the course of the week and I really wish I would have had this quote.

A critique that tells the writer nothing, that gives them nothing to work on does absolutely nothing for that writer.  I once got a critique back with a smiley face on it and nothing else.  Well, I can honestly say that it was at least a little more helpful than the one I got back that was blank - and yet it still didn't tell me anything.  As hard as it is to hear that someone doesn't like your main character, or can't stand the voice, doesn't understand the plot, or thinks you are telling, not showing - at least you have something to work on.  To look at.  A perspective that you may not have seen before.

So when someone asks you to read something they've written, or if you're part of critique group, do them a favor and critique - tell them 'no' with a deep conviction - there are plenty of ways to give constructive criticism.

There's a lot of advise on how to critique other's work, here's just one of them.

Note #5 - One of the best ways to ensure the writer doesn't feel "picked on"

5. Start — and Stop — with the Positive
Whether you’re responding with general impressions or providing detailed feedback, begin by lauding the strengths of the sample, and reiterate your positive feedback when you summarize your critique. Refer to strengths, not weaknesses, and use positive language: “stronger,” “more interesting,” “a better approach.” Be frank but diplomatic: Even people who can take criticism need to hear that they’re doing something right, and that’s what you should start (and end) with.

Just remember that a ;) is nice and all, but it's not going to help me :)