On critiquing

[dragonimp]

When proofreading his own copy, the author sees only what he meant to write, but not what he actually wrote.

That quote was referring to technical writing, but it applies to fiction as well, and it's why I've always had a tear it to shreds policy when it comes to feedback. I know I'm too close to a work to see all its problems or to see all the ways it might be taken. I see the scene I had in my head before I wrote. I need people who see the scene I actually wrote to tell me things like did you really mean to say that here? or why is that character doing this? or I think you're missing some details here, it's really vague, etc.

Maybe it's from being raised by an editor, maybe it's from passing stories around with my friends from the time I was in high school, but I actually enjoy getting redlines. Or maybe it's because I'm a perfectionist and I know I can't get there if my eyes are the only ones on the words. It's fun to see how another person reacts to my work. Even if I don't agree with the comment, it's still fun. And it's something I miss when I don't get it.

(And I know critiquing is hard work and we read fanfic for fun, but if something jumps out at you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make a comment about it. Really. Tell me.)


I am back to writing, finally. Slowly, but at least it's going again. Part of the problem was both fics are at a turing point and trying to iron them out while dealing with the job stress was a bit too much. But I'm back at it now, so this has been on my mind.

Comments

[luxquintessence]

Heh. Technical Writing Critique, you and I are old friends.

I have difficulty giving critique on fiction. I just dont have the skill set for you. However, if you have paper going to an academic journal (even outside my field), I'm your girl :D

[dragonimp]

A detailed critique is a particular kind of skill, true, but any reader can say "this seems off to me." But online most people are too scared to (for good reason, I usually don't say anything either). But I really wish people would.

[tierfal.livejournal.com]

I absolutely agree with everything you've said – envisioning and expressing can be worlds apart when it comes to actually putting words on the page, sometimes. My other problem is what I call "losing props"; I'm constantly forgetting who's wearing what and what they have in their hands, and I have a terrible tendency to make objects evaporate. XDD

I think the editing note I've gotten most often in my whole life is "I can tell you know what So-and-So thought/meant by this, but I have no idea." XD There's an ongoing war in me between my laziness and my perfectionism, and critique brings it out like nothing else. I know I should fix things, but it's so much work when they're big and structural and really important! XD

I'm super-glad you're back to writing in general! Grinding all the rust off of the gears is always tough but so worth it. ♥

[dragonimp]

One of my biggest problems is the big grey fog. I know what the scene looks like and where everyone is, after all.

I tend to think of anything I post chapter-by-chapter as being the rough draft. I always figure I can go back over it when it's done. Dunno if I actually will, but still.

[pickleweasel]

Glad you're writing again! And duly noted. I will let you know if anything jumps out at me. I am a beta reader for my best friend who has a novel out with Dreamspinner Press and have betaed for a few other people and am good at noticing stuff... from simple grammar errors to awkwardness to plot holes. So, yeah. It's hard to be close to something and notice so I will be honest as need be :)

[dragonimp]

That's all I ask :). I know detailed crits are time consuming but I don't want anyone to be shy about speaking up if they see something. I know a lot of fanfic writers would rather not hear it but I always want to know.

[pickleweasel]

Yeah, I'm shy about it nowadays unless asked, and even now I'd contact you privately about it rather than saying "you made this typo and that" in a comment. I think it's nice to do it behind the scenes. When I was new to ygal I was SO into concrit and think I was a bit harsh with a few people :/ feel bad about that. Anyway. If you ever happen to read anything of mine and notice anything, feel free to let me know.

I need to write more Roy/Ed but have had trouble writing anything but my Naruto RPs lately, haha.