It looks like I may have opened a can of worms by suggesting the writers would like input. I’m going to clarify the purpose of the comments for these Edits:
The comments are for patting each other on the back, giving each other that little hair-raising shot of praise that makes publication worthwhile. You can ask questions and discuss subject choice and genre, too. Anything that would feel good to the author.
However, the comments are not for amateur critiques. I’m sorry, folks, this is not a critique group. This is a professional editing blog, differentiating between good writing advice and bad writing advice so aspiring writers know they can count on what they learn here. Unless you are a professional editor (sometimes even when you are), I’m afraid you are not qualified to give this advice. The last thing I want is to disseminate writing advice under the guise of amateur critiquing. And I don’t have time to correct all the mistaken advice any or all of you might have absorbed from sundry sources and be willing to pass on.
THERE’S A LOT OF BAD ADVICE OUT THERE.
This is your safe place.
If you’re interested in joining a group under my supervision, I do run Workshops. There are several operating right now, one under-enrolled. Please feel free to contact me about getting in on a reduced fee for the remaining weeks.
On the blog, let’s stick to praise and discussion about ideas and support.
Please–leave the critiquing to me.
Perhaps you’d like to give examples of what you consider critiquing versus non-critiquing, so people can be absolutely clear about what they’re not to do.
Critiquing is giving advice. I’m not going to get too specific, because I’m not going to embarrass anybody whose comments are already out there. We can all assume I mean somebody else.
Praise is easy!
Victoria
Great reminder! I’ve enjoyed looking over the critiques you have given. Still trying to decide if I’m brave enough to put mine in the hat! In the meantime, I’m very appreciative of the time you’re putting into this.
Thank you, Lady Glamis! I appreciate the appreciation!
And, yes, do throw yours into the hat. We’re getting lots more entries this week than we did last week. It’s going to be a busy day next Monday.
Victoria
So if you don’t like it, don’t say anything? 🙂
As my dear old mum used to say, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
Then again, I never did listen to her advice!
I cringe everytime I see someone ‘critique’ a story on a blog or an online ezine. The comment section should be for kudos. Unsolicited advice is worse than wrong. Thank you for pointing out the difference.
Pretty much, Alan. I’d like to do a Miss Snark—people do seem to love a Roman Holiday—but I honestly don’t have the heart to open it up to crossfire.
As MY mother used to say, “Stop that before someone gets hurt.”
Not that we ever listened to her, either.
Victoria