Guide to Writing a Critique

Guide To Writing A Critique (Prose Edition)

Writing is a special branch of art. Art is all about the visual, even with music and writing! However, the trick isn't in the flow of the paintbrush, but the flow of words. The picture must be described so that the reader can see the image with her mind, instead of her eyes. In this way, writing is a very tricky art and one is never done improving! Writers must help writers!

When you write the critique, try to not be mundane and sound disinterested. You can even be engaging during critiques! Every thing you write is practice. Be encouraging, because you don't want to come off as mean or ill-intentioned. Then, all the work you've put into helping will be wasted!

Now, on to specific categories!

Specific areas for suggestions on improvement include:

Grammar
Flow
Clarity
Writing Voice

Never forget to tell the writer what blew you away! We all need encouragement!

Grammar:

It is pretty obvious what should be addressed in this part, though take the time to think about how you address it. I prefer to put quotes in italics and put the changes or additions in bold.

Example:

the cat sat.

The cat sat.


The sentences will be much more complex, but you get the idea!

Standard typing (without italics) is saved for notes or explanations. Until last month, I had not learned the art the art of the "dash." I still haven't mastered it! Some people may need you to explain what that is and why you used it. If you think it's obvious, it might not be! Some people are late to the grammar game, which is okay! We all need to just help each other along the way.

Suggestions are always a good idea. If you have an idea, share it! If you think that two sentences would be better combined and condensed, then show the author how to go about doing so. She might have thought about it, but did not know how to do it!

Flow:

Flow is a HUGE category! It covers everything from diction to paragraph organization.

Diction:

Strong verbs and strong adjective are vital! Help the author make her writing more powerful! Every piece of literature has a message! The Scarlet Letter underlines hypocrisy, historical progression, moral confliction, and prejudice. The Narrative of Frederick Douglass sought to expose the brutality of slavery and the humanity of African Americans. You don't have to try to start a social revolution with your workshop piece, but the author has put a lot of thought into what she wants to say, so help her! Listen and then tell her how she could make her message more accessible or more striking.

Syntax:

The arrangement of words is vital! I always say that my sentences are awkward, because I am! However, I just haven't investigated syntax enough yet! The arrangement of words can always be smoother or rougher-depending on the purpose of the piece. The syntax has to be fitting with the context of the story! If the story is about a child with learning disability writing about his parents divorce, syntax should be a little odd. It should be odd, but understandable! Finding that balance is hard, but that's what we critics are here for!


Tenses:

Sometimes when you follow your inner muse, you forget all about tenses and sometimes when you proofread, you forget to correct some of them! A piece might have flashbacks that need sorting out. There are so many scenarios, in which tenses can be a bit of a problem. Help with the continuity and consistency.

Organization:

Stories with flashbacks might also need the flashbacks organized into find fitting spots or require improved transitions.

For this section, I use italics for the direct quote and standard type for the revised form.

Clarity:

Clarity is all about the five "W's"-and one "H"-, I'm talking about Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How, of course. If there is a part that is confusing, help the author to straighten it out. Sometimes ideas make total sense in our heads, but don't exactly translate to paper well. The author needs to hammer out the details!

Is something confusing?

Put it in standard type and then put the "main" question in italics below it and example questions within parentheses.

Example:

The basement smelled like my grandma.
How? (How did it smell like her? Was it the smell of her perfume or her hairspray?)


Writing Voice:

A personal writing voice and style is hard to develop. NEVER CRUSH SOMEONE'S WRITING VOICE, even if you think it's too cynical or informal. Compliment it.

If someone doesn't seem to have a writing voice, help him find it! Show him the parts that made you feel like you were talking to him. Highlight the good examples, so that he can think about his voice and embrace it next time!

Conclusion:

Sum it all up with a heavy heap of compliments, but due compliments. Everyone has strengths, tell the author that you noticed hers!