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Wednesday, July 24, 2013

CRITIQUE PARTNERS. LOVE'EM. WANT TO MURDER THEM.

My critique partners are wonderful, patient and extremely helpful. They are also irritating, pushy and take delight in grabbing me by the ear when I drag my feet submitting my delightful work in progress.  At least it was delightful while I was writing it late last night.

There I am, typing away. The words are flowing and I haven't stopped to see if there is any birthday cake left. I'm on a roll. Well, I did leave this morning to go to the museum, but that was research. I solved the CSI crime exhibit so I can use what I learned in my Cookie Devereaux romantic suspense. Even Grissom said a did a good job.

But, I digress.

It never fails. I submit my brilliant example of American romance literature to the three picky Meanies. I just know that this time, they will be dumbstruck in awe. These pages will be praised as the most perfect work ever to grace their desks.

When we meet and they grimly push my pages across the table.  Red bleeds across my beautiful white pages.

"You are back to head hopping," says the red headed Meany.

The second one just looks at me with pity in her eyes.

The third one pats my hand a assures me (very kindly) that I am improving. I think she would praise me if it was written in crayon.

Don't get me wrong.  I love these women. They cheer me on and my writing truly  has improved  from the pitiful mess it was a while back.

There are times when I want to take off my size eight orthopedic walking shoe and throw it across the table.

The one saving grace is that, I also get to critique their stuff and payback is hell.  Mua-ha-ha-ha!



9 comments:

  1. You're so funny. You're doing so well with your book, Brenda. I look forward to reading more.

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  2. Ahem, I don't know whether to be glad or sorry I'm not in your critique group. Kidding! I know all your buddies and they're great writers and friends. Fun post!

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  3. So far, no blood has been shed. Tears, hair pulling and wailing (from me), but no blood.

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  4. Critique partners are such a HUGE part of what makes a story go from good to great. I would never send a story out or publish if I didn't go through my three CP's first. And I agree, there are times when their comments make me say bad things about them. ;) But after I step back and look at it again, I see what they are saying and where I went wrong. And I know they want my story to be the best it can be just like I help them make their stories the best they can be. We are "partners" in this writing business and if you aren't completely upfront with your critique partners and giving them all your knowledge and help then you are in the full partnership.

    Brenda, I'm sure you have a great relationship with your partners or you wouldn't be posting these comments. Congratulations on having other writers who have your back.

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  5. OMG, touchy, touchy. ;-) I figured out who I am in that trio. LOL. We have a great group and, without all the red ink, pity and encouragement, we would still be spinning our wheels. Belonging to a good critique group is key.

    Fun post, Brenda. I love your story and your characters. I need more. Now, if I could just figure out who's the red-headed Meany . . .

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  6. Finding a critique group that helps without annihilating is difficult. But you have a group that sounds like they truly want to see you succeed. Now who is the redhead?

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  7. I love my critique partners...even when I want to stand on the table and scream. They have done so much to improve my writing. Most of the frustration is directed at myself. Head hopping is one of my greatest downfalls. Always has been. The best thing is that they know when I'm using humor to get through a tough time. Each of us has some little thing in our writing that trips us up and we depend on each other to catch it. My partners rock.

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  8. Oh Brenda, you're so funny! As one of your critique partners I know every word in your post is laced with appreciation and love. We really give you a hard time, but when I see how much you've grown as a writer I'm very impressed with your determination to improve. BTW, we're going to stick with you no matter what! So, stop whining! :)

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  9. Can I have some cheese with that whine? I love that my critique partners let me know when I need direction. No one ever just throws out a comment that I've made some critical errors without explaining the problem and making suggestions.

    For readers, I thought you get a laugh at the writing process. I wish I had a tenth of the talent my partners have.

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