I'm pleased to have fellow TWRP romance author, Barbara Bettis here today sharing on a topic I high recommend ... critique groups.
Be sure to check out her newest release!
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Let’s Hear It for
Critique Groups
I’m in the midst of edits on my
second medieval and each week, I take a section back to my critique group. The
members have seen it at every step of the writing process and yet, on this last
go-through, they’re finding things that had slipped past all those other times.
We’re doing the same last-edit
run-through for another member’s book, her third. And as with mine, although
we’ve been through her chapters at least twice before, this final time we still
find points to clarify.
In this final go-round, the crit
process is different. Now we’re into the polishing stage. Of course, only the
author can do that final polish, but crit partners who know each other’s voice
can be of immeasurable help. Tuesday afternoon, we discussed a particular word
in my friend’s manuscript. Would another better represent the message she
wanted to convey? Would still a third work to alter the rhythm (cadence) of a
sentence to better transmit the feeling she intended?
Silly? We don’t think so. As Mark Twain said, “The
difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference
between lightning and a lightning bug.” We may not always get it right, but
it’s not for lack of trying. Working together (brainstorming, checking a word’s
origin, analyzing whether the particular character would have “said that”), we
found a phrase that she thought better reflected the character, the time, and
the situation.
Only other writers understand the drive to get the
wording exactly right. And it’s easier when you have someone to bounce ideas
off of. Now, critique groups don’t sit around all day debating esoteric word
choices. J They offer advice and insight on whatever the individual
writer needs. Characterization? Plot and story arc? GMC? All those and many
other things.
That’s why I firmly believe in the importance of
critique groups or partners. Not every writer thinks they’re important, and
that’s fine. Whatever works for the individual. But I highly recommend them.
They’re especially helpful for someone who’s starting on a writing career.
A partner or a group also can help answer basic
grammar, structure and development questions. You know, the kinds of things we
all need to master so our stories can be understood.
True, finding the right critique partners or group
isn’t always easy. Not every group is one in which you’ll remain. But when you
find the right combination, it’s unbelievably helpful.
Right now, I’m lucky enough to have found two
wonderful groups.
My particular weekly crit group has been together for
years. We’ve become friends, but the friendship doesn’t interfere with the
sometimes painfully honest evaluations we give each other’s work. We’re all
published—all but one, who could be if she’d only submit!
The second is an online critique coterie of historical
authors whose expertise is fantastic. They provide great insight, total
honesty, and unequivocal support.
So if you don’t have a critique group or at least a
critique partner, you might consider looking for one that’s a good fit for you.
It might take a bit of searching, but I firmly believe it will be worth it.
Good luck and happy writing!
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He’s
everything a proper lady should never want; she’s everything a bastard
mercenary can never have.
Sir Giles has come to England to kill
his father, who seduced and betrayed his mother. First, however, he’ll seek
sweet revenge—kidnap the old lord’s new betrothed.
But when Giles uncovers a plot against King Richard, he faces a dilemma: take
the lady or track the traitors. What’s a good mercenary to do? Both, of course.
Lady Emelin has had enough.
Abandoned in a convent by her brother, she finally has a chance for home and
family. Yet now she’s been abducted. Her kidnapper may be the image of her
dream knight, but she won’t allow him to spoil this betrothal. Her only
solution: escape
Rescuing the intrepid
lady—while hunting traitors—is a challenge Giles couldn’t anticipate. But the greatest challenge to Giles and
Emelin is the fire blazing between them. For he’s everything a proper lady
should never want, and she’s everything a bastard mercenary can never have.
Purchase Links:
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Barbara Bettis has always loved
history and English. As a college freshman, she briefly considered becoming an
archeologist until she realized there likely would be bugs and snakes involved.
And math.
She now lives in Missouri, where
by day she’s a mild-mannered English teacher, and by night she’s an intrepid
plotter of tales featuring heroines to die for—and heroes to live for.
Links:
