Remember the old adage - spare the rod, spoil the child?  Well right now I'm thinking about that saying in terms of critiquing a fellow writers work.

If you're a writer - you know what a lonely road we walk.  For many of us the friends we make along the way are on the internet and in the form of critique groups and writing forums.  Writers are a sensitive bunch - but unfortunately, a thick skin is necessary in this business.  Where's the balance?

So here's the scenario.  Writer sits down and pour heart and soul into chapter one of their most creative piece ever.  It's fabulous and with excited fingers dancing across the keyboard they cut, copy and paste their masterpiece into a file for their critique group to see it.

Patiently we wait and watch the little cursor blink on the screen - waiting for the announcement to pop up - "you've got mail"...unable to contain yourself you open the message to find your chapter barely recognizable - marked up with so many red marks it looks like the pen probably exploded and this couldn't possible be meant for you - right?

Is this fair?  We've all been there.  We've all probably been on the side holding the red pen as well.  Is it fair to the writer to send a glowing critique if the chapter is less than that?  I know when I do my critiques I try to always find something good in what the writer has tried to accomplish.  No wants to hear "you suck."  What I expect is an honest critique - and while my mechanics might need work (probably a lot of work) I want to know at the end of the chapter if I at least engaged you a bit - drew a character that has potential.  I don't want someone to change my voice and word choices, but if I've been out of control with my commas - I damn well want to know about it.

So here's my question, when you get that chapter back - covered in red marks - what do you do?  Do you delete it and scoff - "that's not right" - and head off into your den of denial.  Do you read it and look for the merit in the comments?  Maybe you send hate mail back to the critiquer.  When do you know if someone is messing with your voice or when the comment makes sense?

Not that this has happened to me - mind you.  My chapters are downright glorious and my critique partners sing my praises to high heaven...Don't believe a word of this - I haven't had my second cup of coffee yet, so I'm still in my own fantasy world where I reign as queen supreme.

So - off to ponder the merits of critiquing...Have a great day!

Deb