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Craft of Writing

Jayda McTyson

Is Critiquing For You?

I'm a writer, so why on earth would I want to take on the job of an editor? Perhaps you have asked yourself this question at some point in time. I would say—in reply—that every ambitious writer works constantly at improving his skill, but few realize that critiquing offers an underutilized, yet excellent method of improving one's writing. Many of us hesitate when asked to do a critique, however, this exercise offers the opportunity to develop several specific skills, which would not normally be considered part of a writer's repertoire.

If you read the written word, provided it is not highly technical information, it is a given that you are qualified to evaluate what you have read. Think about this in relation to a delicious meal you've had at a great restaurant and how you raved to your friends about that meal. If you gave a good description, it is likely that your friends were almost able to visualize, taste and smell the meal you described. Consider a critique as being along similar lines. When you read, various emotions and reactions are stirred based on the material being read. In critiquing, you convey these impressions, criticisms and helpful information to the author. The feedback helps him to go back to the drawing board and create a better and clearer picture for the reader. There are specific ways in which critiquing helps the writer to master his art form.
 
Sharpens Observational and Analytic Skill
 
Writing is a sure way to sharpen the mind. My observational powers have grown significantly compared to when I first started writing. This, as a direct result of always being on the lookout for interesting and varied subjects to put down on paper. In order to have a constant supply of subjects on which to write, it is necessary that you notice much more than the casual observer, and doing critiques is a good way to develop this habit.
 
Reading another person's work with the intent of providing feedback also develops your analytical skills. Read as an ordinary individual, but at the same time with the aim of seeing that the story is tied together as a complete and therefore cohesive unit. Does the story wander unnecessarily? Are all the plot points resolved at its conclusion? Are there too many characters to keep track of? Is the language clear and crisp? Is the story line plausible and does it hold your attention? Do all the characters have meat on their bones? Are there inconsistencies? These are some of the characteristics we usually look for in a well crafted story. Knowing what we admire goes a long way in assisting us to make valid comments in critiquing a story or article.
 
Improves Language and Writing Skills
 
While your writing style surely differs from mine, the one common goal we share is to increase our level of expertise. Critiquing gives the opportunity to study use of language, including how to use words to greatest effect. Some writers use the English language with great skill. Their work is a pleasure to read. Two things happen when we read works written by such authors. First, words evoke images and the pictures created by having read a creative piece of writing arouse our imagination. Second, we learn as we are reading. It is impossible to read a beautiful piece of writing without being moved. As a writer, I look at the flow of words and try to emulate—mind you, not plagiarize—that writer. We may not always get the same results, but we do well to try to learn from sterling examples set before us as we practise our art.
 
Improves Storytelling Skills
 
The forum in which critiquing is done offers a wonderful way of finding writing sparks, exchanging ideas and learning more about the craft of writing. There is an unexpected benefit for the writer if he is able to find inspiration in the material that is being critiqued. While this is not the intention of critiquing, it is possible to find ideas everywhere, since new twists are put on old tales every day. As long as the writer is cognizant of the fact that his inspiration cannot be in the form of plagiarism and that he has to impart something of himself to make his writing unique, then it is perfectly acceptable to find stimulation in the material being critiqued.
 
In providing this service, the critic may also pass on threads of ideas that may not have been completely explored. The exchange that takes place in this instance encourages brainstorming, which is a highly productive activity.
 
With each story that is critiqued, the writer becomes more familiar with the various elements that contribute to a superbly crafted story. At the outset, he must do some form of research in order to be able to do a creditable job. As he prepares and educates himself for the task at hand, he also gives himself adequate guidelines with which he will work. These become familiar tools and will help him bring all relevant points together when he sits down to plot his own stories.
 
A discerning eye is also developed, which assists the writer to decide which elements of his story will work together successfully and those that won't. He will also see where there are gaping holes in his tales and be able to take corrective action, having a trained and practiced eye from making repeated assessments of pieces written by other authors.
 
In being able to make an in-depth and thorough evaluation of his own writing, an author also has the unquestionable advantage of being able to spot his mistakes before they make their way to an editor's desk.
 
Develops A Useful Skill
 
While you are busy critiquing, you are adding another skill to your arsenal. Remember the saying 'Practise Makes Perfect'? We are often reluctant to critique because we feel we do not have the requisite skill. All the know-how you need is to be a discerning reader. If there are contradictions in a story, skilled reviewer or not, you will notice them. 
 
The more reviews you do, the better you will become. Develop your own style. Come up with a list of things you look for in a story or article. Consult your list as you conduct your reviews. Spend a little time and make your reviews as constructive, clear and helpful as you possibly can. The writer will appreciate your effort and some will be sure to reciprocate.
 
You can also develop your newly learnt skill by reading about the whole business of reviewing. Although you know what you like in a story, I would advise that you not do a single review before you do a little research. Read a few articles and/or tips on how to conduct reviews, but don't get bogged down with reading endless material on the subject unless that's your style. It is better to test the temperature of the water by dipping your toe in rather than diving headfirst into previously uncharted waters. Once you have a clear idea of what is expected, you can easily meet your obligations to your writing circle as you develop your newfound talent.
 
The act of conducting reviews serves as a means of developing a keener eye and a sharper mind, which helps you, the writer, improve the crafting of your stories. Your language skills will also get better as you become more exposed to the writing of talented authors whose work you will be reviewing. Apart from making a significant contribution to other people's work, through your input in their writing efforts, your new skill will also ensure that you become a much better writer.
 
 
About the Author
Jayda McTyson writes both fiction and non-fiction and has special interest in the art of writing, parenting and relationships.  She lives in sunny Jamaica and is always on the lookout for the makings of her next article or story.  Feel free to contact her at writesmith@fusemail.com