Learning from Critiquing by Andy Scheer

This morning I critiqued nine magazine articles. In the next few days, I need to evaluate another fifty-three.

In judging a national contest, I hope to offer writers and editors specific suggestions so they can improve their craft. In exchange I'll get a modest honorarium. But I'll receive a bigger benefit the entrants may not realize.

As I'm forced to analyze individual components, I see things I'd miss if I were just reading. As I search for what worked and what didn't, I also learn about the craft. I'm reminded why certain techniques shine and others fail. I find examples worth following.

I can't simply give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down. My score comes from weighing five elements. For each article, I have to pay attention to:

1) The idea (timeliness, appeal)

2) Effective development of idea

3) Writing style

4) Use of imagery/emotion

5) Originality of treatment

I'm also expected to make comments – offering examples for all five of where and why they succeeded or missed the mark. That means I need to pore over each piece.

If you're reading this, I hope you participate in a critique group. As you do, please take full advantage of the opportunity.

Yes, the other writers can learn from your comments. But that's the tip of the iceberg.

As for me, I hope the next fifty-three entries prove as valuable as the first.

North East Texas Writers Organization Spring Writer's Roundup by Jim Hart

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending the North East Texas Writer’s Organization (NETWO) Spring Writer’s Roundup conference in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. It was my first time at that conference, and also my first time outside of an airport in Texas!

In talking with a number of conferees I found just how much the members of NETWO value their critique partners, and how their writing continues to improve because of being involved in a critique group. Several noted that they are also part of an on-line critique group, in addition to their local group.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that in a crowd of around 100 writers there were several young people in attendance. Young writers just starting out with lots of energy and even more questions. I encouraged the ones that I had a chance to meet with to take advantage of every resource that NETWO has to offer. And they were encouraged to also contribute to the organization and be an active participant in their writing community.

It’s energizing to be around a community of writers, all of whom are at varying stages in their journey. It’s also a great pleasure to somehow be a part of that journey.

Thanks to Paul Parris, NETWO President who had the task of picking me up at the Dallas/Ft. Worth airport a couple of hours away. And special thanks also to conference directors Caryl and Ron McAdoo who put together a really impressive conference.

If you live in that area of the country, check out this fine writer's organization at http://www.netwo.org/

I met some great people, some talented writers, talked about books and the publishing business all weekend, and had TexMex food – what could be better?