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.
5 comments:
Most important writing tool ever. Critters are the best!
I recently judged a writers' contest, and I agree. I learned so much about my own writing by looking at others' work.
Loved how you listed the 5 important elements of critique Andy. Great post with a great takeaway. I hope the writers know how fortunate they are to have you looking over and commenting on their work.
While those can be key elements of a critique, in this case they were simply the judging criteria for the contest. But having some criteria--whatever they are--sure keeps your evaluation focused.
Yes, I was thinking in the critique of a book length nonfiction book I would add as the 6th element: target- Are they hitting their target audience well. And in fiction critique the 7th might be if their characters are believable, but for the article length- these are excellent.
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