seeking a critique
iron sharpening iron
successful writing
Wendy/ 2016
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Iron Sharpens Iron: The Importance of Critiques
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
Our internet went off yesterday, so my daughter and I ended up hanging out together in the den while I edited a few pages of my memoir draft and she nibbled on a snack. I don’t normally edit in the middle of the day, as I prefer to work in the morning while my brain is still fresh and alert.
I read a few lines aloud to my daughter about my late grandparents who loved to garden. My daughter laughed as I shared how they met, and when I got to a sad part she noticed I’d used a word that had a double meaning, and she told me it was distracting as it made her giggle at the thought of someone misinterpreting it. I had missed that potential misunderstanding as I knew the person I was writing about would never have done such a thing. But readers wouldn’t know that. So I happily changed the word.
Critiques sharpen whatever it is we’re working on.
And, my oh my, have I had to learn this the hard way. Here’s a link to a story about this on my other blog titled:
Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Critique? #amwriting
Iron Sharpens Iron Blessings ~ Wendy
Do you believe in the priceless value of a good critique partner? Have you ever accidentally posted a funny fail on social media? (Please feel free to alert me to any of mine–anytime.) 🙂
Have a lovely weekend, friends.
PS – Here’s a link to an excellent podcast for writers that I absolutely love:
Worry Is Not Your Friend-Write from the Deep
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I agree with you wholeheartedly. I like to read my blog posts aloud to my husband. I also have a close friend with whom I share them.
Blessings,
Theresa
Great idea, Theresa. My husband and daughter are way smarter than I am. I wish I could hire them full-time. 🙂
It is great to share these times with our daughters. My daughter and I used to share together, too. She was a writer. She was one of the first people I had to encourage me. I still visit an old blog of hers for old time sake. <3
Hugs. <3 I'm still praying, sweet friend.
Oh, I wish I had someone to share my writing with. I used to be in a writer’s group decades ago. That writing bond is so precious; I miss it.
Susan, I’m looking for another nonfiction critique partner. E-mail me at purselanestudio@gmail if you’re interested in exchanging critiques regarding inspirational nonfiction (we could do a trial run). I enjoy your writing because you also have a grace-based faith. I think we share a distaste for legalism. 🙂
Oh, Wendy, I would love that!
Expect my email this weekend! Thank you SO much! <3
Yay! <3
And yes, I believe we are birds of a grace-based feather. 🙂
It’s the only bird that can truly soar on the wings of Love. <3
🙂 Thank you. I needed that today.
I love that you share your writing with your daughter 🙂 Makes me warm and smiley to picture you two in the den chatting about writing.
And YES critique helps sooo much! I learned EVERYTHING from my CPs. Sometimes I grumble grumble that they’re pointing out a flaw I didn’t want to admit, but a steadfast CP or two really made big differences in the strength of my plot & characters.
Thank you, Amber. I’m hoping my daughter will seriously consider being a writer one day. She’s already a book lover, and I’d love to have her as a regular critique partner.
There’s no room for pride in a real writer’s heart–is there? 🙂 Blessings on your new week.
Hi Wendy! I had the same wishes for my daughter. Anyway I am happy to see your site. I am a new writer and I self published my first book after losing my son to drunk driving three years ago. The book is partly spiritual as it leads me to the promises of God although it talks about our story on the disease of alcoholism with biblical accounts. Anyway critiquing is so important and if you have a group may I join? Thank yo so much,
Aui
Hi Aui. I’m sorry I didn’t reply sooner. I noticed, just now, that your comment ended up in my spam folder. I’m sorry that you lost your son so soon on this side of Heaven. Hugs. I don’t have a nonfiction critique group yet, but I do have some friends to exchange writing with. But I need more critiques, so if you’re interested in exchanging pages,email me at purselanestudio@gmail.com Blessings.
Thank you Wendy. Sure I will one of this days. I am very busy today because our community is working with the government on the drug issues we are facing here in the Philippines. It is taking so much of our time and leave me less time with writing. But as soon as the program we are building is running I’ll get back to you. Thank you so much again
Aui
Hi Wendy, critique is very important, although sometimes hard hear. I think when a writer gets to the point of being humble and grateful and can begin to really listen and know the critique is done in all sincerity, it makes them a better person. As the old saying goes, you can chose to be better or bitter.
Susan, that’s the perfect saying regarding critiques: “better or bitter”. 🙂 It takes time and energy to give a critique; it’s a gift that should be fully unwrapped and made use of.
Yes you are so right!!
When I was in art class, my favorite time was the critique. We all see things differently. Listening to the perspective of others often opened the door to better expressing myself. I always run my blog posts past my wife and daughter before posting. Their input is priceless.
Gene, what a blessing that you have two willing listeners to run your blog posts past. It shows in the quality of your writing. Yes, “input is priceless”.