Critique and Write

Critique and write are required for poems, articles to biographies. It's a two-step process for writers before displaying the finished work. The order depends on the writer. Often, writers poo-poo the thought of any encounter with a critique. Why? The process drains energy, if you allow it to.

1. Put the work aside.

2. You get an emotional rest as you leave the project alone.

3. Spin the critiquing portion into a game.

How long of a break is needed from a writing project? The more involved a writing project is, more time away is suggested. You'll come-back refreshed and with new ideas. So, less time is needed between you and the critiquing process when it comes to short writing projects. There're other factors like the number of projects being worked on, deadlines and the writer's life.

1. Calendar in what has to be critiqued.

2. Shuffle-out stress.

3. Focus on a funny or happy memory.

The determination has been made about which writing project to critique. Some may feel that the most difficult part is over. Still others run close to panic. Think positive. At least, a goal has been met. This is a moment to calm down.

1. Take a deep breath.

2. Relax.

3. Bring along an apple for a reward, for example.

You're ready to critique and write. At this second, you're the editor. You, too, can treat the writing project as a friend's work. The point is to be objective. Use a composition book or some means of note-taking. Jot down notes on how to make improvements after reading it out-loud.

1. Check the grammar.

2. How is your sentence structure?

3. Syntax?

The critiquing game begins. Drag stress to the waste-basket. Giggle at your mistakes. Did you really make that error? Did you use "bear" instead of "bare?" Remember, shorter paragraphs are more effective. 

1. Make notes on to use verbs, for example.

2. Note-taking exposes what you need to work on.

3. Writing is a continuous learning process.

A goal is to have clear, strong and interesting writing. Writers want readers to have learned, laughed and/or displayed some emotion. You don't want a reader to find "their" in your writing where "there" was meant.

1. Comb through your work relaxed. 

2. Provide yourself enough time to critique.

3. Find humor in your mistakes, but learn from them.

Critique

Have a question? Agree, disagree, with me? Leave me your opinion. Sighs of relief happens when a writing project is completed. Yet, the writing project requires more. The last step is to critique. It's necessary to distance oneself from the writing project. You need the mental break from it. Try a new activity. Perhaps, start a new writing project. Develop a character for a work of fiction. Decide whether or not to write in a new genre, or write an essay. The longer a writing project is, the longer "needed time" away. You'll come-back to the writing project refreshed, and with better writing ideas. Let's critique. Read it. Is your writing attention grabbing? Paragraphs must sway smoothly from one to the next. The images should inspire a reader to understand, sadden or ignite a response. Sometimes, a reaction is negative. Strong verbs plays an important part of writing. They stir readers into the subject. Pay attention to transitions. Are they flowing from one idea to the next? Every word word contributes to the writing project, or is removed. Read the writing project out-loud. Is it the best you have to offer? If yes, move on. If no, start the critiquing process over.