Fun Facts Friday

Another crazy week and I'm liking the warmer weather minus the thunderstorms at night (mother nature are you listening). On with the facts:

1. I'm being critiqued at Dianne Salerni's blog and Marcy Hatch's blog today. Thank you ladies!!Please check it out and rip it apart give me some feedback. Disclaimer: It's a first draft. *reaches for chocolate*

That's me testing the waters with my new MS.

2. My favorite summer activity is going to the beach. The smell of the salt air mixed with greasy food makes my mind wander and dream so I'll probably have more ideas.

3. Check out Karen Akins blog. Go congratulate her, she has a book deal!! Congrats Karen!

4. Mark your calenders for WriteOnCon (if you haven't already). It's always full of great info and opportunity.

5. Elana Johnson will be guest posting, right here, on June 15th. Her book SURRENDER will be out next Tuesday, June, 5th.

6. Tip: Don't try and write after an eye doctor appointment. Why? If you get pupil dilation drops, yeah, it makes reading blurry. Not good. It amazes me that they let you drive after that.

Any news?

What are your plans for summer?

What is your favorite thing to do in the summer time? (Minus writing, that's a given).

Have a great weekend!!

Critiquing

Critiquing. I see some of you wince. Okay, I don't see you, but I'm sure some of you are. This word can make us shiver with joy or pain. Trust me, I've had many eyes read my work and it doesn't get easier, you just need to develop that thick skin.

I never knew how to critique until I started to critique, and to be quite honest, I'm still learning. I like to think that I'm better at it than I used to be, but I know there is room for improvement. There are many methods, but I like to use the positive approach. I point out what may need improvement or what I thought didn't work, along with what I liked. I know it helps me when this method is used mainly because I know what works and what doesn't. Of course, in the end it is up to the author, right?

So, how do we become better critiquers?

One way--practice. Just like our writing skills, practice makes perfect. That means find a fellow writer to swap with, preferably in the genre you write. Those are the folks who know what works.

Another way--advice from others who are more experienced. Definitely, those who are wiser can give tips and pointers on an effective critique. You can find some on Teen Fire, YALitChat. These are only a couple resources off the top of my head.

Self help books--I have to say I'm not a great one with self help books. I try, I really do, but I tend to get distracted with them. Some do not hold my interest and I find my mind wandering. There have only been only a few self help books that have held my interest.

I found this book. The Writing and Critique Group Survival Guide by Becky Levine.

I have not read this, but it sounds interesting. Has anyone used this? I'm curious.

 I did do a blog post on getting critiques and ways to find critiques way back when. You can read it here.

What are your methods?

Do you have any advice on giving a great critique?

Keeping it short today. Lots to do. Have a great day!