How to Give Good Feedback in a Writing Group & Not Offend Anyone
Are you in a writing group? If so everyone is probably expecting you to know how to give good critiques. One might even call them positive critiques where it is not offensive, but it is also not pointless fluff.
It’s not always as easy or fun as it sounds. A professor was once quoted saying something like, “as a critiquer, if what you have said causes a person to stop writing, you have failed. You have failed because you have stopped a creative person from creating.”
I agree with this somewhat. I think that we shouldn’t quit just because one person said something mean to us, but I do agree with the sentiment that it is up to us what comes out of our mouths.
I also agree that words are powerful. Because of this, it’s important for us to figure out how to give good critiques on other people’s work.
Positive criticism vs negative criticism.
Negative criticism is easy. It’s not clever or wise and it’s easy to spout out, “this is literally trash. Please throw it in the garbage on your way out. And please do the world a favor and stop writing.” That was easy and takes 0% brainpower.
Words like these are not just mean but are of no help whatsoever.
When we find someone’s work that isn’t so good, we would do them and maybe the world a disservice by telling them that they could never be an accomplished writer.
What do we know? With some hard work and practice, this person could be a great writer. So instead, be patient and teach people.
Positive criticism might sound like this, “in this paragraph, the word choices are slightly confusing. Maybe try to come up with simpler sentences that make it more obvious what you are trying to say.” Maybe even throw in some specific examples of how you might word something if they are willing to hear it.
Give them criticism that is NOT mean, but that is practical.
With advice like this, they could possibly reread their entire story and realize many places that need revising. One positive critique could radically change their entire story for the better.
One negative critique could crush their spirit and desire to continue writing, which would be sad.
They may be really bad or might never make it as a writer, but who am I to decide that?
Don’t just point out the bad.
Point out things that are bad and try to give them a solution for it.
If you can’t give them good advice on how to fix a problem, don’t just point out the problem.
Also, try to point out things you like too!
I learned this from a mentor, “for everyone one critique you are going to give a person, try to point out 3 positive things you can find.”
While this formula doesn’t work out perfectly every time. It is helpful to keep in mind.
You should try it the next time you think of criticizing someone. You might be surprised how they react to your criticism in a more understanding way.
And don’t just butter them up. Be genuine. Telling them what’s working in their writing is just as important as telling them what you think should be cut.
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Be specific with characters.
One thing we can help each other out with is character critiques.
If we do this, we need to be specific.
If I’m going to tell someone their character is cliché, I can’t just leave it at that. I need to try to say why it’s cliché, what other characters they remind me of and give them some ideas on how to make this character more unique.
Don’t just tell them what you don’t like about the character. Give them ideas on how to make the character better.
Also, if we tell them why we don’t like a certain character, then they’ll be able to tell if it’s just us or if it’s something they really do want to change. Maybe they wanted that character to be cliché. If this were true then they could be encouraged in their writing knowing that it is being perceived the way they meant it to.
Create dialogue.
We’re not talking about dialogue in the writing.
We’re talking about creating a conversation with the writer.
Creating a conversation about their work is so much more beneficial than just getting out strict statements, especially in a writers group.
Remember that there are more ears in the room than just the writer’s. In a writing group, we are all there to learn from each other and with each other.
What you say about Jill’s writing could be really great advice for a block in facing with one of my characters.
If that happens, when it’s your turn to talk confirm that with the group, “when you said this to Jill, I realized I was doing the same thing with my character and I can do this instead.”
Saying things like this to the group will bolster comradery and help others feel more confident to have open conversations about their writing and others.
Try to be vulnerable.
Most people want to be vulnerable. But it’s scary.
We as humans have an instinctual desire to be known and heard, but we all have emotional walls.
When you are able to be vulnerable with the group and it’s well received, this makes other people in the group feel comfortable to be vulnerable too, especially with you.
Start with things that aren’t mega sensitive or scary and see how it goes. Don’t let all your insecurities out in one long monologue. Just start with a little vulnerability and see if it’s helpful or harmful depending on the group.
If you find that this group is extremely closed off and harsh it might be a good idea to find a different group.
The next time you are in a situation to give a critique on a person’s writing try to remember to be honest and them what’s working and what isn’t.
Be vulnerable about what you’re learning and what you’re struggling within your own writing.
Focus on trying to create conversations in the group and try not to be tempted to just focus on your writing. Give everyone a chance to share and get help too.
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- There is a simple method over 30,000 people use to get paid for freelance writing online.
- Opportunities can get started in just minutes a day, all from your home couch.
- It’s easy to get started! No previous experience or degree required to start.
- Exclusive job listings for writers, updated daily.
Check out Writing Paychecks to see if you can start getting paid to write today.
That’s all for now.
Hope this helps!
Happy writing!
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