Comments on A FEW OBSERVATIONS

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MerryAnne, some of us
can get caught up in thinking we're so good at what we do. It's only when others look and say well, maybe you could do this or that - even though it's really well thought out,  that we manage to get over ourselves. I do believe in being civil, no matter the cost and that usually works for me.  Thanks to you also Merry. This could not have happened for any of us, without all of us making the time and putting in our two cents worth.

posted by word.smith on December 11, 2004 at 11:51 AM | link to this | reply

I think it's important too to say what you like instead just what you would change. It's can take the sting out sometimes. thanks word, for starting this.

posted by MerryAnne on December 11, 2004 at 8:55 AM | link to this | reply

MerryAnne,

As you know, some sensitivity is called for when doing critiques. I suppose most of us have problems being able to be very honest with the comments, but we must steel ourselves to do the job at hand, otherwise the work we're looking at may never meet it's full potential for not having been gone through with a fine tooth comb.  It does take some diplomacy to say what needs to be said, but there's always a polite way to do what needs to be done. 

As to the schedule - I don't decide. Zachary should be next, then Johnmcnab. The next person is the one who indicates his/her interest and so on. After we have all been critiqued, that schedule will be continued so Talion will be first again on the next go round.  

posted by word.smith on December 11, 2004 at 8:39 AM | link to this | reply

Every time I started ina crit. group I've had trouble distancing myself enough from the writing/writer to be effective. It takes some practice. BTW Word, could you send out or post a schedule for writing. So I know when my turn will be coming up? :)

posted by MerryAnne on December 11, 2004 at 5:46 AM | link to this | reply

Amen to that Talion.
I've already learnt a lot and look forward to learning a whole lot more.

posted by word.smith on December 10, 2004 at 5:35 PM | link to this | reply

Kingmi,
if you're interested and inclined to help, you're very welcome to join us.

posted by word.smith on December 10, 2004 at 5:34 PM | link to this | reply

It made sense. I've noticed that my main character doesn't have an interesting quirk and I've been contemplating what it should be. What I had planned ran along a similar line. Since he didn't have much of a childhood, he would be attracted to toys and gadgets. The Monopoly thing could fit, but go either way. He could be infatuated with the game because there was never anyone to play it with or he could be drawn to solo activities because he's accustomed to solitude. I'm thinking the latter. Regardless, in the final version, I'm changed the way the novel begins and more than likely the reference will be removed.

posted by Talion on December 10, 2004 at 1:23 PM | link to this | reply

Talion
It is quite useful. I was curious if you had any thoughts about my comment about Monopoly.

posted by beachbelle on December 10, 2004 at 1:14 PM | link to this | reply

What makes this so great is not only will the writer benefit, but so will those who critique. It's a win-win situation for all.

posted by Talion on December 10, 2004 at 1:09 PM | link to this | reply

This is a really good idea.

posted by kingmi on December 10, 2004 at 12:58 PM | link to this | reply