Kidlitchat Transcript – February 2

1:59 am bonnieadamson: TOPIC: Critiques: the good, the bad, and the ugly! Share tips for giving and receiving notes… and horror stories just for fun. #kidlitchat
2:00 am EgmontGal: @KOrtizzle what did you think of Linger? V. interesting re. the wolves, i’ll say no more publicly. #kidlitchat
2:00 am Brent_Watson41: @EgmontGal You must have set some #kidlitchat correspondence distance record, I would think. #kidlitchat
2:00 am gregpincus: Let’s get this #kidlitchat party started (as if it isn’t already!)….
2:00 am kidlitchat: TOPIC: Critiques: the good, the bad, and the ugly! Share tips for giving and receiving notes… and horror stories just for fun. #kidlitchat
2:00 am WriterRoss: @EgmontGal I miss you. Hope you are having a wonderful journey! When do you come home? #kidlitchat
2:00 am EgmontGal: Re. critiques. Hardest for me is when someone can’t hear what i’m saying, no matter what I do. Don’t know how to fix that #kidlitchat
2:00 am gregpincus: TOPIC: Critiques: the good, the bad, and the ugly! Share tips for giving and receiving notes… and horror stories just for fun. #kidlitchat
2:01 am GinaRitter: Really should be escaping to the library tonight for a few hours to get something done instead of sitting here, huh? #amwriting #kidlitchat
2:01 am lauram68: @gregpincus No spoiling! Thanks Greg! #kidlitchat
2:01 am mumfusa: RT @bonnieadamson: TOPIC: Critiques: the good, the bad, and the ugly! Share tips for giving and receiving notes & horror stories #kidlitchat
2:01 am KOrtizzle: @EgmontGal I’ve been SO Swamped! I’m only on pg 20 something…I’m sitting down this weekend to read it! That’s my goal…. #kidlitchat
2:01 am carolgrannick: RT @bonnieadamson: TOPIC: Critiques: the good, the bad, and the ugly! Tips for giving/receiving notes,horror stories for fun. #kidlitchat
2:01 am crcook: hi everyone! good topic #kidlitchat
2:01 am jeanie_w: RT @kidlitchat: TOPIC: Critiques: the good, the bad, the ugly! Share tips for giving and receiving notes… and horror stories. #kidlitchat
2:01 am CynthiaCWillis: Hey everyone! Looks like a great topic. #kidlitchat
2:01 am LiaKeyes: TOPIC: Critiques: the good, the bad, and the ugly! Share tips for giving and receiving notes… and horror stories just for fun. #kidlitchat
2:01 am lauram68: @kidlitchat excellent topic! #kidlitchat
2:01 am LauraSibson: Hello all. Just attended the NJ SCBWI Mentoring Day a couple weeks ago. Had two crits with editors and five with peers. #kidlitchat
2:02 am sarahshum: @bonnieadamson wow, critiques are always different and personal. I’ve had wonderful experiences giving them, and horrible ones #kidlitchat
2:02 am EgmontGal: I took my glasses off, looked someone right in the eye, delivered feedback 3 times (“your heart and passion are nonfic”). Nada. #kidlitchat
2:02 am LauraSibson: The peers were harsher than the editors. I think this was in part due to their delivery #kidlitchat
2:02 am crcook: RT @BonnieAdamson: TOPIC: Critiques: the good, the bad, and the ugly! tips for giving/receiving notes and horror stories for fun #kidlitchat
2:02 am JennBailey: Our favorite story from a regional conference. Woman walked into room with editor and burst into tears. He hadn’t said anything. #kidlitchat
2:02 am EgmontGal: @KOrtizzle you need a 15 1/2 hour flight like I had! Perfect for cuddling up with it. #kidlitchat
2:02 am elizaosborn: I have amazing crit partners. But I went through a lot of not-amazing ones to get them. :-) #kidlitchat
2:02 am whitneymiller: I think having structured time is important for success. #kidlitchat
2:02 am sharifwrites: @gregpincus As for setup, I went to one group where no one showed up, just me and the leader. #kidlitchat
2:02 am GinaRitter: RT @bonnieadamson: TOPIC: Critiques: the good, the bad, and the ugly! Share tips for giving and receiving notes & horror stories #kidlitchat
2:03 am EgmontGal: @sarahshum yeah, it’s GREAT when critique becomes a conversation of possibilities, right? #kidlitchat
2:03 am LauraSibson: When I crit, I try to find the positives in a work to balance the ‘constructive’ points. #kidlitchat
2:03 am gregpincus: I think authors need to keep in mind that 1) critiques aren’t personal and 2) they’re just an opinion, not gospel #kidlitchat
2:03 am geekwriter1: GIVING critiques – like coaching kids sports, which is like an oreo – wrap the serious criticism between 2 sweet wafers. #kidlitchat
2:03 am bonnieadamson: @sarahshum Do you have any special tips to share about how writers should be receiving critiques? #kidlitchat
2:03 am NecessaryWriter: RT @LiaKeyes: TOPIC: Critiques: the good, the bad, and the ugly! Share tips for giving and receiving notes… and horror stories just for fun. #kidlitchat
2:03 am KOrtizzle: @EgmontGal omg…i would read SO much if i had that much time lol #kidlitchat
2:03 am ninaberry: Re: critique partners. I prefer a few more expert opinions over a slew of well meaning but less-expert ones. #kidlitchat
2:03 am Buffyandrews: Tell folks what’s good and then what’s bad. Be honest and helpful. #kidlitchat
2:03 am jeanie_w: I recommend Becky Levine’s book: The Writing and Critique Group Survival Guide. #kidlitchat
2:03 am Bob_Books: Hoping to join just a bit of tonight’s #kidlitchat
2:03 am lyonmartin: RT @LiaKeyes: TOPIC: Critiques: the gd, the bad, & the ugly! Share tips 4 gving & receiving notes.. & horror stories just 4 fun. #kidlitchat
2:03 am sarahshum: my best tip re receiving critiques (since I give them) is to remember they are subjective, but listen for the universal nuggets #kidlitchat
2:03 am whitneymiller: It also helps if there’s a good facilitator. Ideally, someone who is able to ask questions that draw out unexpected insights. #kidlitchat
2:04 am gregpincus: RT @jeanie_w: I recommend Becky Levine’s book: The Writing and Critique Group Survival Guide. #kidlitchat
2:04 am ChristineTB: I once tested a fully edited mss on a critique group. They said it wasn’t ready. I said it was already printed. Has sold 60K #kidlitchat
2:04 am EgmontGal: Crying not ALWAYS bad. I had 2 at SCBWI national.They weren’t crying at feedback,crying at heartfeltness of what they were doing #kidlitchat
2:04 am CynthiaCWillis: RT @EgmontGal: @sarahshum yeah, its GREAT when critique becomes a conversation of possibilities, right?– Exactly! #kidlitchat
2:04 am paulgreci: Critique the writing not the person. I got critiqued once. It was not fun. #kidlitchat
2:04 am emilytastic: Woohoo, kidlitchat! #kidlitchat
2:04 am carolgrannick: RT @jeanie_w: I recommend Becky Levine’s book: The Writing and Critique Group Survival Guide. #kidlitchat
2:04 am LisaDez: You have to really trust your crit partner first of all. Second, take everything with a grain of salt. #kidlitchat
2:04 am MissusM: I wish I had some critique partners. I think my friends are too nice #kidlitchat
2:04 am Bob_Books: RT @crcook: RT @BonnieAdamson: TOPIC: Critiques: the good, the bad, and the ugly! tips for giving/receiving notes and horror stories for fun #kidlitchat
2:04 am ninaberry: Doing a critique – don’t try to make it your own, or to follow your own style. Appreciate author’s uniqueness. #kidlitchat.
2:04 am bonnieadamson: @jeanie_w Becky’s book is out now, right? #kidlitchat
2:04 am Buffyandrews: I try to have suggestions to offer. Another way to say something that I might have criticized, for example. #kidlitchat
2:04 am mumfusa: a writing group is helpful in learning how to LISTEN during a critique so that when it comes from an editor, ears will be open. #kidlitchat
2:04 am EgmontGal: 66% of the time I have one clear message to give. I try to make that pt in written notes in case they can read it later. #kidlitchat
2:04 am whitneymiller: The biggest pitful I see is prescriptive commentary (suggesting a fix vs. noting that there might be a need for one). #kidlitchat
2:05 am sharifwrites: @geekwriter1 Yes. I always look at +’s and -’s. #kidlitchat
2:05 am bonnieadamson: RT @mumfusa: a writing group is helpful in learning how to LISTEN so that when it comes from an editor, ears will be open. #kidlitchat
2:05 am LisaDez: And always remember that the feedback is subjective. I’ve gotten totally conflicting feedback from editors more than once. #kidlitchat
2:05 am shimes06: the critique sandwich is the way to go ;) #kidlitchat
2:05 am carolgrannick: My crit group has strict guidelines, and we also change nature of ?s/comments depending on draft # and author’s needs. #kidlitchat
2:05 am skutir: Going into the critique, the writer should share goals for the piece being critiqued and ask specific questions. #kidlitchat
2:05 am sharifwrites: @paulgreci I once felt like I was being critiqued, rather than the writing. Not a great feeling. #kidlitchat
2:05 am elizaosborn: When you see the same problem repeatedly in the ms, find new ways explaining it. Author might understand it put different ways. #kidlitchat
2:05 am EgmontUSA: It’s important to remember when recieving a critique that this is feedback meant to be helful and make your writing better. #kidlitchat
2:05 am dawnmetcalf: Tips getting crits: Mouth shut, ears open, DO NOT JUSTIFY. Write down everything. Put it aside & read later. Goal is to help u! #kidlitchat
2:05 am gregpincus: At our SCBWI Schmooze, we use “the sandwich method” to avoid over-harshness: a positive, crits, a posoitive #kidlitchat
2:05 am jennymckmoss: I’ve gotten some awesome critiques from unpubbed & pubbed writers both — #kidlitchat
2:05 am geekwriter1: @sarahshum excellent tip , especially important when you’re receiving both positive & negative feedback #kidlitchat
2:05 am dlschubert: RE: Critiques – Trust yourself above all else. #kidlitchat
2:05 am emilytastic: Critique is about understanding that your craft can always be better, and trusting that your partner/group wants to help. #kidlitchat
2:06 am jeanie_w: @bonnieadamson Yes. Becky’s book launched in January. B&N seems to stock a few copies in each store. #kidlitchat
2:06 am dawnmetcalf: Tips giving crits: Always begin with one thing you liked, then the things that need improving & end with something you liked. #kidlitchat
2:06 am EgmontGal: @elizaosborn or, use it as a way to say “see? This is what I’m pointing at, happening again” no? #kidlitchat
2:06 am sarahshum: @bonnieadamson I always am nervous when writers pin their hopes on a critique. it’s a smaller moment in a progression #kidlitchat
2:06 am Buffyandrews: I want my work to be the best it can be. I want the feedback to be honest so that I can get better. #kidlitchat
2:06 am emilyreads: @gregpincus In B-school that’s called a “$hit sandwich.” #kidlitchat
2:06 am EgmontGal: RT @bonnieadamson I always am nervous when writers pin their hopes on a critique. its a smaller moment in a progression #kidlitchat
2:06 am cheboricuas: RT @sarahshum: my best tip re receiving critiques (since I give them) is to remember they are subjective, but listen for the universal nuggets #kidlitchat
2:06 am Brent_Watson41: @Buffyandrews I totally agree #kidlitchat
2:06 am gregpincus: @dawnmetcalf hey… that’s the sandwich method I just tweeted, too! #kidlitchat
2:06 am skutir: When people question or criticize something, don’t get caught up justifying or explaining it. Just nod and say thanks. #kidlitchat
2:07 am sarahshum: @BonnieAdamson and there will be different notes from every reader. But look for the notes that resonate with your vision #kidlitchat
2:07 am Idaho_Laurie: Horror story: Don’t preface yr. critique of an historical novel by saying “I hate historical fiction.” #kidlitchat
2:07 am dawnmetcalf: And remember You are not Your Book. A critique of your work is not an attack. It’s people trying 2 help the writing be its best. #kidlitchat
2:07 am jetharrington: At SCBWI NY, feedback from morning and afternoon were polar opposites, but ALL liked the voice. I think the rest is mechanics. #kidlitchat
2:07 am dawnmetcalf: RT @skutir When people question or criticize something, don’t get caught up justifying or explaining it. Just nod & say thanks. #kidlitchat
2:07 am gregpincus: LOL. On some of my manuscripts, too. RT @emilyreads: @gregpincus In B-school that’s called a “$hit sandwich.” #kidlitchat
2:08 am emilyreads: I always ask writers to tell me about their writing life. Sometimes I’m stalling, but it really does help me tailor a critique. #kidlitchat
2:08 am dawnmetcalf: @gregpincus I am a BIG believer in the sandwich method. And sandwiches in general. ;-) #kidlitchat
2:08 am bonnieadamson: @sarahshum I feel that writers are so nervous in the presence of editors that they can’t hear what’s being said until later. #kidlitchat
2:08 am sarahshum: RT @Idaho_Laurie: Don’t prefacecritique of historical novel by saying I hate historical fiction BUT DO SAY IF YOU’RE NOT EXPERT #kidlitchat
2:08 am emilyreads: Newbies need different care and feeding than writers who’ve been around the proverbial block a few times. #kidlitchat.
2:08 am happybluejess: @dlschubert Re: Trust yourself. Gradually learning not to get blown all over by contradictory suggestions about a piece. #kidlitchat
2:08 am cheboricuas: Listening is crucial. Don’t explain yourself and use what you think is useful. #kidlitchat
2:08 am Kidlit_Kim_Runs: I remember this! RT @JennBailey: favorite story from reg conf. Woman walked…w editor & burst ..tears. He hadn’t said anything. #kidlitchat
2:09 am ninaberry: Can be confusing if critiques contradict each other. Take what resonates most with you and quietly ditch the rest. #kidlitchat
2:09 am SheviStories: As an online critique group moderator, the hardest thing I had to do was kick someone out of the group. #kidlitchat
2:09 am paulgreci: For face to face critiques, invite the writer to ask any and all questions after critique is over, not during. #kidlitchat
2:09 am dawnmetcalf: Always/Nevers: You can always find something to praise in a work. Never say someone cannot write or will never be published. #kidlitchat
2:09 am PatEsden: Critiquing new writers is an excellent way to give back to the community and gain perspective on your own progress #kidlitchat
2:09 am GinaRitter: I get really sore when critique group members never “allow” you to break any “rules” of kid lit writing for any piece they crit. #kidlitchat
2:09 am KOrtizzle: I limit my critiques bc lots of authors think critique = “I fix and I get representation.” They end up rushing through it… #kidlitchat
2:09 am geekwriter1: Worst critique at conf-distracted agent w/o notes, asked me 2 questions, gave no feedback, was surprised YA fantasy still sold #kidlitchat
2:09 am edithcohn: It’s important to believe in the *power of revision* during critique. Agents & editors too, even if manuscript looks hopeless. #kidlitchat
2:09 am sharifwrites: I don’t use all the critiques, since everyone has their own views. I take the most meaningful crits and work it into the MS. #kidlitchat
2:09 am skutir: Take it all w/a grain of salt except for serious logistical or factual issues that are not subjective. #kidlitchat
2:09 am ChristineTB: RT @dawnmetcalf: Always/Nevers: You can always find something to praise in a work. Never say someone cannot write or will never be published. #kidlitchat
2:09 am KatGirl_Studio: I got use to harsh crits in art school so it really doesn’t bother me as much as it does others #kidlitchat
2:10 am dawnmetcalf: If more than 3 people say the same thing, they’re probably right. ;-) #kidlitchat
2:10 am jetharrington: It’s awesome to have folks write things down on the MS during critique – that frees me up to HEAR it – then read it again later. #kidlitchat
2:10 am SheviStories: Found out later the guy I’d kicked out had been responsible for tearing apart a face-to-face group. #kidlitchat
2:10 am Allison_Ellis: Yay, #kidlitchat ! I just started my own writing critique group so this is terrific advice.
2:10 am GinaRitter: Like everything has to follow a formula. But sometimes being creative breaks rules! #kidlitchat
2:10 am sarahshum: @BonnieAdamson I’ve witnessed writers who aren’t able to hear the crits in the moment, but I also offer written notes, usually #kidlitchat
2:10 am happybluejess: @ninaberry I’m also willing to try multiple suggestions on a shorter piece to see what works. At least I learn what doesn’t! #kidlitchat
2:10 am Buffyandrews: #kidlitchat Having trouble with tweetchat.
2:10 am emilytastic: If you ask someone for critique, you should be prepared for both positive and critical responses. A critique is a gift. #kidlitchat
2:10 am LisaDez: @jetharrington I had that experience when we were on submission. You have to go with what feels right. My editor gets my work. #kidlitchat
2:10 am LJBoldyrev: RT @dawnmetcalf: If more than 3 people say the same thing, they’re probably right. ;-) #kidlitchat
2:11 am geekwriter1: Keep in mind that who is doing the critique may not be the target audience, but there is still something to be learned #kidlitchat
2:11 am carolgrannick: RT @Buffyandrews: #kidlitchat Having trouble with tweetchat. Trouble here, too. Using twitter.
2:11 am sarahshum: RT @cheboricuas: Listening is crucial. Don’t explain yourself and use what you think is useful. #kidlitchat YES. NOT AN ARGUEMENT.
2:11 am bonnieadamson: @sarahshum Yes, thank goodness for written notes. Unless you have the tendency to obsess over those, too. :-) #kidlitchat
2:11 am elizaosborn: I have a hard time with crit groups that go bit by bit. I need to read the full story before I can give helpful notes. #kidlitchat
2:11 am shimes06: the hardest thing i’m learning is that even after a critique it’s ok to “hold on” to something you really believe in in your ms #kidlitchat
2:11 am mumfusa: it’s important to listen to all crits because even if you don’t agree, you will be able to view your work from a new angle. #kidlitchat
2:11 am LisaDez: tweetchat just crashed… #kidlitchat
2:11 am Idaho_Laurie: @sarahshum “Do say if you’re not an expert.” Absolutely. I say this all the time with PB crits. #kidlitchat
2:11 am SheviStories: You can’t afford to have one bad apple in a critique group, one guy ruining it for the rest. #kidlitchat
2:12 am gregpincus: If more than three RT something, too?? RT @dawnmetcalf: If more than 3 people say the same thing, they’re probably right. ;-) #kidlitchat
2:12 am happybluejess: Our group uses track changes, and I love it. Makes it easy once you get to revising. #kidlitchat
2:12 am Shelltex: You have to know your limitations as a critiquer. I don’t crit rhyme. I’m lousy at it. I let my crit partners know upfront. #kidlitchat
2:12 am sharifwrites: @Idaho_Laurie That is something! I’ve encountered rudeness before. #kidlitchat
2:12 am dawnmetcalf: Critiques contradict because writing is subjective. Trust your gut but listen to outside perspectives – it’s what you want most. #kidlitchat
2:12 am skutir: When giving critiques, speak to the writer’s goals at that stage. #kidlitchat
2:12 am rachelarrr: @GinaRitter I’ve seen this too, & it’s not helpful. “Rules” not absolute and need to know why they exist & when to throw out! #kidlitchat
2:12 am KatGirl_Studio: hmm tweetchat has apparently broken #kidlitchat
2:12 am jeanie_w: @KatGirl_Studio Art school crits do toughen your hide. #kidlitchat
2:12 am CynthiaCWillis: Tweetchat just died on me. Is it just me??? #kidlitchat
2:12 am sarahshum: @cheboricuas I always think a crit/comment is essentially a question that you can decide how to answer (in the writing) later #kidlitchat
2:12 am sharifwrites: RT @sarahshum: @BonnieAdamson there will be different notes from every reader…look for notes that resonate with your vision #kidlitchat
2:12 am bonnieadamson: Has anyone ever stumbled into an adult crit group? I’ve heard they’re really brutal. #kidlitchat
2:12 am SheviStories: @LisaDez Tweet Chat crashed on me too. #kidlitchat
2:13 am scribblegurl: RT @dawnmetcalf: Critiques contradict because writing is subjective. Trust your gut but listen to outside perspectives – it’s what you want most. #kidlitchat
2:13 am Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat I no longer write this, but we all use critiques. My best advice. Find a group you can trust to be honest and helpful.
2:13 am paulgreci: See if you can apply the critique to your other WIPs and writing in general #kidlitchat
2:13 am JennBailey: @CynthiaCWillis Not just you. Tweet Chat has died. #kidlitchat
2:13 am happybluejess: @jeanie_w There were many tears in my undergrad fine art program. #kidlitchat
2:13 am rachelarrr: @CynthiaCWillis It’s not working at all for me. :( Not just you. #kidlitchat
2:13 am cheboricuas: RT @EgmontUSA: It’s important to remember when recieving a critique that this is feedback meant to be helful and make your writing better. #kidlitchat
2:13 am LisaDez: @CynthiaCWillis No, it crashed. #kidlitchat
2:13 am dawnmetcalf: Don’t be afraid to change critique groups. Giving/receiving helpful crits is just as subjective as tastes in books. #kidlitchat
2:13 am Buffyandrews: RT @dawnmetcalf: Critiques contradict because writing is subjective. Trust your gut but listen to outside perspectives – it’s what you want most. #kidlitchat
2:13 am gregpincus: I have a feeling that Google Wave will ultimately be a big help to crit groups who revisit the same works #kidlitchat
2:13 am peg366: RT @carolgrannick: RT @jeanie_w: I recommend Becky Levine’s book: The Writing and Critique Group Survival Guide. #kidlitchat
2:13 am mumfusa: critiques are a little easier to take if there is a morsel of praise nestled in. #kidlitchat
2:13 am carolgrannick: Tweetchat down in my part of town. #kidlitchat
2:14 am emilytastic: @Shelltex I don’t crit rhyme/metric work either. You can’t crit what you don’t know! #kidlitchat
2:14 am Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat Let teh critiques simmer and then see what is useful and what isn’t. Always be gracious and grateful. Good critters are gems.
2:14 am jetharrington: @LisaDez I agree: when you’ve been a few rounds of this, you learn that it is subjective. Voice can’t be “fixed”. Mechanics can. #kidlitchat
2:14 am Gwenda: A good critique opens up new possibilities, muting despair at the prospect of more work. IMO. (tweetchat not working!) #kidlitchat
2:14 am sarahshum: RT @KOrtizzle: : fix and I get representation.” They end up rushing through it… #kidlitchat
2:14 am geekwriter1: Critiques – I’d rather receive an undeserved mauling than an undeserved whitewash. I can learn from the mauling. #kidlitchat
2:14 am NatalieHatch: tweetchat just bit the dust over here #kidlitchat
2:14 am emilyreads: Remember (at confs esp) that critiques & contracts are diff things. I may not be able to offer latter, but former still useful. #kidlitchat
2:14 am jennymckmoss: @CynthiaCWillis It died on me too #kidlitchat – can’t get back in
2:14 am sharifwrites: @paulgreci I’ve kept old rejection letters for this purpose. When someone points to a writing flaw, I try not to make it again. #kidlitchat
2:14 am GinaRitter: I also feel like anyone who is THAT staunch about following the rules may not be qualified to crit or are unrealistic??? #kidlitchat
2:14 am peg366: RT @shimes06: the critique sandwich is the way to go ;) #kidlitchat
2:14 am ninaberry: Love my crit partner @elisanader because she calls me on my bulls#@t but isn’t afraid to rhapsodize over what she loves. #kidlitchat
2:14 am lyonmartin: I take all my crit group’s comments and lrt them ferment before revising so I keep both my voice and vision intact. #kidlitchat
2:15 am Shelltex: When one crit partner doesn’t like something in my work but others are okay w/ it, I take it as prep for bad reviews. #kidlitchat
2:15 am gregpincus: For those frustrated by tweetchat tonight, tweetgrid is working: http://tweetgrid.com/search?q=kidlitchat #kidlitchat
2:15 am crcook: always good to hear someone else read your work out loud. Can hear stumbles, awkward phrasing. #kidlitchat
2:15 am bonnieadamson: @gregpincus Re Google Wave–how so? Does it archive embeds? #kidlitchat
2:15 am mumfusa: RT @Julie_Weathers: Let critiques simmer then see what is useful and what isn’t. Always be gracious and grateful. #kidlitchat
2:15 am Allison_Ellis: We begin each writing critique group session with a 15 minute #wordsprint which is always fun #kidlitchat
2:15 am cheriwilliams: A good critique is so good it keeps you revising instead of hanging out at #kidlitchat. I’ll miss you all!
2:15 am Julie_Weathers: @mumfusa #kidlitchat Agreed. I always try to look for the positive and reinforce that. Then move on to the things that don’t work.
2:15 am emilytastic: @gregpincus What is Google Wave and how will it help crit groups? #kidlitchat #livingbehindthetimes
2:15 am sarahshum: RT @KOrtizzle: : They end up rushing through it. #kidlitchat MEANT TO SAY I see this too, and I don’t like it! :)
2:15 am JennBailey: I’ve got huge talent in my crit. group. Their different specialties are wonderful. 1 a grammarian 1 a big picture expert, etc. #kidlitchat
2:15 am paulgreci: @sharifwrites I have kept critiques from experts and have used them when revising other projects. #kidlitchat
2:15 am emilytastic: Please come back, TweetChat! #kidlitchat
2:15 am edithcohn: @kathleenduey Gave best critique advice ever. B=boring, C=confused, D=didn’t believe it. All she needs to know from reader. #kidlitchat
2:15 am CynthiaCWillis: @jennymckmoss Yup, it’s gone, gone, gone. I’m trying participate on TweetDeck, but not so much fun.. #kidlitchat
2:16 am bonnieadamson: Tweetdeck is pretty fast tonight, too, if you’re having trouble with TweetChat. #kidlitchat
2:16 am jeanie_w: RT @Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat Let the critiques simmer and then see what is useful and what isn’t.
2:16 am dawnmetcalf: Best Crit: SCBWI Writing Intensive. Asked if the piece had “voice”. Her answer: Yes & got tapped for my ms. She’s now my editor! #kidlitchat
2:16 am williamskim: RT @gregpincus: I have a feeling that Google Wave will ultimately be a big help to crit groups who revisit the same works #kidlitchat
2:16 am emilytastic: I’m searching for kidlitchat live on TweetGrid Search – http://tweetgrid.com/search?q=kidlitchat #kidlitchat
2:16 am mumfusa: nomnom RT @shimes06: the critique sandwich is the way to go #kidlitchat
2:16 am peg366: RT @dawnmetcalf: If more than 3 people say the same thing, they’re probably right. ;-) #kidlitchat
2:16 am Buffyandrews: All need to understand that the goal is to make the writing the best it can be. #kidlitchat
2:16 am cheboricuas: @sarahshum exactly. And when I go back to my ms I read it with fresh eyes. #kidlitchat
2:16 am JennBailey: Yes! RT @geekwriter1: Critiques – Rather receive an undeserved mauling than an undeserved whitewash. Can learn from the mauling. #kidlitchat
2:17 am gregpincus: @bonnieadamson Wave can archive everything and allows using Google Docs, too. Track changes, all comments there #kidlitchat
2:17 am crcook: I like to talk through things with my crit partner but that back and forth doesn’t always work in a group setting. #kidlitchat
2:17 am ninaberry: Try to soften, but be honest. “I didn’t understand what you meant here…” instead of “What they hell does this mean?” #kidlitchat
2:17 am VMPettingill: @CheriWilliams and a good critiquer should continue critiquing instead of being distracted by #kidlitchat (I’m not really here)
2:17 am AudryT: #kidlitchat Google shows scrolling Twitter results when you search a hashtag.
2:17 am jetharrington: Bonus from NY: i think i have two new critique partners i trust. Looking forward to their perspective on WIP as it grows. #kidlitchat
2:17 am paulgreci: Give the manuscript you are critiquing the same level of effort and attention you give to your own writing #kidlitchat
2:17 am scribblegurl: I take crits with a grain of salt. If something makes me go “hmm” or points out a mistake, I pay attn. Otherwise, I move on. #kidlitchat
2:17 am mumfusa: @Julie_Weathers looks like we give/receive critiques the same way. *shakes hand* nice to meet you. #kidlitchat
2:17 am MandyHubbard: I often see writers get TOO MANY Criques and try to appease them all. Do what makes sense to you, first and foremost! #kidlitchat
2:17 am sarahshum: @geekwriter1 agreed, though I hope I never maul. Would rather be honest if there’s more negative than positive. #kidlitchat
2:18 am ninaberry: I once threw out an idea in a group crit sitch, and someone said, “Well, that’s just stupid.” Not gonna work with her again! #kidlitchat
2:18 am gregpincus: @emilytastic http://wave.google.com/help/wave/about.html In short, an online collaboration too, imo. Still in beta #kidlitchat
2:18 am happybluejess: First SCBWI critique from an agent encouraged me to keep going. Even a kernel of encouragement from the right person is enough. #kidlitchat
2:18 am elizaosborn: It does help to know your partner in person. When she writes “???WTF???” in the margins, you can just laugh and fix it. #kidlitchat
2:18 am emilytastic: I had a great 1st conference at AustinSCBWI this weekend. Four great critique on 3 pieces. My problem? Where to start revising! #kidlitchat
2:18 am Gwenda: Important to always remember you are critiquing work, and not writer. Give respect you expect. #kidlitchat
2:18 am scribblegurl: And when I crit, I don’t “should on” people. My vision is not theirs. Also, I keep my crits constructive. #kidlitchat
2:19 am emilytastic: @ninaberry That sucks. I took a quote from Shana Burg this weekend: “Make painful changes.” It’s my new motto! #kidlitchat
2:19 am crcook: follow through with what resonates with you from a critique #kidlitchat
2:19 am Julie_Weathers: @mumfusa #kidlitchat Thank you. If all you do is tear down, the writer doesn’t know if they are doing anything right. Sometimes they lose
2:19 am EgmontUSA: Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for examples. The critique is useless if you don’t understand it. #kidlitchat
2:19 am mumfusa: good point! @Gwenda Important to always remember you are critiquing work, not writer. Give respect you expect. #kidlitchat
2:19 am Brent_Watson41: @emilytastic Glad I’m not the only one clueless about Google Wave. Google Docs? I suck #kidlitchat
2:19 am KOrtizzle: I see some people rewrite for the author instead of critique…big difference…. #kidlitchat
2:19 am sharifwrites: @Shelltex I do, too. At first I was taken aback, but it is a good prep. #kidlitchat
2:20 am bonnieadamson: RT @AudryT: #kidlitchat Google shows scrolling Twitter results when you search a hashtag. <–it DOES! I never knew that.
2:20 am Julie_Weathers: @mumfusa #kidlitchat the things that were really wonderful because no one told them, “YES! This works. You nailed it.”
2:20 am Annarkie: RT @KOrtizzle: I limit my critiques bc lots of authors think critique = “I fix and I get representation.” They end up rushing through it… #kidlitchat
2:20 am lisa_schroeder: I think asking questions can be a good way to get a person thinking about what might need work in a manuscript. #kidlitchat
2:20 am scribblegurl: exactly! stay true to yourself and your story! @MandyHubbard Do what makes sense to you, first and foremost! #kidlitchat
2:20 am AnnaZiska: How? I have it & don’t understand it yet. @gregpincus I have a feeling that Google Wave… #kidlitchat
2:20 am jetharrington: Amen! RT @Shelltex: When one crit partner doesn’t like my work but others are okay w/ it, I take it as prep for bad reviews. #kidlitchat
2:20 am emilytastic: My crit partner and I meet semi-regularly in person and check in on eachother via phone. Having a relationship makes crit better #kidlitchat
2:20 am bonnieadamson: @gregpincus I guess I’ll have to give Google Wave another shot. #kidlitchat
2:20 am GinaRitter: I was told my stuff was too weird. Then walked into the bookstore and saw WALTER THE FARTING DOG and thought, “I’M weird???” #kidlitchat
2:20 am crcook: must get kiddos into bed. Thanks again for another great chat! #kidlitchat
2:20 am ninaberry: @emilytastic. Thanks, but I did learn from it – when to care what people think and when not too! Very valuable. #kidlitchat
2:21 am ElanaJ: @emilytastic I so agree about having a personal relationship with critters. #kidlitchat
2:21 am mumfusa: you learn something new everyday! RT @AudryT: #kidlitchat Google shows scrolling Twitter results when you search a hashtag.
2:21 am CynthiaCWillis: I’m searching for kidlitchat live on TweetGrid Search – http://tweetgrid.com/search?q=kidlitchat #kidlitchat
2:21 am sbennettwealer: RT @MandyHubbard: I often see writers get TOO MANY Criques and try to appease them all. Do what makes sense to you, first and foremost! #kidlitchat
2:21 am MandyHubbard: Woops, forgot #Kidlitchat Not to be lame, but speaking of crits–auctioning one on my blog, to benefit cancer research: http://bit.ly/9rSnmr
2:22 am scribblegurl: @lisa_schroeder never thought of that, and it’s absolutely true. nice. #kidlitchat
2:22 am emilytastic: @GinaRitter There will always be room for weird in kidlit. You’ve just gotta know your market and schmooze your indies! #kidlitchat
2:22 am JennBailey: @bonnieadamson I’ve tried it (google wave). More than once. Find it rather difficult too. #kidlitchat
2:22 am Gwenda: Best beginning critique advice I ever got (from @celluloidblonde ): Three strengths and three weaknesses min. for every piece. #kidlitchat
2:22 am marjoriemliu: So true. RT @Gwenda A good critique opens up new possibilities, muting despair at the prospect of more work. IMO. #kidlitchat
2:22 am dawnmetcalf: YES! Hate rewriting. Suggestions OK. RT @KOrtizzle I see some people rewrite for the author instead of critique. BIG difference! #kidlitchat
2:22 am gregpincus: @AnnaZiska in terms of integrating chat, email, and docs it seems perfect for going over + over a manuscript. Still clunky, tho #kidlitchat
2:22 am sarahshum: Critiques also practice for editorial letters. Mine = comments and questions, surrounded by praise, of course! #kidlitchat
2:22 am edithcohn: @KOrtizzle Agreed. I don’t like people marking out my words. If something’s confusing, ask question in margin. #kidlitchat
2:22 am kososma: @MandyHubbard – Try this site http://bit.ly/71guuY -Woops, forgot #Kidlitchat Not to be lame, but speaking of crits–auctioning one o…
2:22 am lyonmartin: Have to get back to work, that deadline won’t wait. Thax all! #kidlitchat
2:22 am gregpincus: @JennBailey @BonnieAdamson Oh, it’s still clunky and not always intuitive. I assume it will progress! #kidlitchat
2:22 am scribblegurl: @GinaRitter LOL! do you know how many parents HATE that book? and the kids LOVE it. :) #kidlitchat
2:22 am happybluejess: @ElanaJ Agree re: personal contact. My group members know my strengths and weaknesses and usually push me just enough. #kidlitchat
2:22 am AudryT: Anyone take crits from the under 18 crowd, or use teens as beta readers? #kidlitchat
2:22 am Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat I learned on the Compuserve Lit Forum novel workshop how valuable it was to have a group critiquing. Each critter has a
2:23 am sarahshum: RT @EgmontUSA: Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for examples. The critique is useless if you don’t understand it. #kidlitchat YES!
2:23 am CynthiaCWillis: Trying tweetgrid… #kidlitchat
2:23 am bonnieadamson: @JennBailey I found it horribly confusing and gave up. Need a tutorial. #kidlitchat
2:23 am ninaberry: Agree! RT@emilytastic: crit partner and I meet semi-regularly and check in via phone. Having a relationship makes crit better #kidlitchat
2:23 am dlschubert: My agent and my husband are my most trusted crit partners. I totally trust them and they totally “get” me. #kidlitchat
2:23 am jennymckmoss: @AudryT my daughter! #kidlitchat
2:23 am rachelarrr: @MandyHubbard Not lame at all, Mandy! Hope you get a lot of bids, important research. #kidlitchat
2:23 am Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat strength. At the end, you have it examined from many angles, instead of just one looking glass.
2:23 am mumfusa: @Julie_Weathers right. a constructive critique needs to include both the pos & neg so the writer doesn’t trash the wrong things #kidlitchat
2:23 am dawnmetcalf: RT @Gwenda: Best beginning critique advice I ever got (from @celluloidblonde ): Three strengths and three weaknesses min. for every piece. #kidlitchat
2:24 am Gwenda: As a writer, I love it when people spitball–especially in early drafts–on ways to fix problems. Not dictation, brain trust. #kidlitchat
2:24 am happybluejess: @AudryT Just my own kids so far. #kidlitchat
2:24 am emilytastic: @AudryT I have tried! I have a younger sister, but she is “too busy” to read my ms. LAME. #kidlitchat
2:24 am sarahshum: @GinaRitter there’s something for everyone! It’s about finding your audience/readers! #kidlitchat
2:24 am dawnmetcalf: Agree. RT @MandyHubbard: I often see writers get TOO MANY Crits & try to appease them all. Do what makes sense to you, first! #kidlitchat
2:24 am Brent_Watson41: @AudryT I do. I teach 8th grade and use my manuscripts as read alouds. I think they help me a great deal #kidlitchat
2:24 am rachelarrr: @geekwriter1 Yep. Have known people who feel getting undeserved praise made them less able to take contradictory criticism later #kidlitchat
2:24 am LisaDez: I had a crit partners like that. ugh RT @KOrtizzle I see some people rewrite for the author instead of critique. BIG difference! #kidlitchat
2:24 am shimes06: RT @gregpincus: For those frustrated by tweetchat tonight, tweetgrid is working: http://tweetgrid.com/search?q=kidlitchat #kidlitchat
2:24 am JennBailey: @BonnieAdamson Our Social Media Club board gave up on it for planning sessions. We need @gregpincus to show us the beauty. #kidlitchat
2:24 am Julie_Weathers: @mumfusa #kidlitchat Exactly. In my first work, I threw away a lot of the good stuff, then learned later that was my strength. Everyone just
2:24 am mumfusa: @dlschubert and chocolate. chocolate gets you too! it helps smooth over the tender feelings….#kidlitchat
2:25 am EgmontUSA: @sarahshum Exactly! My line edits and ed letters mix of thoughts, qs and praise meant to be digested and make project better. #kidlitchat
2:25 am sharifwrites: @bonnieadamson I didn’t get it either, but some ppl are saying it’s a powerful communication tool. #kidlitchat
2:25 am GinaRitter: @scribblegurl REally! Think about Captain Underpants too! #kidlitchat
2:25 am KateMessner: I give my 7th grade students mss w/ post-its. Post a pink one where you’re bored…green when you love something…etc. #kidlitchat
2:25 am geekwriter1: Don’t get me wrong, a semi-whitewash is good for the ego now and then. #kidlitchat
2:25 am Julie_Weathers: @mumfusa #kidlitchat thought I knew. When I started cutting I cut the wrong parts.
2:25 am dlschubert: I’m “lucky” 2 have teens around all the time. I sometimes ask them to read. RT @AudryT Anyone take crits from under 18 crowd? #kidlitchat
2:25 am LiaKeyes: Wanted to join #kidlitchat but son needs the computer so will have to postpone until next time. Look forward to the transcript.
2:25 am CynthiaCWillis: Sincerity is key in a critique. I have to trust the review. #kidlitchat
2:25 am emilytastic: @KateMessner That’s a great idea! #kidlitchat
2:25 am SheviStories: I have the greatest critique group. We’re all trying to help one another achieve our goals. #kidlitchat
2:25 am EgmontUSA: @katemessner I love that idea. #kidlitchat
2:26 am JennBailey: I love being critiqued. But then my family are all puritanical New Englanders. I guess I see it as love. #kidlitchat
2:26 am GinaRitter: @sarahshum Just having a hard time finding crit partners that can deal with humor! #kidlitchat
2:26 am KateMessner: Finding the right crit group can take time – don’t be afraid to “date” until you get the right fit. #kidlitchat
2:26 am AudryT: The last time I tried online crit, it was SF/Fantasy group and did me no good. Very few useful crits. That was years ago. #kidlitchat
2:26 am jennwwrites: I’m searching for kidlitchat live on TweetGrid Search – http://tweetgrid.com/search?q=kidlitchat #kidlitchat
2:27 am jennwwrites: #kidlitchat
2:27 am scribblegurl: @geekwriter1 I’m with you. I need to know what sucks more than I do what works. #kidlitchat
2:27 am geekwriter1: @emilytastic That would be a great problem to have, esp after critiques at SCBWI! #kidlitchat
2:27 am Gwenda: Who here is so much more comfortable with notes than praise? Notes I can try to fix, praise I have to _accept_. Ick. #kidlitchat
2:27 am sarahshum: RT @KateMessner: I give my students mss w/ post-its. Post pink where you’re bored…green when you love something…. #kidlitchat Good idea!
2:27 am Brent_Watson41: @LiaKeyes Tell son, “Too freakin’ bad. Buy your own.” :) #kidlitchat
2:27 am dlschubert: @mumfusa I think I get chocolate more than it gets me. Actually, it gets me in the thighs. (Hah!) #kidlitchat
2:27 am bonnieadamson: @sharifwrites @JennBailey @gregpincus I couldn’t add contacts–or maybe I could . . . O_o #kidlitchat
2:27 am emilytastic: I had a pretty good online poetry crit group a few years ago. But for prose I prefer in person, with notes on paper. #kidlitchat
2:27 am CynthiaCWillis: Too much positive feedback isn’t very helpful, is it? #kidlitchat
2:27 am NatalieHatch: I’m searching for kidlitchat live on TweetGrid Search – http://tweetgrid.com/search?q=kidlitchat #kidlitchat
2:27 am jennwwrites: finding right crit partner takes time. also using same crit partner for multiple projects helps. you get each other writing. #kidlitchat
2:27 am scribblegurl: @GinaRitter LOL! Yep! Working in a bookstore was hugely enlightening! #kidlitchat
2:27 am edithcohn: @SheviStories I have an awesome crit group too! They rule. #kidlitchat
2:27 am ChristineTB: RT @KateMessner: Finding the right crit group can take time – don’t be afraid to “date” until you get the right fit. #kidlitchat
2:27 am GinaRitter: Explain pls?? RT @Allison_Ellis: We begin each writing critique group session with a 15 minute #wordsprint which is always fun #kidlitchat
2:27 am nkrell: I’m spoiled. Anne Perry is a friend of the family. She is one amazing person to bounce ideas off of. #kidlitchat
2:28 am JennBailey: @KOrtizzle Wanted to thank you for the *wave* in New York. #kidlitchat
2:28 am jetharrington: @AudryT I absolutely use teens as beta readers – might not critique at all levels, but they are specific about what WORKS. #kidlitchat
2:28 am carolgrannick: RT @CynthiaCWillis: Too much positive feedback isn’t very helpful, is it? #kidlitchat No, definitely not.
2:28 am SheviStories: First critique group I had was in a playwriting class. The professor told me I should be a writer. #kidlitchat
2:28 am jennymckmoss: In one of my face-to-face groups, we’d read each others mss out loud. V much helped to hear another read your words #kidlitchat
2:28 am AnnaZiska: Has anyone uploaded mss to Kindle in pdf for family or friend to read? #kidlitchat
2:28 am nkrell: RT @dlschubert: @mumfusa I think I get chocolate more than it gets me. Actually, it gets me in the thighs. (Hah!) #kidlitchat
2:28 am amgamble: @dlschubert An ahh, the honesty…I read something to my son, he bursts out, “Well that needs work!” #kidlitchat
2:28 am happybluejess: Two editors gave very different critiques for same piece. Didn’t think I could do them, but tried. Now one of them is my editor. #kidlitchat
2:28 am jennwwrites: praise is nice if there is a lot of negative, but the best crit to me is the one that makes me ask myself questions #kidlitchat
2:28 am marjorielight: @AudryT Many former students read my ms after my critique grp. They ck for any un-teen language & point out confusion. #kidlitchat
2:29 am shimes06: ugh I will have to just wait for the transcripts as I can’t seem to get a tweet out there #kidlitchat
2:29 am emilytastic: @jennwwrites I agree, a crit partner isn’t just any other writer you can get to read your work. Your crit styles have to mesh. #kidlitchat
2:29 am carolgrannick: RT @ChristineTB: RT @KateMessner: Finding the right crit group can take time – don’t be afraid to “date”… #kidlitchat
2:29 am peg366: #kidlitchat I love all 3 of my crit groups. Each is different but valuable, They keep me grounded.
2:29 am Julie_Weathers: @AudryT #kidlitchat Look up the forum Diana Gabaldon hangs out on. They have the best kidlit section I have seen. M. Skrypunch is mod.
2:29 am EgmontUSA: Sometimes the most difficult things to hear can be the most useful. Forces you to take a hard look and approach a different way. #kidlitchat
2:29 am AudryT: @Gwenda I like praise when it’s raw and emotional. “Oh my god, that made me cry!” Generic praise makes me gag. #kidlitchat
2:29 am sharifwrites: @CynthiaCWillis No. I need to know where the flaws are to make the work as polished as possible. #kidlitchat
2:29 am lisa_schroeder: I think critiquing other people’s work has taught me a lot and helped me to become a better writer. #kidlitchat
2:29 am lkstrohecker: @KateMessner I love your post-it idea! Have used them w/students before, but not like that. Will have to try it! #kidlitchat
2:29 am ElanaJ: I like to have some things I’m doing well, as well as constructive help for what isn’t working well. #kidlitchat
2:29 am nkrell: RT @EgmontUSA: Sometimes the most difficult things to hear can be the most useful. Forces you to take a hard look and approach a different way. #kidlitchat
2:29 am sarahshum: @jennymckmoss: In one of my groups, we’d read each others mss out loud. helped to hear another read your words #kidlitchat THIS IS GREAT
2:30 am jennwwrites: @EgmontUSA yes. this is a much better way at what I was trying to say. so true. #kidlitchat
2:30 am sharifwrites: @jennymckmoss I’d like to try that. I read my work out loud, when I’m writing and in my group. #kidlitchat
2:30 am GinaRitter: Wow!! RT @ninaberry: I once threw out an idea in a group crit sitch, and someone said, “Well, that’s just stupid.” #kidlitchat
2:30 am Brent_Watson41: @peg366 3 crit groups? Is it time consuming? #kidlitchat
2:30 am ninaberry: RT @jennwwrites: praise is nice if there is a lot of negative, but the best crit to me is the one that makes me ask myself questions #kidlitchat
2:30 am KateMessner: Good places to find crit group opportunities: SCBWI & Verla Kay’s forum for kidlit writers & illustrators. #kidlitchat
2:30 am mumfusa: it would be good to hear how someone else interprets/stumbles over/enjoys your words. @jennymckmoss we read others mss out loud #kidlitchat
2:30 am dawnmetcalf: Worst crit: Accused of being my story’s psychopathic antagonist. Crit group broke apart & I was scared off/gun-shy for months. #kidlitchat
2:30 am jeannevb: @amgamble i’ve read things to my girl and her response has been “eh, fail” @dlschubert ha #kidlitchat
2:30 am WriterRoss: RT @lisa_schroeder: I think critiquing other people’s work has taught me a lot and helped me to become a better writer. #kidlitchat
2:30 am CynthiaCWillis: @sharifwrites Absolutely! Sometimes people seem afraid to be truly honest. #kidlitchat
2:30 am jennwwrites: @lisa_schroeder i agree #kidlitchat
2:30 am marjorielight: @AudryT My son & his crew edit my edgy YA – I don’t use students for that – they are too young #kidlitchat
2:30 am Gwenda: Except of course the inability to recognize what’s good is a flaw you have to overcome too. (::shakes fist at writing::) #kidlitchat
2:30 am MissusM: @Brent_Watson41 Me too. I would happy to be an email critiquer, although I do write YA books for teen girls. #kidlitchat
2:30 am dawnmetcalf: Yes!! RT @KateMessner Good places to find crit group opportunities: SCBWI & Verla Kay’s forum for kidlit writers & illustrators. #kidlitchat
2:30 am scribblegurl: @AudryT Generic praise does not bother me, but it isn’t the least bit helpful. Neither is generic canning. #kidlitchat
2:31 am mumfusa: so true. @lisa_schroeder I think critiquing other people’s work has taught me a lot and helped me to become a better writer. #kidlitchat
2:31 am happybluejess: @Brent_Watson41 Are you a member of SCBWI? I think some of the regional chapters have resources for finding a group near you. #kidlitchat
2:31 am edithcohn: @KateMessner I love the post-it note idea too for teaching kids! #kidlitchat
2:31 am jeannevb: @amgamble @dlschubert oops. didnt realize I was in #kidlitchat *runs and hides*
2:31 am geekwriter1: Nail me on what I messed up. Praise me for what you liked. *You’re awesome* or *You’re awful* aren’t helpful. I’m neither #kidlitchat
2:31 am gregpincus: How many of you have online critique groups?#kidlitchat
2:31 am sarahshum: copyediting policy that applies to critiques: understand that every query needs a response — you decide HOW best to address #kidlitchat
2:31 am Gwenda: @AudryT: If it’s not specific, I don’t believe it At All (my neuroses kicking in). #kidlitchat
2:31 am ninaberry: Must head out for friend’s bday, but thanks all for a lovely/informative #kidlitchat as always!
2:31 am SheviStories: @lisa_schroeder You learn as much in critiquing others as you do having your work critiqued. #kidlitchat
2:31 am Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat Margie Lawson has some online workshops and some you can buy that are great regardless of genre. She had a color coding system
2:31 am dawnmetcalf: @MissusM @Brent_Watson41 I’ve only done email crits. 3 groups, 2 solo partners. If you find good people, it works! #kidlitchat
2:31 am DDHearn: HI guys. Is something wrong with tweetchat? I can’t get on. #kidlitchat
2:31 am AudryT: I don’t have a lot of YA writer peers in my area (Agoura Hills, CA) so I really need to put together a skilled online crit group #kidlitchat
2:32 am dawnmetcalf: So so true. RT @SheviStories @lisa_schroeder You learn as much in critiquing others as you do having your work critiqued. #kidlitchat
2:32 am jennymckmoss: Multiple crits on same work can be overwhelming – esp if everyone saying something diff – helped 4 me to just put ms aside 4 bit #kidlitchat
2:32 am ElanaJ: @gregpincus I have an online group and an in-person group. Love them both. #kidlitchat
2:32 am emilytastic: People keep mentioning SCBWI, and I have to add, it is one of the best investments I’ve made in my career as a writer. #kidlitchat
2:32 am CynthiaCWillis: @DDHearn Tweetchat seems to be a wreck tonight. #kidlitchat
2:32 am B_A_Bookworm: I’m a little late chiming in but happy to be here. #kidlitchat
2:32 am MandyHubbard: The other thing about critters is they become your writing BFFs, and if you’re lucky, you’ll debut (and stress) together #kidlitchat
2:32 am EgmontUSA: RT @sarahshum: copyediting policy that applies to critiques: understand that every query needs a response — you decide HOW best to address #kidlitchat
2:32 am edithcohn: I found two of my critique groups through SCBWI. In CA they have a separate Critique Connections listserve #kidlitchat
2:32 am carolgrannick: @DDHearn Tweetchat not working. Try tweetgrid. #kidlitchat
2:32 am Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat in one lesson that shows you a visual pattern of your story. Where the action is, where it slows down, where you have too much.
2:32 am jennymckmoss: RT @lisa_schroeder You learn as much in critiquing others as you do having your work critiqued. #kidlitchat
2:32 am lisa_schroeder: @SheviStories Yes, looking at work critically is really good for us, I think. #kidlitchat
2:32 am SheviStories: What’s the ideal number of members in a critique group? Ours works best with 6-10. #kidlitchat
2:33 am KateMessner: @gregpincus My crit group is online- though I was lucky enough to spend last weekend w/ two of them at Kindling Words. #kidlitchat
2:33 am Brent_Watson41: @MissusM hmm, I write for boys. Does that bother you? Do you think teen boys are icky? They are, but can you get past that? #kidlitchat
2:33 am marjorielight: My favorite criticism is the blunt kind – cut to the chase! :-) #kidlitchat
2:33 am jennwwrites: it also helps to critters w/ diff focus. I have a plot critter and then technical crit. one for the whole and one for the parts #kidlitchat
2:33 am geekwriter1: @AudryT There’s a YA writing group on WDC in which we write disciplined critiques, including line-by-lines. #kidlitchat
2:33 am dlschubert: @ChristineTB Teens are blunt, but that’s good, right? (Remind me of this next time I want to do something I might regret. ) #kidlitchat
2:33 am bonnieadamson: @DDHearn I can’t get on TweetChat either. #kidlitchat
2:33 am rachelarrr: Definitely RT @lisa_schroeder I think critiquing other people’s work has taught me a lot & helped me to become a better writer. #kidlitchat
2:33 am dawnmetcalf: @mumfusa @jennymckmoss For self-crit: I always read entire ms aloud. You can *hear* the mistakes. #kidlitchat
2:33 am JennBailey: @DDHearn I’m following the conversation on TweetChat but tweeting on TweetDeck. Hear TweetGrid is working too. #kidlitchat
2:33 am kerimikulski: @dawnmetcalf Second that – learn as much in critiquing others as you do having your work critiqued @lisa_schroeder #kidlitchat
2:33 am Brent_Watson41: @happybluejess Not yet, but I’ve been thinking about becoming a member. #kidlitchat
2:33 am Julie_Weathers: @jennymckmoss #kidlitchat I think it depends on the group. I had to figure out which critters on Comp. meshed with my style and which I
2:33 am dlschubert: @jeannevb WELCOME TO: #kidlitchat (hee hee)
2:33 am B_A_Bookworm: Tweetchat seems to be a wreck tonight. #kidlitchat RT @CynthiaCWillis <-Yup, I guess we’ll be wingin’ it tonight!
2:33 am KateMessner: RT @sarahshum: copyediting policy applies to critiques:every query needs response — you decide HOW best to address #kidlitchat
2:33 am ninaberry: Love them! RT@emilytastic I have to add, SCBWI is one of the best investments I’ve made in my career as a writer. #kidlitchat
2:34 am carolgrannick: Every person in my crit group has different & valuable perspective. Pretty amazing. #kidlitchat
2:34 am NecessaryWriter: RT @gregpincus: @JennBailey @BonnieAdamson Oh, it’s still clunky and not always intuitive. I assume it will progress! #kidlitchat
2:34 am lisa_schroeder: I’m not in a group anymore. I have a couple of writer friends I turn to when I need a read, and they know I’m here for them too. #kidlitchat
2:34 am Brent_Watson41: @happybluejess Kinda made a promise to myself not to spend a dime trying to get published. Not working out for me so far. #kidlitchat
2:34 am GinaRitter: I was actually disappointed with a crit I got from professionals at an SCBWI conference. Waaaay less helpful than crit partners. #kidlitchat
2:34 am emilytastic: RT @dawnmetcalf: @mumfusa @jennymckmoss For self-crit: I always read entire ms aloud. You can *hear* the mistakes. #kidlitchat
2:34 am SheviStories: @AudryT I put together my online MG/YA critique group. It’s easy with Yahoo, but you need to establish rules. #kidlitchat
2:34 am MissusM: @Brent_Watson41 Teen boys are icky, but I remember them well. Am also a Red Sox fan! #kidlitchat
2:34 am ElanaJ: @dawnmetcalf In addition to that, I like to have my computer read it to me as well. #kidlitchat
2:34 am Julie_Weathers: @jennymckmoss #kidlitchat had to politely thank and ignore. Thankfully, I have a superb group of writers now.
2:34 am Shelltex: It is rewarding to see crit partners get published. You get to share in excitement. #kidlitchat
2:34 am edithcohn: @gregpincus I’ve only had in-person groups. I luv the face-to-face. You can ask questions & hug afterwards. *smile* #kidlitchat
2:34 am NatalieHatch: I’ve used Word’s Microsoft Mary to read my mss to me, bit weird but things the jar really stand out #kidlitchat
2:34 am gregpincus: I loved my (now disbanded) online group. The freedom to crit at my own pace was perfect #kidlitchat
2:34 am jennwwrites: @kerimikulski Yep. I’ll third that. #kidlitchat
2:35 am SheviStories: @DDHearn Diane, TweetChat’s broken. Use Twitter hashtags. #kidlitchat
2:35 am nkrell: @marjorielight Exactly. Critique has got to be blunt. Otherwise, it’s like putting a bandaid on a bullet wound.#kidlitchat
2:35 am cm_fletcher: Once took a workshop w/ Chris Offutt who said only about 10% of critique is helpful–the hard part is knowing which 10% #kidlitchat
2:35 am ElanaJ: @edithcohn And eat. :) #kidlitchat
2:35 am scribblegurl: @AudryT I read boatloads of YA and sometimes write it. Add me to your list, if you like. #kidlitchat
2:35 am Brent_Watson41: @MissusM Ok, that is huge! #kidlitchat
2:35 am AudryT: Yes! RT @dawnmetcalf: @mumfusa @jennymckmoss For self-crit: I always read entire ms aloud. You can *hear* the mistakes. #kidlitchat
2:35 am JennBailey: And tonight on Lost . . . I am SOOOO Kidding!! (I love you Tivo) #kidlitchat
2:35 am jennymckmoss: Also – & this is rare – but I’ve had reactions in critique be off – so can be misleading – listen to others, but trust your gut #kidlitchat
2:35 am CynthiaCWillis: I much prefer online critique groups. More freedom, I think. #kidlitchat
2:35 am MissusM: @SheviStories Please share the magic of Yahoo online crit group. #kidlitchat
2:36 am edithcohn: @ElanaJ Oh yes! We love eating. No one should have to receive crits on an empty stomach. #kidlitchat
2:36 am CynthiaCWillis: @jennymckmoss Totally agree about trusting you gut! #kidlitchat
2:36 am marjorielight: Sometimes I ask student critics to tell me 3 things that bothered/confused them…gives “permission” to critique adult #kidlitchat
2:36 am jeannevb: @dlschubert ur such a bad influence ;) #kidlitchat
2:36 am Gwenda: There’s blunt and there’s blunt: if the author can’t hear what you have to say b/c it comes across as attack, not effective. #kidlitchat
2:36 am B_A_Bookworm: Sometimes most difficult things to hear can b most useful~Forces u to take a hard look & approach a different way. #kidlitchat RT @EgmontUSA
2:36 am gregpincus: @edithcohn Yes, but with online groups you can make faces and derisive comments about the crit-er and no one knows it! #kidlitchat
2:36 am kerimikulski: I’ve done it all – in person, online, and email critiques.. Depends on what works best for you. #kidlitchat
2:36 am Gwenda: Jane Yolen once said that every editorial letter should begin like a love letter. Possibly true. #kidlitchat
2:36 am mumfusa: true & having someone else read yours would exaggerate that process. RT @dawnmetcalf read entire ms aloud; can hear mistakes. #kidlitchat
2:37 am cm_fletcher: @jennymckmoss So true. If you can’t trust your instinct & vision, too easy to get led astray by someone else’s. #kidlitchat
2:37 am whitneymiller: I feel very lucky to have a wonderful, local critique group. I think 2010 is gonna be our year! #kidlitchat
2:37 am dawnbonnevie: RT @cm_fletcher: Once took a workshop w/ Chris Offutt who said only about 10% of critique is helpful–the hard part is knowing which 10% #kidlitchat
2:37 am shimes06: part of a great online group. but wish for face to face somtimes, things can get “lost in translation” #kidlitchat
2:37 am DDHearn: @bonnieadamson I’m just following on twitter right now. It’s not as good as tweetchat. Havn’t registered for tweetgrid. #kidlitchat
2:37 am nkrell: @Gwenda Very true. Constructive criticism is needed. #kidlitchat
2:37 am sharifwrites: @GinaRitter I’ve received great input from both amateurs and professionals. #kidlitchat
2:37 am GinaRitter: One SCBWI crit group… the moderator was kinda scary! She didn’t listen and didn’t like me, I don’t think. I didn’t stay long. #kidlitchat
2:37 am edithcohn: @gregpincus ha! True. You can stick out your tongue at them & they’ll never know. #kidlitchat
2:38 am kerimikulski: @Gwenda Love this – Jane Yolen once said that every editorial letter should begin like a love letter. #kidlitchat
2:38 am SheviStories: My group ends each critique “Use what works for you and chuck the rest.” #kidlitchat
2:38 am jennymckmoss: RT @sharifwrites: @GinaRitter I’ve received great input from both amateurs and professionals. #kidlitchat
2:38 am rachelarrr: Do people in larger critique groups (maybe 5+ members) find it hard to keep up with the time commitment? #kidlitchat
2:38 am KOrtizzle: Must go critique MS (irony). But on topic: check out my blog for Query critique contest: http://kortizzle.blogspot.com Night! #kidlitchat
2:38 am JennBailey: I like seeing the reactions, hearing the chuckles the stumbles or pauses of a live group. Online has benefits of time to mull. #kidlitchat
2:38 am bonnieadamson: @DDHearn TweetDeck is working tonight, too. #kidlitchat
2:38 am emilytastic: Sometimes our critique meetings double as author therapy. Also extremely helpful. #kidlitchat
2:38 am Gwenda: @nkrell Well, and just if there’s nothing positive, you can always recommend books, right? #kidlitchat
2:38 am marjorielight: @nkrell HA! now THAT’s an analogy I can embrace. Well, without the blood. #kidlitchat
2:38 am happybluejess: @Brent_Watson41 It was crucial for me to join SCBWI. Everyone’s different. But I needed the camaraderie, connections, and info. #kidlitchat
2:38 am CynthiaCWillis: @GinaRitter Ugh! That sounds ugly! Sorry to hear that. #kidlitchat
2:38 am Brent_Watson41: @AudryT I do, too. Usually in front of a class full of teenagers. They usually point and laugh at you for a mistake. #kidlitchat
2:38 am kerimikulski: Rather hear the bad news from a ‘critter’ first than from a reviewer or editor later. :) #kidlitchat
2:38 am ElanaJ: For critiques: start well, end well, put the blood in the middle. #kidlitchat
2:38 am lisa_schroeder: I love revising from feedback – when I read the comments and everything goes YES, that’s just what it needs!!! #kidlitchat
2:39 am jennwwrites: RT @ElanaJ: For critiques: start well, end well, put the blood in the middle. #kidlitchat
2:39 am DDHearn: Does it work better if published authors only work with other published authors, or is it ok to have beginners too. #kidlitchat
2:39 am edithcohn: Yay to that! @kerimikulski @Gwenda Love this – Jane Yolen once said that every editorial letter should begin like a love letter. #kidlitchat
2:39 am CynthiaCWillis: RT @kerimikulski: Rather hear the bad news from a ‘critter’ first than from a reviewer or editor later. :) #kidlitchat
2:39 am NicoleDGreen: RT @ElanaJ: For critiques: start well, end well, put the blood in the middle. #kidlitchat
2:39 am clarkwriter: RT @dawnmetcalf: Tips getting crits: Mouth shut, ears open, DO NOT JUSTIFY. Write down everything. Put it aside & read later. Goal is to help u! #kidlitchat
2:39 am Shelltex: RT @ElanaJ: For critiques: start well, end well, put the blood in the middle. #kidlitchat
2:39 am nkrell: @Gwenda yep. #kidlitchat
2:39 am Julie_Weathers: http://bit.ly/29C26w #kidlitchat That’s where there’s a really good kid section with exceptional writers.
2:39 am bonnieadamson: @rachelarrr I think between 4-6 is optimal size for critique group. #kidlitchat
2:39 am emilytastic: @lisa_schroeder Me too! It gives me a good starting point, instead of just looking at your first draft and being overwhelmed. #kidlitchat
2:39 am Gwenda: Best thing live group has over email crits is ability to group think things out afterward, imo–don’t miss it otherwise. #kidlitchat
2:39 am jetharrington: @Brent_Watson41 Being an SCBWI member wasn’t about getting published (for me) but about improving my craft. It’s working. #kidlitchat
2:39 am gimlet_2: what an awesome Tuesday night at #kidlitchat
2:39 am B_A_Bookworm: Rather hear the bad news from a ‘critter’ first than from a reviewer or editor later. :) #kidlitchat RT @kerimikulski <-So true.
2:39 am jennwwrites: @lisa_schroeder so true. a great feeling #kidlitchat
2:39 am whitneymiller: I’ll attest to the read aloud self-crit. I’m in the midst of one right now and it’s…eye-opening! o_O #kidlitchat
2:39 am SheviStories: @MissusM Start a Yahoo Group. Advertise on Verla Kay or SCBWI boards. Set criteria for applicants… #kidlitchat
2:39 am carolgrannick: @rachelarrr In crit group of 7, all can sub 10pp., but don’t always. We like the frequency & intensity. #kidlitchat
2:40 am geekwriter1: @lisa_schroeder Me too! Revising from somebody else’s mind is the easiest revising I ever do. #kidlitchat
2:40 am cm_fletcher: @JennBailey Nothing better than hearing laughter–where there’s SUPPOSED to be laughter! (if not…nothing worse!) #kidlitchat
2:40 am nkrell: @marjorielight It’s an awesome visual, isn’t it? #kidlitchat
2:40 am DDHearn: @SheviStories That’s what I’m doing. It’s a little harder than tweetchat, but it’s working ok. #kidlitchat
2:40 am GinaRitter: I just want to skip the drama and have great crit groups that get along and give honest, hardcore crits that inspire me. #kidlitchat
2:40 am AudryT: @DDHearn I think the trick is to find authors who know how to crit. Whether they’ve been published is not as important. #kidlitchat
2:40 am B_A_Bookworm: RT @GinaRitter: I just want to skip the drama and have great crit groups that get along and give honest, hardcore crits that inspire me. #kidlitchat
2:40 am edithcohn: I also get amazing critique advice from my agent. #kidlitchat
2:40 am GinaRitter: RT @Brent_Watson41: @peg366 3 crit groups? Is it time consuming? #kidlitchat
2:41 am emilytastic: @DDHearn I’m using tweetgrid.com, it’s v. similar. #kidlitchat
2:41 am DDHearn: @cm_fletcher Would a lot of critique would be subjective stuff? How do you weed out subjective from the important stuff? #kidlitchat
2:41 am dawnbonnevie: #kidlitchat I like the flexibilty of my online group. In person would be nice though, if I didn’t live in the sticks.
2:41 am ElanaJ: Crit partners can be found anywhere writers hang out. Take the time to get to know your critters first, and the crits hurt less. #kidlitchat
2:41 am CateHart: Best cp I ever had was brutally blunt – love ya @christamchugh RT @nkrell critique has got to be blunt. Otherwise, its like .. #kidlitchat
2:41 am cm_fletcher: Very true, many times group crit sets off a total brainstorming session! #kidlitchat
2:41 am SheviStories: …Ask for writing samples and reason why people want to join group. Take vote for new members. Uploads docs… #kidlitchat
2:41 am Brent_Watson41: @MissusM cool. #kidlitchat
2:41 am lisa_schroeder: Sometimes I wish I could keep a tiny editor in my desk drawer and pull her out when I’m not sure if something works. #kidlitchat
2:42 am GinaRitter: Wow, that’s just… wow…. RT @dawnmetcalf: Worst crit: Accused of being my story’s psychopathic antagonist. #kidlitchat
2:42 am EgmontUSA: Today, had colleague say I put into words what was bothering her about a ms. Sometimes you just need someone else to explain it. #kidlitchat
2:42 am jetharrington: RT @gregpincus: @edithcohn Yes, but w/ online grps you can make faces + derisive comments abt the crit-er and no one knows it! #kidlitchat
2:42 am SheviStories: …And finally, establish rules. Ours are based on Ursula LeGuin’s Steering the Craft. #kidlitchat
2:42 am DDHearn: @cm_fletcher I would think for beginning writers it would be hard to tell which crits are good and which aren’t. #kidlitchat
2:42 am JennBailey: We have published and unpublished in our group. Don’t think it matters if the insight is good. And in my group it is. #kidlitchat
2:42 am Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat There’s always something good to say. And no, “I loved the part where it said ‘The End’” isn’t it.
2:43 am B_A_Bookworm: RT @EgmontUSA: Today, had colleague say I put into words what was bothering her about a ms. Sometimes you just need someone else to explain it. #kidlitchat
2:43 am lisa_schroeder: Me too! I’ll even send first few chaps to see what she thinks. RT @edithcohn I also get amazing critique advice from my agent. #kidlitchat
2:43 am bonnieadamson: @SheviStories Steering the Craft is a WONDERFUL book. #kidlitchat
2:43 am jennymckmoss: Since published, don’t use crit grps anymore – but do get feedback from writer friends – I do miss camaraderie of crit grp #kidlitchat
2:43 am sharifwrites: @dawnmetcalf @GinaRitter That stings, and stinks. #kidlitchat
2:43 am kerimikulski: @lisa_schroeder Like a fairy.. I’d love to shrink mine too.. And my agent. :) #kidlitchat
2:43 am GinaRitter: No doubt! I have too. RT @sharifwrites: @GinaRitter I’ve received great input from both amateurs and professionals. #kidlitchat
2:43 am ChristineTB: RT @JennBailey: We have published and unpublished in our group. Don’t think it matters if the insight is good. And in my group it is. #kidlitchat
2:43 am happybluejess: Crit group has secret names for each other based on our strengths. Wonder Writers powers ? activate! Vision of an eagle… #kidlitchat
2:43 am CynthiaCWillis: RT @Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat There’s always something good to say. And no, “I loved the part where it said ‘The End’” isn’t it.
2:43 am ElanaJ: RT @Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat There’s always something good to say. And no “I loved the part where it said ‘The End’” isn’t it
2:43 am DDHearn: @bonnieadamson I haven’t worked up the nerve to get onto tweetdeck. I’m afraid it’ll confuse me. #kidlitchat
2:43 am marjorielight: @lisa_schroeder I’m short. How big is your drawer? #kidlitchat
2:43 am emilytastic: @JennBailey My crit partner is published. I’m not (in kidlit). We work just fine. #kidlitchat
2:43 am jennymckmoss: @happybluejess :) #kidlitchat
2:44 am jennwwrites: I like to exchange a chapter or two with crit partner first, to see if we mesh well with one another writing style/crit style. #kidlitchat
2:44 am mumfusa: ha. RT @Julie_Weathers There’s always something good to say. And no, “I loved the part where it said ‘The End’” isn’t it. #kidlitchat
2:44 am Brent_Watson41: @ElanaJ so cool people call their crit partners, critters? I’ll have to remember that. #kidlitchat
2:44 am Gwenda: The most important thing about critique for me is that it always, always gives me the distance I need from the mansucript. #kidlitchat
2:44 am sarahshum: RT @kerimikulski Jane Yolen said that every edit letter should begin like love letter. #kidlitchat IF THERE’S NO LOVE, the crits won’t help!
2:44 am SheviStories: What’s the worst critique group story you have? #kidlitchat
2:44 am cm_fletcher: @DDHearn Some subjective–what works for 1 reader won’t for another. Most helpful–finding out something isn’t clear on the pg. #kidlitchat
2:44 am bonnieadamson: @EgmontUSA re confirmation of what’s wrong: you generally know it as soon as you hear it. #kidlitchat
2:44 am lisa_schroeder: @marjorielight LOL. Does a dark desk drawer sound rather appealing tonight? #kidlitchat
2:44 am MissusM: I just have friends crit my work now, and at least they tell me if something doesn’t make sense, or they get lost. #kidlitchat
2:44 am mumfusa: ME TOO! RT @lisa_schroeder I wish I could keep a tiny editor in my drawer & pull her out when I’m not sure if something works. #kidlitchat
2:44 am SheviStories: TweetChat is back! #kidlitchat
2:44 am Shelltex: Love my online group but it would be nice to have one outside reader who wasn’t so familiar with my style for the contrast. #kidlitchat
2:44 am ElanaJ: @Brent_Watson41 I suppose if you think I’m cool… I call mine critters. ;-) #kidlitchat
2:44 am Chumplet: @Julie_Weathers But “I stayed up till 1 am to get to The End” is it. #kidlitchat
2:45 am GinaRitter: Let’s take a moment to cherish Marjorie…. RT @marjorielight: My favorite criticism is the blunt kind – cut to the chase! :-) #kidlitchat
2:45 am JennBailey: What does that even mean? RT @dawnmetcalf: Worst crit: Accused of being my story’s psychopathic antagonist. #kidlitchat
2:45 am NecessaryWriter: RT @Gwenda: The most important thing about critique for me is that it always, always gives me the distance I need from the mansucript. #kidlitchat
2:45 am WriterRoss: @sarahshum That would be a “Dear John: NO” letter <g> #kidlitchat
2:45 am bonnieadamson: @DDHearn Oh, no–truly, it will de-confuse things. So much better organized and intuitive than Twitter home. #kidlitchat
2:45 am emilytastic: I think the most important thing in a critique partner is that they’re well-read in the genre. #kidlitchat
2:45 am peg366: RT @bonnieadamson: @EgmontUSA re confirmation of what’s wrong: you generally know it as soon as you hear it. #kidlitchat
2:45 am lisa_schroeder: @emilytastic yes, exactly! Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it! :) #kidlitchat
2:46 am Brent_Watson41: @ElanaJ Well, you have crit partners, so yeah, I’d say you’re cool. #kidlitchat
2:46 am jetharrington: Good idea. RT @jennwwrites: I like to exchange a chapter or two with crit partner 1st, to see if we mesh w/ writing/crit style. #kidlitchat
2:46 am bonnieadamson: RT @SheviStories: TweetChat is back! #kidlitchat
2:46 am sharifwrites: @SheviStories Them: “What market is this for?” Me: “Young adult.” Them: Making scrunchy, distasteful faces. #kidlitchat
2:46 am ElanaJ: My ideal crit partner: a better writer than me. #kidlitchat
2:46 am peg366: RT @bonnieadamson: @DDHearn Oh, no–truly, it will de-confuse things. So much better organized and intuitive than Twitter home. #kidlitchat
2:46 am yabookwriter: I agree @Gwenda It’s really interesting to hear someone else’s point of view after the thing has been in your head for so long. #kidlitchat
2:46 am B_A_Bookworm: RT @SheviStories Tweetchat is back! / Thanks so much! #kidlitchat
2:46 am cm_fletcher: @JennBailey @ChristineTB Same here. Great writers, some just not pubbed (yet!) #kidlitchat
2:46 am Gwenda: @ChristopherRowe I consider you part of my process. #kidlitchat
2:47 am marjorielight: @lisa_schroeder mayyybeee….(Mostly i’d just love to see you at work in your writing habitat!) #kidlitchat
2:47 am CynthiaCWillis: RT @ElanaJ: My ideal crit partner: a better writer than me. #kidlitchat– I agree!
2:47 am DDHearn: @emilytastic I’ll register with tweetgrid tomorrow so that I can have it on hand should tweetchat poop out again. #kidlitchat
2:47 am KateMessner: In my online crit group, we’ll sometimes upload ms w/ specific focus questions. Helps if there are specific areas of concern. #kidlitchat
2:47 am peg366: RT @carolgrannick: Every person in my crit group has different & valuable perspective. Pretty amazing. #kidlitchat Mine, too.
2:47 am kerimikulski: RT @B_A_Bookworm: RT @SheviStories Tweetchat is back! / Thanks so much! #kidlitchat
2:47 am cm_fletcher: @ElanaJ YES!! Someone who makes me jealous–and makes me reach! #kidlitchat
2:47 am Julie_Weathers: @Chumplet #kidlitchat Yeah, but that wasn’t your best line. Sorry. BTW You might be interested to know I have 107 pounds of chocolate.
2:47 am B_A_Bookworm: I have never participated in a crit group. Is there one you would recommend? #kidlitchat
2:47 am ElanaJ: @CynthiaCWillis I also like reading/critting for better writers than me. Helps me grow. #kidlitchat
2:47 am sarahshum: @WriterRoss HA! #kidlitchat
2:48 am AudryT: My MS doesn’t need love, it needs respect. RT@kerimikulski Jane Yolen said that every edit letter should begin like love letter. #kidlitchat
2:48 am jennwwrites: @yabookwriter yes someone’s perspectives can be so off and really point out what I need to work on – to clarify. #kidlitchat
2:48 am rachelarrr: @carolgrannick How often do you all submit? #kidlitchat
2:48 am SheviStories: Any person who gets what I’m trying to achieve and can find ways I missed to achieve it is a perfect partner. #kidlitchat
2:48 am CynthiaCWillis: I love it when a critique partner finds something that I completely missed. A “duh” moment. #kidlitchat
2:48 am amgamble: @dawnmetcalf: Worst crit: Accused of being my story’s psychopathic antagonist. #kidlitchat <–depending on the story, this could be good!
2:48 am Julie_Weathers: @Chumplet #kidlitchat Oops. Typo 127 pounds.
2:48 am KateMessner: My critique partners give me new energy to revise when I think I’ve run out of steam on a ms. #kidlitchat
2:48 am happybluejess: RT @CynthiaCWillis: I love it when a critique partner finds something that I completely missed. A “duh” moment. #kidlitchat
2:49 am CynthiaCWillis: RT @ElanaJ: @CynthiaCWillis I also like reading/critting for better writers than me. Helps me grow. #kidlitchat YES!!
2:49 am bonnieadamson: I agree about diverse crit groups–each of us has different strengths: dialogue; plotting; grammar, etc. #kidlitchat
2:49 am kerimikulski: RT @SheviStories: Any person who gets what I’m trying to achieve and can find ways I missed to achieve it is a perfect partner. #kidlitchat
2:49 am ElanaJ: @CynthiaCWillis Yes! I like those types too. #kidlitchat
2:49 am sharifwrites: RT @SheviStories: Any person who gets what I’m trying to achieve and can find ways I missed to achieve it is a perfect partner. #kidlitchat
2:49 am marjorielight: @GinaRitter Thanks for the shout out…I’m feeling good vibes! #kidlitchat
2:49 am ChristineTB: RT @KateMessner: My critique partners give me new energy to revise when I think I’ve run out of steam on a ms. #kidlitchat
2:49 am cm_fletcher: @rachelarrr In my group, whenever we have a new chapter. For me, that’s about 2x/month (when I’m cooking along!) #kidlitchat
2:49 am WriterRoss: The first time I met my long-sought crit grp, one writer had a FIT when we didn’t get it. She screamed at us, left the place. #kidlitchat
2:50 am IonaMcAvoy: RT @jeanie_w: I recommend Becky Levine’s book: The Writing and Critique Group Survival Guide. #kidlitchat
2:50 am SheviStories: Worst critique for me: guy WAS his psychopathic antagonist. Submitted his story in red 48-point font PDF. #kidlitchat
2:50 am jetharrington: @AudryT re: editor love letter + what Jane Yolen followed up with: she will do anything for an editor who shows her the love. #kidlitchat
2:50 am dawnbonnevie: #kidlitchat. I worry about if I’m giving good advice. I’m ok with telling what I liked or didn’t, because that’s just opinion.
2:50 am mumfusa: @AudryT is on point tonight. well said. RT @AudryT My MS doesn’t need love, it needs respect. #kidlitchat
2:50 am MirandaKennealy: my agent is amazing – knows how to flesh out my characters and scenes really well – but my critique partner is actually my dad! #kidlitchat
2:50 am CynthiaCWillis: @WriterRoss Screamed??? I’d pass out. #kidlitchat
2:50 am carolgrannick: @rachelarrr Option of 10pp every time (every 2 wks),+ full drafts when ready.Read-ahead or bring to group.Read all aloud. #kidlitchat
2:50 am AudryT: In college, I got nothing but love-crits & pussy-footing. My writing didn’t level up until it ran into my now-husband’s chainsaw #kidlitchat
2:50 am cm_fletcher: A crit group that consistently energizes & inspires you–instead of draining you–is a good group. #kidlitchat
2:50 am marjorielight: @nkrell You paint a pretty picture, that’s true. And by pretty, I mean filled with plasma & red corpuscles. :-) (oops: #kidlitchat)
2:51 am bonnieadamson: @WriterRoss Oh, good grief. #kidlitchat
2:51 am ElanaJ: RT @WriterRoss: The first time I met my long-sought crit grp, one writer had a FIT — Yikes!! #kidlitchat
2:51 am ElanaJ: RT @cm_fletcher: A crit group that consistently energizes & inspires you–instead of draining you–is a good group. #kidlitchat
2:51 am SarahDarerLitt: My critique group are so great at saying I suck I don’t feel like slitting my wrists afterwards. I just eat chocolate & revise #kidlitchat
2:51 am jennymckmoss: biggest challenge 4 me as critiquer: remember that my immediate reaction to ms not always the one that will help the writer #kidlitchat
2:51 am cm_fletcher: @carolgrannick We don’t read aloud–rationale being that people who buy the book will read silently. #kidlitchat
2:51 am dawnmetcalf: @JennBailey @amgamble @sharifwrites I felt so awful! I didn’t have the heart to say that this was the one that got the offer. #kidlitchat
2:52 am WriterRoss: @CynthiaCWillis Screamed. At us. It was quite an introduction. #kidlitchat
2:52 am MirandaKennealy: @CynthiaCWillis the “duh” moment always embarrasses me! :-) #kidlitchat
2:52 am rachelarrr: @cm_fletcher @carolgrannick Thanks! (Interested how different groups are run, I have a couple of readers but not in a group) #kidlitchat
2:52 am Julie_Weathers: @carolgrannick #kidlitchat Lawsy. That wouldn’t work for me. I sound like Loretta Lynn on downers.
2:52 am emilytastic: @KateMessner Me too! My crit partner is like a cheerleader when I need it. #kidlitchat
2:52 am carolgrannick: @cm_fletcher Interesting point. We find stumbling places reading aloud, seems helpful. #kidlitchat
2:52 am cm_fletcher: RT @jennymckmoss: biggest challenge 4 me as critiquer: remember that my immediate reaction to ms not always the one that will help the writer #kidlitchat
2:52 am CynthiaCWillis: @emilytastic Well, yes, there is the embarrassment to deal with. All for a good cause, though, right? #kidlitchat
2:53 am gregpincus: @AudryT I don’t think that’s what Jane meant, though. A “love” letter isn’t about pure praise. It should be honest and helpful #kidlitchat
2:53 am dawnmetcalf: RT @jennymckmoss biggest challenge 4 me: remember that my immediate reaction 2 ms is not always the 1 that will help the writer #kidlitchat
2:53 am JennBailey: @dawnmetcalf LOL! That is the best rejoinder. #kidlitchat
2:53 am Julie_Weathers: @cm_fletcher @Chumplet #kidlitchat Agreed. That’s why mine are perfect. Plus, they are used to insanity.
2:53 am emilyreads: @ChristineTB Aaannnd now I’m blind. Thanks. #kidlitchat
2:53 am jeanie_w: RT @ElanaJ: RT @cm_fletcher: A crit group that consistently energizes & inspires you–instead of draining you–is a good group. #kidlitchat
2:53 am sarahshum: @AudryT I agree about the respect. LOVE= critiquers who are invested in success as much as pointing out flaws #kidlitchat
2:54 am peg366: Good critiques make it about the writing, not the person writing. Giving constructive feedback is crucial. #kidlitchat
2:54 am KarenCollum: Sorry – am jumping in late. I am part of a Google Wave critique group. Has it’s drawbacks but best option for me for now. #kidlitchat
2:54 am JennBailey: Me too. We had one about dead bunny and the process of decay. RT @emilyreads: @ChristineTB Aaannnd now Im blind. Thanks. #kidlitchat
2:54 am CynthiaCWillis: RT @sarahshum: @AudryT I agree about the respect. LOVE= critiquers who are invested in success as much as pointing out flaws #kidlitchat
2:54 am cm_fletcher: @carolgrannick I do read my stuff aloud to myself–catch lots of stumbling pts that way, I agree! #kidlitchat
2:54 am dawnmetcalf: @rachelarrr My groups did 2K 1-2x/mo. 2 week turn-around. Then graduated to exchanging full mss. #kidlitchat
2:54 am DDHearn: Is it better to have crit partners that are writing in your genre? (fantasy, PB, mystery, etc…) #kidlitchat
2:54 am KarenCollum: We usually do PB manuscripts. Upload in advance, work through one page at a time. Meet online every 2 weeks. #kidlitchat
2:54 am Julie_Weathers: @cm_fletcher #kidlitchat Yes, but what if it’s a negative reaction readers will have?
2:54 am JennBailey: Ugh! Oldest has called from the BBall game. Off to bring him home. Thanks for the chatting! #kidlitchat
2:54 am CateHart: my biggest challenge is trying not to change other writer’s voice into mine in my suggestions and notes #kidlitchat
2:55 am happybluejess: @sarahshum I agree. Feel mine were so invested in my piece. Didn’t want to let them down, and that helped keep me going. #kidlitchat
2:55 am cm_fletcher: @Julie_Weathers A crit group not used to insanity is not made up of real writers. :) #kidlitchat
2:55 am yabookwriter: Worst crit for me: guy thought my MC’s opinions were my own and started yelling at me. Good times. #kidlitchat
2:55 am lisa_schroeder: I say absolutely! RT @DDHearn Is it better to have crit partners that are writing in your genre? (fantasy, PB, mystery, etc…) #kidlitchat
2:55 am carolgrannick: @cm_fletcher Some of us also use the computer voices (forgot name of pgm) at home. Fun. Helpful…? #kidlitchat
2:55 am SarahDarerLitt: @DDHearn I don’t think necessarily. Sometimes the diversity is helpful. #kidlitchat
2:55 am happybluejess: Ha! RT @cm_fletcher: @Julie_Weathers A crit group not used to insanity is not made up of real writers. :) #kidlitchat
2:55 am marjorielight: Except teachers in class: @carolgrannick We don’t read aloud–rationale being that people who buy the book will read silently. #kidlitchat
2:56 am sarahshum: @cm_fletcher BUT — young readers DO read aloud (reading develpmt stage=silently but aloud in head) and books are read TO them #kidlitchat
2:56 am dawnmetcalf: @yabookwriter Exactly my experience! Ouch! *sympathies* #kidlitchat
2:56 am SheviStories: Respect is rule #1: respect what the writer is trying to achieve; respect critiquers want to help you achieve it. #kidlitchat
2:56 am rachelarrr: @DDHearn Not necessarily (though it definitely helps if they are familiar with–and like!– the genre at least) #kidlitchat
2:56 am CateHart: And now off Twitter to work on pages for Crit partner @thatwemightfly #amwriting #kidlitchat
2:56 am Julie_Weathers: @cm_fletcher #kidlitchat Agreed. Several of us met at Myrtle Beach last year. It was fun listening to the different self conversations.
2:56 am jennymckmoss: Best critiquing exp: Planned a weekend retreat – 9 writers – each of u crtqd two full mss & 1st 10 pgs of othr 6 – very helpful #kidlitchat
2:56 am gregpincus: @KarenCollum Aha! So Wave is possible for a crit group even now. What’s the most useful aspect for your group? #kidlitchat
2:56 am GinaRitter: Oooh! Chance to get out for nearly two hours and write. See you next time! #kidlitchat
2:57 am WriterRoss: @DDHearn I would not feel comfortable going to areas outside my brain zone. P.S I don’t want to be bored listening 2 something! #kidlitchat
2:57 am cm_fletcher: @Julie_Weathers We share our reactions after we read. A couple ppl would prefer to read at home ahead of time–more time to mull #kidlitchat
2:57 am gimlet_2: @yabookwriter I think I’d be in tears! #kidlitchat
2:57 am Julie_Weathers: RT @SheviStories: Respect is rule #1: respect what the writer is trying to achieve; respect critiquers want to help you achieve it. #kidlitchat
2:57 am mumfusa: RT @SheviStories: Respect is rule #1: respect what the writer is trying to achieve; respect critters want to help you achieve it #kidlitchat
2:57 am carolgrannick: Discovering that I can love other genres by reading my talented crit partners’ works. #kidlitchat
2:57 am DDHearn: I would think it might be hard for author/illustrator to be critiqued by authors only. So much is in the pictures. #kidlitchat
2:57 am sharifwrites: RT @yabookwriter: Worst crit for me: guy thought my MC’s opinions were my own and started yelling at me. #kidlitchat //Wow, some ppl’
2:57 am carolgrannick: RT @DDHearn: I would think it might be hard for author/illustrator to be critiqued by authors only. > Agree. #kidlitchat
2:58 am lisa_schroeder: @DDHearn Or, they need to read a lot in that genre and really enjoy it. #kidlitchat
2:58 am marjorielight: Surface polishing a ms before critique group is kinda like dusting before the cleaning lady shows up… #kidlitchat
2:58 am Julie_Weathers: @cm_fletcher #kidlitchat I think I’m going to invest in the text to speech program so it can read to me.
2:58 am katrinagermein: Hello. Joining in last two minutes! #kidlitchat
2:58 am dawnmetcalf: @gregpincus @Bonnieadamson gtg! Thanks for another lively #kidlitchat!
2:58 am cm_fletcher: @sarahshum True! I write YA, tho, and the rest of my group write adult genre or literary fiction. #kidlitchat
2:58 am bonnieadamson: @DDHearn No one else in my group is an artist. Unless it’s a wordless pb, I feel the story must stand on its own at that stage. #kidlitchat
2:59 am gregpincus: @dawnmetcalf was that you saying thanks? or was it your psychopathic mc??????!!!! #kidlitchat
2:59 am ElanaJ: @Julie_Weathers I love the text-to-speech feature. Very helpful. #kidlitchat
2:59 am emilytastic: @cm_fletcher That’s been a problem for a lot of other writers I’ve run into. You should look up your local SCBWI! #kidlitchat
2:59 am Julie_Weathers: @marjorielight #kidlitchat I think it depends on what level the writers are. In mine, we expect writers to have it fairly clean.
2:59 am sharifwrites: Had one person tell me to completely change my style and content, which meant a completely different book. #kidlitchat
2:59 am bonnieadamson: @katrinagermein Oh, it usually runs over a bit . . . welcome! Talking about critiques: good and bad. #kidlitchat
2:59 am mumfusa: these chats are genius. thanks for hosting @bonnieadamson and @gregpincus #kidlitchat
2:59 am dawnbonnevie: #kidlitchat You aren’t just helping with others’ mss, you’re helping them grow in knowlegde of business as well.
2:59 am carolgrannick: @gregpincus @bonnieadamson Thanks for a great #kidlitchat!
2:59 am DDHearn: @bonnieadamson I”m writing and illustrating a PB right now that really needs the pictures for complete understanding. #kidlitchat
3:00 am CynthiaCWillis: Must go. Carry on, all. Thanks for a great chat! : ) #kidlitchat
3:00 am jennymckmoss: This chat has made me miss my critique group! :( Thanks for the great chat! #kidlitchat
3:00 am Julie_Weathers: @ElanaJ #kidlitchat I found one that sounds like Duncan McCloud. Now, if he would just learn how to pronounce some names right.
3:00 am ElanaJ: Excellent chattage tonight! #kidlitchat
3:00 am sharifwrites: @yabookwriter Yikes, that sounds like a terrible experience. #kidlitchat
3:00 am cm_fletcher: @emilytastic Been in my group 12 yrs, tho, and they’re fabulous. I might look for some separate YA critters, tho! #kidlitchat
3:01 am ElanaJ: @Julie_Weathers LOL! #kidlitchat
3:01 am bonnieadamson: @DDHearn Well, I’ve been known to come prepared with storyboards. Your reading public aren’t artists, for most part . .. #kidlitchat
3:01 am Julie_Weathers: @sharifwrites #kidlitchat Then you politely thank them and move on. Your style is yours. Of course, not all styles are going to be popular.
3:02 am DDHearn: @bonnieadamson Yes. I would hope authors would be able to appreciate part of the story for a PB told in storyboard. #kidlitchat
3:02 am jetharrington: Thank you @gregpincus and @bonnieadamson for a great #kidlitchat – my first. No one home for dinner tonight = feed the writer.
3:02 am emilytastic: @cm_fletcher If it works for you, that’s what matters! #kidlitchat
3:03 am Julie_Weathers: Thanks for hosting this and letting me play in your sandbox. #kidlitchat
3:03 am yabookwriter: @sharifwrites Yeah, no fun… but he was so out there I was laughing just a little on the inside. #kidlitchat
3:03 am bonnieadamson: Going to have to cut out early–deadline Friday! Please join us for #kidlitart Thurs. Topic: promoting your work. #kidlitchat
3:03 am DDHearn: This has made me want a critique group. My problem is I’m not writing enough. Maybe I’d write more if in a group. #kidlitchat
3:03 am marjorielight: Has anyone ever told you all that you are awesome? Thanks for the community as I toil alone with edits! #kidlitchat
3:03 am katrinagermein: Never been part of a crit group. Have favourite people who read work for me. Not always writers but have the ear. #kidlitchat
3:03 am sarahshum: @bonnieadamson Thanks Bonnie and @gregpincus for another good #kidlitchat. I’m off for the evening.
3:03 am bonnieadamson: @jetharrington Thanks–hope it won’t be your last! #kidlitchat
3:03 am happybluejess: Thanks to all! #kidlitchat
3:03 am jeanie_w: Thanks for another great #kidlitchat @BonnieAdamson @gregpincus
3:04 am KarenCollum: @gregpincus Wave is very possible for crit group. Most useful part is non-linear discussion. Being able to jump around. #kidlitchat
3:04 am EgmontUSA: Thanks, folks! This was great. See y’all next week. #kidlitchat
3:04 am gimlet_2: @bonnieadamson. THanks I’ll be there Thurs #kidlitchat
3:04 am DDHearn: I better scoot too. Hubby misses me upstairs. Goodnight, all. #kidlitchat
3:04 am sharifwrites: @yabookwriter Yes, sometimes those people are funny. Still, very outrageous and uncalled for. #kidlitchat
3:04 am bonnieadamson: @sarahshum Thanks, Sarah–g’night. #kidlitchat
3:04 am KarenCollum: @gregpincus And that it’s all there as a document to come back to. Not always smooth sailing, however… #kidlitchat
3:05 am katrinagermein: See you next time everyone. I’ll try to be about 55 minutes earlier. x #kidlitchat
3:05 am KarenCollum: @gregpincus Wave can sometimes take long time to sync – delay like an international ph call. #kidlitchat
3:05 am bonnieadamson: @gimlet_2 Great! see you then! #kidlitart #kidlitchat
3:05 am cm_fletcher: My first kidlit chat–thanks all, it was great! #kidlitchat
3:05 am sharifwrites: @Julie_Weathers Yes, I realized that, and he didn’t change me at all. He was overbearing, and I don’t respond to that. #kidlitchat
3:05 am marjorielight: Best news: Made new authorly friends at #kidlitchat !
3:05 am KarenCollum: @gregpincus We only have 3 members in our group. Think it would work with 1 or 2 more then it would get difficult… #kidlitchat
3:06 am Chumplet: Learn the difference between critique and criticize. Separate the wheat from the chaff & take what you need from a critique. #kidlitchat
3:06 am KarenCollum: @gregpincus Actually have just had an article accepted by SCBWI Bulletin regarding this very topic :) Will be pubbed in ‘10. #kidlitchat
3:06 am bonnieadamson: @DDHearn I like to think I’ve helped them, too, being able to visualize how their stories would be seen by an illustrator. #kidlitchat
3:07 am bonnieadamson: @cm_fletcher Thanks for stopping by! #kidlitchat
3:07 am gregpincus: @KarenCollum Thanks. i also think a crit group of more than 5 would struggle in one wave… but maybe one per work? #kidlitchat
3:08 am KarenCollum: @gregpincus We take turn-about and only analyse/crit one text at a time. Spend 1.5-2 hrs each week. #kidlitchat
3:08 am gregpincus: I must run, y’all. As always, thanks for making #kidlitchat what it is. Will try and get the transcript up tonight….
3:08 am SusanUhlig: U need @JennBailey RT @DDHearn @bonnieadamson I haven’t worked up the nerve to get onto tweetdeck. I’m afraid it’ll confuse me. #kidlitchat
3:09 am yabookwriter: @gregpincus @bonnieadamson Thanks! #kidlitchat
3:09 am bonnieadamson: Thank you all! This was fun. See you in the transcript! #kidlitchat

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