Linda,
I don't know enough about writing, as evident in my own work, I can't really correct someone else. I can point out something in the plot that doesn't make sense but as to sentence construction, what would sound better I am so inept I leave it to those who are better educated.
What I can do is encourage people, I think have talent, to write. If they can get me to suspend my disbelief, something I haven't mastered in my own writing yet, then I give them a lot of encouragement. Even if the writing is bad, if the plot is good and they've hooked me, I'll give them a good review. I believe the only way you get to be a better writer is to write.
However, now that I've read your post, I wonder if I'm doing anyone any good.
                                                                                                              dags sad

PS   I agree with you that people don't take your suggestions right way, may, at some point, revisit your suggestion and use it. I know I am that way. I can usually tell when a reviewer is suggesting something valid and when they're just trying to get me to rewrite in their style. Sometimes, though, the suggestions are not something I want to do and I will put them on the back burner until they boil over. My writing has improved due to suggestions I resisted at first.

Okay, I'm going to jump in now. Dags, don't ever think you're not doing any good by reviewing someone. Even if you don't offer nits, you still give your impressions and encouragement. Encouragement, in my opinion, is just as important as constructive criticism. I love both. I've appreciated your reviews because the encouragement keeps me writing, which is my biggest problem. I might not know all the rules of writing, or how to do this, or do that, but if I'm not writing at all then what does it matter? I sat on my current novel for over two years, writing maybe a thousand words in that time. Since I've been here, not only have I learned a ton from people's nits and impressions, but the reviews have kept me going. I've written nearly 20,000 words of new material in about a month. I also give credit to the people who do stand up and say "hey, something isn't working with this." Those reviews have resulted in a deep analysis of every aspect of my writing style and the story. I've learned so much and have already noticed a big change in my writing, for the better, I hope.

I've had a few dissenters, and because they weren't rude about it, their reviews didn't bother me. I gave thought to what they said, and have even changed certain areas of my story because of the advice. I love the people here.

As far as giving reviews go, all we can do is our best. I try to be honest, though in a diplomatic way. I think we are all led by our personal tastes, whether we try to put those aside or not. If the author takes offense after reading an honest, polite review, then that is really a shame, because they might stand to learn a lot, depending on the advice.

BTW, I also wouldn't want reviews by others hidden. Sometimes I read through them first, and sometimes I don't read them at all. But I like having the option.

Well, that's my twenty-five cents. Too long to be only two!

flowing pencil wrote:

dagnee wrote:

Linda,
I don't know enough about writing, as evident in my own work, I can't really correct someone else. I can point out something in the plot that doesn't make sense but as to sentence construction, what would sound better I am so inept I leave it to those who are better educated.
What I can do is encourage people, I think have talent, to write. If they can get me to suspend my disbelief, something I haven't mastered in my own writing yet, then I give them a lot of encouragement. Even if the writing is bad, if the plot is good and they've hooked me, I'll give them a good review. I believe the only way you get to be a better writer is to write.
However, now that I've read your post, I wonder if I'm doing anyone any good.
                                                                                                              dags sad

PS   I agree with you that people don't take your suggestions right way, may, at some point, revisit your suggestion and use it. I know I am that way. I can usually tell when a reviewer is suggesting something valid and when they're just trying to get me to rewrite in their style. Sometimes, though, the suggestions are not something I want to do and I will put them on the back burner until they boil over. My writing has improved due to suggestions I resisted at first.

Dags, one of the assets of joining a workshop such a TNBW.. just doing review after review you will pick up technical skills.  I have to some extent and know I could learn more if I applied myself.  I just like working on the 'feel' of the piece and how I react or don't react.  So far it has been the most honest approach for me.  I don't pretend to be a technical genius with writing.  But, I am a lot better than when I first joined.  You will pick up a lot.. trust me.

Patti

Flo, I think I am getting better. You're right the only way to get better is to review. And review some more. And again. lol....I'm glad to see you back in the forum. dags:)

Last edited by dagnee (08-20-2011 22:06:56)

Dear John,
          I am not a critic. I am a reviewer. It's not my job to tell people they suck. It's my job to tell them if their writing is communicating the story they want to tell. As I have stated in here numerous times, I am not academically qualified to do anything more.  I think that's the only point in your post that relates to me personally.
         Now that's addressed I have a bone to pick with you. You and I have agreed to review each others novels, quid pro quo.* Well, you are getting my quid, I am not getting your pro. Where are your chapters, boyo?
                   A drumming my fingers waiting for you smilie here. dags

*corrected.

Last edited by dagnee (08-22-2011 00:46:10)

dagnee wrote:

Flo, I think I am getting better. You're right the only way to get better is to review. And review some more. And again. lol.... dags:)

Actually, no. Quantity is never a good substitute for quality. As a matter of fact: Reviewing a lot will only add up to reviewing a lot. Just as reading good fiction will make you a better writer, reading good reviews will make you a better reviewer. Just don't pass on information you haven't first researched yourself. Hope this helps.

Thank you, ladies. You honor me with your kindness. I wasn't advocating the use of bedside manners when reviewing other writers, just self-awareness. Glass houses and all that, you know. My reviews are almost always subjective (and self-reflective, if not self-centered), and therefore; only as helpful or hurtful as the writer lets it be. However, if someone's prose is objectively objectionable (ie; bad grammar and spelling and full of unintentionally ludicrous hyperbole and melodrama) perhaps THIS workshop website shouldn't wait for them. Same as the tides wait for no man, perhaps TNBW should be something to aspire to. Representing a step above the Creative Writing 101 course down at the Community College. If that makes any sense...

Anyway. Sharon, Dagnee... I thought you should know that I rubbed one out just now. On account of all your flattery... How's that for bedside manner? Aren't I a prince?

Like dagnee claimed she didn't want to do (AS she was doing it) I can't have you people running your mouths and ruining my badass image, now can I? 

Cheers

Me too, JElizabeth!

I must have a twisted sense of humor, because that was too funny to be offensive, John.

What ISN'T wrong with me?

Last edited by symbolicangel (08-24-2011 15:56:10)