When a new person shows up at a critique group they are often intimidated or embarassed when asked to critique another’s work. They aren’t English professors or best selling novelists, they protest. I contend, however, that they are entirely qualified to critique. They are, after all, readers!

Critique group newbies may not be able to hightlight point-of-view errors or catch every misplaced comma. They can, however, identify which parts of the piece confused them, where they lost interest, or what struck them as especially useful or funny.

Just remember to use the sandwich rule when giving critique to others: start with something nice, identify where the piece could be improved, and  end with words of encouragement. 

Every reader has input that can be valuable to another writer.

Proof your work!

This picture is a great reminder of why we all need other eyes to review our work!

When you critique your own work, you may overlook problems.  In case you need proof, try reading this paragraph:

     Can u read this?? its soo kul!!? Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?

Or, stop by tomorrow and check out a photograph that can be seen in almost all Rubio’s restaurants around Southern California.

If you’ve ever been intimidated by the jargon used at a critique group or writer’s conference this list might come in handy.

• WIP: Work in Progress 
• POA: Pay on Acceptance
• POP: Pay on Publication
• POV: Point of View
• WFH = Work for Hire
• WMFH = Work Made for Hire
• FNASR = First North American Serial Rights 
• SASE: Self addressed stamped Envelope 

What are some others you’ve run into?

Critique groups are the heart of our Guild. Groups meet regularly (montly or every two weeks) in homes, libraries, and churches throughout San Diego county and north into Riverside county and beyond.  We even have a group that meets 7/24 in cyberspace!

We encourage everyone to be involved in a critique group whether it is a face-to-face group or online.  Each group has its own “flavor” and you might want to try a few before choosing the one that best fits your needs and personality.  Meeting regularly with other Christian writers will improve your writing and lift your spirits.

“A scrupulous writer, in every sentence that he writes, will ask himself at least four questions, thus: 

1. What am I trying to say?

2. What words will express it?

3. What image or idiom will make it clearer?

4. Is this image fresh enough to have an effect?”

 

 George Orwell  

“Politics and the English Language”, 1946

The San Diego Christian Writers Guild is the largest countywide Christian writers group in the United States. Founded in 1977, the Guild has established a solid reputation for helping both new and experienced writers to become published authors. Guild members range in age from 9 to 94, span all experience levels, and cover the entire spectrum of writing genres including novels, magazine articles, plays, poetry, devotionals, songs, children’s books, and Vacation Bible School curricula. The SDCWG welcomes individuals who see writing as an avenue for serving our Creator. Although most members are Christians, there is no requirement for members to write only for Christian markets. Our community was founded by the Editor Emeritus of Decision Magazine, Dr. Sherwood Wirt. The San Diego Christian Writers Guild hosts annual conferences and an awards banquet. However, monthly critique group meetings are the heart of our Guild. Meetings are offered throughout San Diego County, reaching northward to the southern edge of Riverside County and into Arizona.