Critiquing the Creative…
In this critique advice piece, I‘ll help you develop an effective strategy for critiquing other creatives' work (I have 15 years of experience with workshops, writers' groups, and clients) so you can attract more creatives to help critique your work!
“Here are some signs (to me), that you don’t understand what you’re doing here…”
When I read this comment, I instantly felt a flurry of frustration and commenced the downward spiral:
Do they need to understand how much time I put into this?
Why are they trying to minimize my experience?
Did my writing really suck..?
Am I a bad writer!?!?!?
What is the meaning of life 😱 (jk)
Jokes aside, this happened recently. Let’s back up a moment…
It’s not that much of a story. I posted a piece of fiction to an online forum and asked for feedback, and one of the responders included that statement within a page’s worth of advice (they consistently added: I know this sounds harsh, but…).
The rest of the feedback was a gem, but their tone felt somewhat offputting. I’ve received feedback from critiques and writers my entire life, and I’ve learned not to take things personally for this one reason that I always come back to.
If someone is using up their time (the one finite resource) to read and/or offer advice to you, that is incredible! YAY!
However, a lot of the time, as writers (or even creatives), our self-esteem is tied to our creation. When we receive feedback that doesn’t match our pre-conceived expectations (if you are a human, you probably have them), we set ourselves up to feel a certain way when the feedback is perceived as less than neutral.
EASY SOLUTION THEN RIGHT? Don’t feel attached in any way, shape, or form to the things you create…
😥😭😭😭😴🤔➡️ procrastination
When I recollected myself, I returned to this realization that had dawned on me repeatedly throughout my creative writing journey.
They gave up their time, I’m receiving value, and I have the awareness to recognize that.
BUT!!!
I asked myself: What if I was a new writer with a different level of awareness who had just published an initial piece of writing, and they received that type of response?
I’d hope they’d see the value out of it that I could, but there would probably be a much higher likelihood they would either
A. Be turned off from writing
B. Be afraid to share work in the future
C. Respond with negativity
And that realization ABSOLUTELY kills me because I love creative writing from the depths of my soul. I want every creative writer to experience the incredible journey from inspiration to the final draft and then some.
The following strategy is explored more in-depth in this video (02:15)
The 7-Step Strategy to Critique Other Creative’s
(regardless of skill level)
So, the next time you decide to read another creative’s work, keep these ideas in mind:
Be kind.
“If you can choose to be anything in the world, choose to be kind.”
2. Before even touching the piece, clarify what their expectations are.
It’s easy to jump straight into critic mode and assume the intended result should be based on our perception of what the creative wants to hear.
By asking them for the specific type of feedback they expect (even if their initial ask/question is vague), you will provide them with exponential value by getting onto the same page beforehand.
3. Also, don’t forget to ask what type of audience/reader this creative piece is intended for.
This provides context to them for the type of feedback they will receive
4. Once you’ve read the piece, first ask them how they felt about it
Have them rate their own work on a scale of 1–10 (this is important because it allows them to set the tone for the feedback they asked for).
5. Begin the feedback with what works!
And if it is entirely trash, then recognize the effort.
You may disagree with this next one, but after years of leadership roles in retail, I believe…
6. (First, no feedback should be negative because every insight is another way to improve it.) The feedback should be tailored to their skill level!
Another reason why asking about their expectation beforehand is critical is that this allows you to understand not only where their mind is at but also their experience level.
The type of feedback I would give creative writers who have never written anything before or are just starting out is drastically different than the insight I would provide for a published writer.
And for the last, most challenging step of this process.
It’s quite alright if you need a moment to prepare yourself…
Take a deep breath…
7. Go ask them to read your work because we both know that’s what you’re really after…
CONGRATULATIONS, JOB WELL DONE!
Now, to wrap up my story, this is how I responded.
I sent the critic a personalized thank you message, invited them to critique further work if they enjoyed my writing, and introduced myself since I want to connect with other creative writers and spread the idea that it is okay to be kind.
Thanks for the read!
-Kauffman
