How to Write and Read Critiques Part 2

With the edited copy of your story, sit down in front of your computer and make the necessary changes. Fix as much as you can. Take out anything that does not advance the story. Especially when doing extensive editing you may find that sentences that fit before now seem out of place. Get rid of them, even if they are the most beautiful, poetic arrangement of words you have ever seen. It is not easy to butcher our precious stories in this manner, but it is necessary if you want to create a truly worthwhile story.

When this process is completed you should have a story worthy of publication. If you still feel it needs work, submit it for critique once again.

More on the Web

Critters Workshop - This is the online workshop I belong to. It's geared towards writers of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. There is no cost to join. I highly recommend it.

A Glossary of Terms Useful in Critiquing Science Fiction by David Smith - Not sure what your critiquer is talking about? This glossary will come in handy. It's also helpful when writing critiques and you are not sure of the appropriate literary terminology

A Checklist for Critiquing Science Fiction by David Alexander Smith - If you are new to writing critiques and not sure where to begin, this article offers a lot of helpful information.

The Turkey City Lexicon by Lewis Shiner and Bruce Sterling - This is a manual for designed for participants in a science fiction workshop. It mostly applies to in person workshops. It's very helpful if you are planning to start your own local workshop

Amy Sterling Casil's Tips for Critiquing - Here is a nice basic description of what a good critique should contain.

The Diplomatic Critiquer by Andrew Burt - Having trouble being nice? This article will help you understand how to word your critique so as not to upset the writer.

In the Future . . .

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season and best wishes for a happy new year. 2002 will bring more great articles on writing science fiction, new Science Fiction Themes articles, and new Market Reports.

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