The thing about critiques is: No matter how much the reader wants to help you improve your story it is still your story and only you can decide what’s really right for it.
Whenever you get multiple critiques on any work, there’s bound to be some disagreement. The question then arises, which do you believe? I’m on the horns of this dilemma in two separate cases.
On the latest revision short story (yes, I’m withholding the title for a reason), I’ve gotten three critiques so far (and two still out). One reader thinks it’s good as is, one thinks it needs minor tweaks, and one thinks it needs some major changes to deepen the point of view.
On my novel, MAGE STORM, I occasionally have a similar issue. Out of four critiques, there’s one that consistently wants deeper point of view. In some cases, I agree. In others, not. Other issues, often places where the story needs a little more detail or depth to make something work well, most or all of the critiques agree.
On one of my writers’ forums the answer to this situation was put very clearly: The only two times you really must respond to a critique (other than to say thank you), is when three or more people agree or when the critique resonates with you. I’d add one more: There are certain people to whose critiques, through experience, I’ve learned to give extra credence.
So, if three people see a problem, it probably really is a problem you should address. And if a comment feels right to you or, better yet, triggers some new ideas, then that’s pure gold.
LOL–is it delusion that I’m now hoping I’m one of those “extra credence” folks? (Actually, just kidding. If you’re giving my comments extra credence, YOU’RE probably delusional….)
I think this is a good thing to remind ourselves of–we can fall into the trap of looking at every mark and agonizing over it. But if we liked it the way it was and no one else hates it, that’s what the “reject change” option is for! 🙂
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Actually, I’m finding your comments very helpful. You’re making me think about things I need to add (which, unfortunately, is contributing to the length issue). I just got through torturing my characters a bit more. I think you’ll probably see some of the changes for critique at the first of the month.
Meredith Mansfield MeredithMansfield.Wordpress.com
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