Read on Twitter
Here's one of the most common mistakes I see some new members of the #WritingCommunity make:
They think Twitter is a critique circle.
They read a bit of Twitter microfiction or a snippet from someone's WIP & say, "Great piece, but..."
The "but" is followed by a critique.
They think Twitter is a critique circle.
They read a bit of Twitter microfiction or a snippet from someone's WIP & say, "Great piece, but..."
The "but" is followed by a critique.
When the writer gets offended, it's easy for the critic to think, "Wow, you need a thicker skin. Critique is part of writing."
True...critique is part of writing, or it should be.
Here's the thing:
I can't speak for everyone, but for me...
I get SO MUCH CRITIQUE on my books.
True...critique is part of writing, or it should be.
Here's the thing:
I can't speak for everyone, but for me...
I get SO MUCH CRITIQUE on my books.
I ask a team of alpha readers to give me feedback as I write.
I ask a LOT of beta readers to critique after I revise.
I even ask ARC readers to send me last-minute typos.
Then I publish & open myself up to public critique—reviews!
All this critique is so good for my writing.
I ask a LOT of beta readers to critique after I revise.
I even ask ARC readers to send me last-minute typos.
Then I publish & open myself up to public critique—reviews!
All this critique is so good for my writing.
It can also be hard on my soul.
So I need a safe place where I can come and get some encouragement.
That's why for me & many others...
Twitter isn't a critique circle.
It's an open-mic gathering, focused not on throwing rotten fruit at each other, but cheering each other on.
So I need a safe place where I can come and get some encouragement.
That's why for me & many others...
Twitter isn't a critique circle.
It's an open-mic gathering, focused not on throwing rotten fruit at each other, but cheering each other on.
It's a place where I want to feel safe to share my WIP...
...and experiment with microfiction...
...and make typos...
...before I go back to my critique-filled pursuit of excellence with my books.
...and experiment with microfiction...
...and make typos...
...before I go back to my critique-filled pursuit of excellence with my books.
Once more, louder, for those in the back—
Twitter isn't a critique circle.
It's a supportive open-mic gathering.
For more tips on making the most of your Twitter experiment, check out this crowdsourced blog post written by the #WritingCommunity: https://carolbethanderson.com/so-youre-new-to-the-writingcommunity-on-twitter/
Twitter isn't a critique circle.
It's a supportive open-mic gathering.
For more tips on making the most of your Twitter experiment, check out this crowdsourced blog post written by the #WritingCommunity: https://carolbethanderson.com/so-youre-new-to-the-writingcommunity-on-twitter/
*experience not experiment. 
