At Write Time-Write Place our focus, as always, is helping each other improve and encouraging each other to keep writing.

“We are [here] to provide constructive criticism, not criticism. That means we are [here] to build each other up and help ignite the fires of inspiration and creativity within each of us. We should all be leaving [here] feeling inspired and energized and unable to contain our excitement and desire to write. Even if our stuff is sh*t, the most important thing, is that we keep writing!”

-Justin Tindel

Most of the time achieving this balance isn’t too challenging, but what about if you hate the pages you’re critiquing? Could be that the story is tired, boring, implausible, or just too weird. Could be you don’t like some or any of the characters. Could be there’s too much or too little description leading to either info overload or the white room/talking heads problem (one my personal failings).

In this article, I’ll share what NOT to say when critiquing.

You could follow Thumper’s advice: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”

Just give the pages back with a mute, pursed lipped smile. That’s its own sort of feedback, isn’t it? And it’s neither helpful, nor encouraging.

Even worse than saying nothing is saying the wrong thing.

Below are some of the comments to avoid when giving feedback:

• “It’s okay”, “I liked it”, or “It’s fine”

Why this is bad: First of all, you’re lying because you don’t think it’s okay, do you? Secondly, this gives the writer nothing to work with. They don’t know what strengths they can build on or what weakness they need to fix. You are just wasting their time and yours.

• “I don’t like X genre, so I don’t like your story”

Why this is bad: Basic writing craft is the same across all genres. We all use letters to make words, words to make sentences, sentences to make paragraphs and so on. Focusing heavily on genre conventions prevents you from judging the work on its own merit. It’s fine to have preferences – we all do. Some like vampire romance thrillers, while others like historical military epics, and others enjoy humorous literary fiction. When giving a critique, remember it’s not about what you like, it’s about the story the other writer is trying to tell.

• “Your character, Bob, is stupid”

Why this is bad: Often our characters are like little pieces of ourselves. It can be very painful to hear that someone doesn’t like you (your character), especially if no reasons are given. If you don’t like or understand a character be specific. Why not? Could the character concept be salvaged? How?

• “I underlined the things not up to par”

Why this is bad: Without constructive suggestions this can come across as just nit-picking. Worse, it focuses only on the negatives and does not encourage the other writer or give them credit for what’s working. We hear a lot about the sandwich method of critiquing – Compliment, Negative, Compliment. This 2:1 ratio of Praise:Criticism works well in giving writing feedback, too.

• “You…” or “You’re…” as in “You did X.” or “You’re Y…”

Why this is bad: When you use the word “you…” (i.e. “you did X”, or “you’re Y”) the focus is on the writer, when it should be on the work. Even if you intend to compliment the writer, you’re getting off track and making things personal. Read and analyze the work with an eye to helping the writer improve their craft rather than just boosting/destroying their ego.

• “This is confusing”

Why this is bad: This one’s a tricky one. Dare I say, it’s confusing? Sometimes, you genuinely don’t understand what’s going on. How did the characters get from A to D without going through B and C? Where did that gun come from? Why is Baddy McMeany determined to ruin Goody McNicey’s day? But notice what I did there? I asked specific questions. If you don’t understand something, that’s fine. It happens. Rather than dropping the “I’m confused” grenade in your fellow writer’s lap, give them specifics. “I didn’t understand X because I thought Y. If Y’s not the case, you could clear things up by doing Z.”

• “‘Red’ should be ‘vermilion’.”

Why this is bad: Unless you are working with a writer on their final draft, there’s not a lot of need to go into detail on individual word choices. While a piece is still a WIP (work in progress), first, second or even third draft there are still big structural changes that can and often do happen. No need to focus on vocabulary unless there’s just an inconceivable error. If you’re making line edits at this point, it should be for your own practice and benefit, but realize the writer will likely be re-writing these scenes and your strong verbs might not have a home in the chapter (or in the story at all). If your time is limited, stick to the bigger picture.

• “It was boring so I stopped reading after page 1”

Why this is bad: No matter how terrible something is “boring” is the writerly kiss of death. It can be maddening, wildly implausible, humorously inaccurate, sappy, melodramatic, etc. Just don’t be boring! If you truly are bored by the plot, focus on other aspects of the story so you can give the writer something they can work on. Also remember, while you might be bored senseless by something (say, the history of Proto-Indo-European vowels compared to modern French) someone else is so passionate about it that it’ll be their Master’s thesis.

• “You should write it like James Joyce/Jane Austin/Tom Clancy/Octavia Butler”

Why this is bad: As a very wise writer once said, “Stephen King may be ‘The Man’ but he’s already done it so well. Let me create something new.” Many writers, especially new writers, are still seeking or refining that oh so elusive ‘voice’. We write things that can sound a lot like our favorite authors’ latest. Still, we need to focus on what sets us apart as writers, not trying to mimic an admired success.

• “Don’t quit your day job”

Why this is bad: Realistically, unless you get a movie deal along with your book contract, you won’t be able to quit your day job and be a full time writer. Most writers barely make enough to keep the lights on, so even if you’re a tremendous writer, you’ll probably need a backup income. Apart from practical considerations, this sort of feedback is just plain cruel. If you’re ever tempted to say this, consider leaving Write Time-Write Place, because we won’t tolerate it.

“A professional writer is just an amateur who didn’t quit.”

– Richard Bach