#15588 - 09/13/05 03:43 AM
READ THIS FIRST!
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red1hols
old hand
Registered: 04/24/02
Posts: 1141
Loc: UK
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Welcome to the 'Story Review' forum board, the place where member's work is publicly reviewed by their peers.
The intention is to generate an active discussion about the writing on this site that allows writers to gain confidence, learn and develop their skills. Which means the focus must remain on the writing - not the writer.
Requesting a review of your own work
Anyone can request a peer review of their own work.
In order to gain the feedback required, you need to make sure that other members understand what you are after. I suggest that you should take as much care over the request for feedback as you did over your original piece and make sure that you include the following:
- The Title
- The author account under which it was posted
- A short 'selling' blurb to encourage people to read it (no more than two sentences!).
- What you are hoping to achieve from the feedback.
If a new to the forum, it would helpful to include a bit about you, your aspirations and experience. If you are young or speak English as second language, it would help to know that as well.
Suggesting a review of another persons work.
This should never be done without first checking with the author. Feedback can be traumatic and some people are not prepared for the emotional trauma that feedback can generate.
Having got the permission of the writer, then post the following information about the piece:
The Title
- The author account under which it was posted
- A short 'selling' blurb to encourage people to read it (no more than two sentences!).
- Why you think the piece is worthy of a review.
If possible, you should encourage the writer to post a small explanation of the piece and their expectations etc.
Writing a review.
Before you put finger to key - read The Diplomatic Critiquer by Andrew Burt.
This is a public board. Yes, we want active discussion and debate, but our first priority must be to protect the feelings and minimise the emotional trauma to our fellow writers. We are all different and we have different sensitivities. We must always bear in mind the potential impact our words on others - especially something as intensely personal as their writing.
When reviewing work, focus on the 'Top Ten' areas of reviewing.
1. The Opening.
2. The Plot Dynamic (the device that drives the story).
3. The Setting.
4. The Characters.
5. The Plot itself and the ending.
6. Dialogue.
7. The Pace and Viewpoint.
8. That old favourite Show versus Tell.
9. Spelling, Format and Grammar.
10. Style.
That list isn't in an arbitrary order. The higher up in the list something appears the more focus it requires. Therefore, reviews require the same focus. It is easy to focus on spelling and grammar in a review, but the real benefits come from elements higher in the list.
Those benefits are shared. By reviewing other peoples work, it helps you with your own. You understand more about what is required from a story and the mechanics of bringing that about.
OK. I have spouted enough. Let's get started.
Remember - Writers have feelings too!
Have Fun!
Simon.
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Moderator: art, red1hols
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