So, the group is a few months old and going strong, thanks to strong members such as takeapaige jeshi99 and myself, of course ;) and new members such as sdfrost61 and Kismetwinters

I'm going to count points soon, so please make sure your observation reports are complete. Remember, no observation report, no points!

Stories up for Critique from November 2-15

Kismetwinters - Spider's Game, chapters 4-7 (4 chapters!)

Total word count: 8,700 words (chapters 4-7). Subgenre: paranormal/thriller. Highest Rank: There is no graphic sex or violence - but with the caveate that there are disturbing sexual and violent scenes.

This is the second round for Jesse's novel. If you haven't read the first three chapters, read all seven for fifty points. Please make sure you clarify in your observation reports which chapters you've read.

After our input, Jesse has realised that the story cannot be edited to fit one genre, and it might not be publishable for that reason. In any case, she's still keen on making it the best story possible and appreciates your help!

takeapaige - Ahnera, chapters 5-8.2 (not including 8.3)

Total word count: 8,400 words. Subgenre: spunky heroine/space opera/new adult. Highest rank: #173 in sci-fi. No graphic sex or violence. Target audience: adults.

This is also the second round of Paige's story, so if you want to read all of her story, from chapters 1-8.2 then you'll earn fifty points! (don't worry, Paige's chapters are short!)

Paige's feedback request:

1. I find myself using some American slang in the descriptions and especially in the dialogue. Does it add to the voice or detract from the alienness?

2. How's the pacing? Is the story dragging?

3. Are the characters likeable and rounded? Do you like Makamae?

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Please leave your observations reports!

To earn your points, you must report back here and leave a comment after you've finished your critique with the main points of your critique. This is called an observation report. This is how I count points. No observation report, no points!

All critiques are worth 25 points. Observation/reader reports are mandatory. They can be long or short (minimum 200 characters). People who participate by commenting on other reports by other critters will be awarded additional points.

Critiquing Reminder

No judgements, only observations. We are all here to help each other succeed in our writing. What isn't your cup of tea will be somebody's feast!

Describe: What's going on? What are you experiencing as you read?

Interpret: What do you think the author was intending? Where do you think it's headed?

Evaluate: Is it working? WHY? (don't forget the 'because' in your criticism. "It's not working because dada-dada-dada." YOU MUST SAY WHY something is or is not working.

Consider: Setting, Plot, Characterisation, Pace, Writing Quality, Dialogue, Theme, etc.

Accepting Criticism Reminder

Be quiet and listen.

Don't defend your writing! Don't respond to negative criticism if you feel upset about it. Take a break and come back to it later. We all have bad days. Don't look at criticism when you're having a bad day.

Appreciate and be grateful to your critics -- they have taken their time to read your writing and give you their thoughts! Remember, they aren't trying to hurt you or take you down. We are all here to help each other succeed in our writing.

IF you feel capable of responding to criticism, then focus on what you've learned from the critique. If you feel comfortable you may try to explain why you did something, and ask for ideas on how you might do it better in the next draft, from their perspective. But again, don't get defensive and start explaining why it's great the way it is. Accept the person didn't see or understand what you were trying to do.

Take what works for you and leave the rest behind.

Have fun!