Post by James on Dec 30, 2011 15:38:11 GMT -5
A Writer's Recluse is about writing. Both the act of writing itself and discussing the craft of it, future ideas and various other things. The single biggest goal of AWR is that you leave us as a better writer than you came to us. One of the biggest things to ensure that we achieve that goal is through people reviewing each other's work and leaving helpful feedback.
Firstly, as stated in the rules, if you leave criticism in your reviews that criticism must be constructive. Rudeness and unhelpful comments will not be tolerated. However, some reviews may be harsh. As writers we have to learn to build thick skins and often the harshest reviews are also the best reviews.
Reviewing can also be a time consuming business. There are many stories floating around AWR and only limited time. To ensure you find some feedback we ask that you adopt The Zovo Protocol.
The Zovo Protocol says that if you want some reviews, ask for them. Head to the Writer's Discussion Thread (http://awritersrecluse.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=rb&action=display&thread=3969) and leave a post with a link to your work and some helpful feedback on it. People will then do so. It is worth noting that people are also quicker to lend a helping hand if the same kindness has been shown to them, so if you see someone asking for a review in the thread too; go and give it a read!
If you're wondering how to review, it really is quite simply. Basically, read the piece of work and then write what you thought about it. Did the characters feel realistic? Did the story make sense? Sometimes the writer will ask for feedback on a specific aspect of the writing.
If you're still struggling on how to review, then try following this:
Spelling & Grammar
Were there many mistakes in the story? Or was it perfect? Don't get too stuck up on this. You don't want 75% of your review being a list of mistakes that you've found. That's not reviewing, that's editing (which is fine if that is what the writing is asking for). However if you're noticing a reoccurring mistake, then mention it. Maybe the writer doesn't even know he's doing something wrong.
Ease of Read
Did you find it particularly easy to read? Did the narrative flow? Or did it feel clunky? Did the writer use too many metaphors to the point that you were drowning in them and lost. Or did he balance it just right?
Characters
What did you feel about the characters? Did they seem real? Did they have unique personalities or did they all feel the same? How did they interact with each other?
Story
What about the story itself? Did it make sense? Did it build up nicely with tension at a steady speed? Or was the beginning too short, the middle too stretched and the ending too rushed? Feel free to talk about pacing, inconsistency and other such things.
Entertaining
Simple. Did you enjoy yourself reading it? If you loved it and think that it could quite easily be published then say so! And if you think it has a lot of work to go, say that too! They're not going to begrudge you for negative but constructive comments because you're helping them. And they really appreciate it that you read the piece at all.
So there. That's Reviewing in the world of AWR. Go forth and spread your opinions.
Firstly, as stated in the rules, if you leave criticism in your reviews that criticism must be constructive. Rudeness and unhelpful comments will not be tolerated. However, some reviews may be harsh. As writers we have to learn to build thick skins and often the harshest reviews are also the best reviews.
Reviewing can also be a time consuming business. There are many stories floating around AWR and only limited time. To ensure you find some feedback we ask that you adopt The Zovo Protocol.
The Zovo Protocol says that if you want some reviews, ask for them. Head to the Writer's Discussion Thread (http://awritersrecluse.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=rb&action=display&thread=3969) and leave a post with a link to your work and some helpful feedback on it. People will then do so. It is worth noting that people are also quicker to lend a helping hand if the same kindness has been shown to them, so if you see someone asking for a review in the thread too; go and give it a read!
If you're wondering how to review, it really is quite simply. Basically, read the piece of work and then write what you thought about it. Did the characters feel realistic? Did the story make sense? Sometimes the writer will ask for feedback on a specific aspect of the writing.
If you're still struggling on how to review, then try following this:
Spelling & Grammar
Were there many mistakes in the story? Or was it perfect? Don't get too stuck up on this. You don't want 75% of your review being a list of mistakes that you've found. That's not reviewing, that's editing (which is fine if that is what the writing is asking for). However if you're noticing a reoccurring mistake, then mention it. Maybe the writer doesn't even know he's doing something wrong.
Ease of Read
Did you find it particularly easy to read? Did the narrative flow? Or did it feel clunky? Did the writer use too many metaphors to the point that you were drowning in them and lost. Or did he balance it just right?
Characters
What did you feel about the characters? Did they seem real? Did they have unique personalities or did they all feel the same? How did they interact with each other?
Story
What about the story itself? Did it make sense? Did it build up nicely with tension at a steady speed? Or was the beginning too short, the middle too stretched and the ending too rushed? Feel free to talk about pacing, inconsistency and other such things.
Entertaining
Simple. Did you enjoy yourself reading it? If you loved it and think that it could quite easily be published then say so! And if you think it has a lot of work to go, say that too! They're not going to begrudge you for negative but constructive comments because you're helping them. And they really appreciate it that you read the piece at all.
So there. That's Reviewing in the world of AWR. Go forth and spread your opinions.
