One of the greatest rushes you may ever experience is seeing your fresh idea in print (monitor screen, note pad, or 8 by eleven bond). Like many other intoxicating moments, it can blind you to flaws.

QUICK FIX read the story aloud to yourself in a parade ground bellow, preferably in a small room. Do not exceed a rate of 100 words per minute. Errors, lapses, and other writing problems will jump out.

CRITIQUE CIRCLE FIX have your work read aloud to the group by someone who has never seen it (cold read). A decent speaking voice helps. But note where the reader stumbles over text. Also note where group members glance at each other.

After the read, let each circle member have his say. Of course every one of them is a jealous idiot. But listen, do not defend. The circle has six other offerings to analyze before the evening ends. [More on Critique Circle organization and etiquette another time.]

So let's hear the closed-room shouting.

Dick aka drace68

Message edited on: 11/08/2005 21:03