Former Critique Partners
Why do people become former critique partners?
This happens for a number of reasons. There are the bad reasons such as 1) They don’t get anything out of the critiques from group members and think they could use their time better in another group or exchanging stories with fellow writers they meet online on Verla Kay’s blueboard or on the SCBWI website. This is a former critique partner because of choice, their choice to find better critiques.
Another reason people become a former critique member are that they are not contributing to the group in a way that others are contributing to them. This happens when a writer takes more than they give by not doing thorough critiques for her fellow critique group partners. Everyone has probably experienced this. It’s not fun. It’s okay if only one member in a group is identified as more of a taker than giver, but those other group members better do some brilliant critiques for you to make it all worthwhile. This is a former critique partner not by choice, but more so by being asked to resign.
The best way someone becomes a former critique partner is when they move on to success due to publication. Most people do not leave their critique groups when they finally sell a manuscript or two, but due to busy schedules, they may be forced to leave, especially if the critique group is about 6-8 writers. This is being a former critique partner by choice and good circumstances.
I just had a former critique partner who is busy and now published offer to critique one of my latest stories. I am very thankful to Debbie for her offer. Now I just need to make sure to send something her way.
