First of all, congratulations to each and every writer out there who has stuck with Ye Olde Subb It Clubbe's series on how to critique. May your dedication be rewarded with a hefty contract. Today we discuss correcting the grammar and punctuation in your critique partner's manuscript. In general, don't. That is not what critiquing... Continue Reading →
I know. Your first reaction to the title of this blog post is: Let me explain.The middle of a story is important---after all, that's where everything happens. But the beginning and ending are even more critical. If the "bookends" of the story are lacking, the whole work is thrown awry. And so... BEGINNINGS---ENDINGS CHECKLIST Does... Continue Reading →
Oh, we're comin' around the bend, race fans. Today's installment of our series on critiquing considers the actual story. Here's your handy-dandy... PLOT CHECKLIST Problem--Can you define, clearly, what it is? When you read a manuscript, ask "What does the main character want?" If you don't know, that's a bad sign. Once you can identify... Continue Reading →
*phew* After a month of special guests and interviews and contests and frivolity, it's time to get back to what we're really here to encourage: Today, let's consider how to help your critique partner write realistic, unforgettable characters. CHARACTER CHECKLIST Point of View--Is it consistent? Whether it's first, second (boy, I'd like to see THAT... Continue Reading →
Okay. By now you've taken advantage of the Sub It Club Critique Partner Matchup. So it's time to continue our journey toward Critiquing Greatness by looking at another important feature of a manuscript: the bones, or structure. STRUCTURE CHECKLIST Does the story start in the right place? All manuscripts, whether picture books, early chapter or... Continue Reading →
Okay, mes petites shoes. (<---Hilarious two-language pun. Dana can vouch for that.) The holidays are definitely over--all twelve days of Christmas, all eight days of Hanukkah, all seven days of Kwanzaa and all three days of Lisha's Post-Family Reunion Recovery. Time. To get. To work. (If you need a critique partner, visit the Sub It... Continue Reading →
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