et ceteras
Welcome to et ceteras, a blog featuring posts about Joann, animals, childhood, The Mollys B. (her latest book!), and writing in general. An insight to her writing, Joann shares thoughts on topics regarding her inspiration, ethics, companionship with animals, and imagination. Check back often, or subscribe to receive the latest updates by email!
The Value of Critique Partners
My writing journey has been assisted and blessed with many critique partners. So, who are these people and why are they so important? Getting to work with like-minded people is always a joy, but the relationships I’ve had with my critique partners goes further than this. Years of working together has fostered a camaraderie that’s unlike any other in my experience. Even more extraordinary, the majority of these relationships have been on-line - I’ve only met a couple of my partners in person - yet they all feel like friends.
The Benefits of Critique Partners
Critique partners perform a variety of functions for a writer ranging from correcting writing mechanics to providing in-depth analysis of all the components demanded of good storytelling. They can also serve as barometers for you; practically impossible for any one person to keep up with every book being published – your critique partners’ knowledge of the current market can add exponentially to your own knowledge base.
The Purpose of Critique Partners
When non-writers ask me about my journey to become a published author, one of the questions is always something like, “How did you do this (i.e. get a book published) all by yourself?” Well, the truth is, I didn’t. Being an author is a solitary endeavor, but no one writes alone.
A WRITER’S LIFE: Critique Partner Relationships
Today we call them “critique partners,” but as a group of trusted fellow artists, they’ve probably existed forever. Storytellers have always relied on family and friends to be their first audiences. Beginning as early as the 15th century, more formal groupings of literary artists began gathering in what was known as “salons,” in which works were read and critiqued.