Critique The Poem Not The Poet
Author: Rose DesRochers

The act of writing poetry is something that is very personal to
us poets and sharing it for the first time can be a very
frightening experience. The first experience of having your
work criticized can boggle our mind and set us back a step in
our writing.

However critique is essential in any writer's career. Accepting
criticism is something that we all must face even if we don't
like it. When I received my first harsh critique it was on a
ezboard workshop and right then I wanted to give up writing.
They were arrogant and my opinion very mean. It was the most
painful experience.

Running an online writing community for the last two years I
have met a few arrogant and mean people just like the one on
Ezboard. I think that some of these poets have gone to
workshops and have been critique in this matter, so now they
think this is how one critiques. Wrong!

How to give a critique:

Short reviews like good poem, I like this, and awesome are not
useful to any poet. When giving a critique remember that poets
are looking for in depth critique. As writers we strive on
feedback and we grow as writers by getting both positive and
negative comments on our work. At all times keep them
respectful.

You don't have to take a critical lengthy review approach when
commenting on others poetry. You might just want to comment on
the way the poem struck you, what you liked about a poem, or
what threw you off about a poem. Maybe you can quote part of
the poem and why you liked that verse. You don't have to write
a book; just a few comments can really help someone know what
works and what doesn't. Remember to be tactful and never
disrespect the writer. Poets are sensitive souls and they take
their poetry to heart. There is a wrong way and right way to
say everything. You can offer constructive criticism where the
poet is going to learn from it without being disrespectful and
never mock your fellow poet.

Here is an example: You just read a poem and all you can find
are reasons why the poem that you just read sucks. Maybe they
had a number of spelling, grammar mistakes and run on
sentences. Instead of commenting on only the bad parts of the
poem start out by pointing out a good point. For instance you
could say I think you've done a really fine job at expressing
your emotions. I do believe that your poem could use some work
on the structure to make it complete. I noticed a few spelling
and grammar mistakes. I really think this is a good attempt and
if you are looking for a more in depth critique I would be happy
to work with you to tighten up the poem.

How to not give a critique.

Never critique the author, critique the poem. Never change the
poem and put it in your own words. When you do this it no
longer becomes the poet's thoughts. Never think that you are an
expert in your field. All poets have room for improvement. Never
look at another poet as a failure, keep in mind just as movies
not every poem will appeal to you. Don't point out every line
in the poem that needs work. You should save that for a more in
depth critique if the poet desires it. Don't come off as an
arrogant critic that is not the way to help people or win
friends in the writing business.

Critique is important to all poets. However if you feel that
you are a poet expert with no room for improvement yourself
than maybe you should stay away from critique groups and just
look at your own writing because your really not helping
anyone.


About The Author: Rose DesRochers, Canada
admin@todays-woman.net http://www.todays-woman.net Rose is a
published author and web columnist. She is also the founder of
Today's Woman a supportive online community for men and women
over 18. Their goal is to help writers succeed in the writing
industry by offering a useful selection of services including
author interv

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