Paths of Glory; Story Discussion Circle invitation

[Rumple Foreskin]

Learning to give critiques, to think like a writer, can be one of the best ways to improve your writing. If you're one of those poor souls who enjoy writing and want to become a better writer, take a look at the Literotica forum, The Story Discussion Circle (SDC)..

At the SDC, writers give and receive critiques. There's no free lunch, or critiques. You can't have one without the other. Participants are expected to give critiques. If you've never done one before, that's okay. We've all had a first and help is available.

The forum's new moderator, PURE, has re-organized the joint, so getting around is easy. There are rules and a sign-up thread. Drop by and take a look.

Rumple Foreskin

 

[impressive]

I so envy those who can write critiques without sounding harsh or snide. The SDC regulars are phenomenal. I threw a really shitty vignette up there for dissection once -- I mean REALLY awful. (I've since pulled it from Lit until it can be totally reworked.) They completely tore it apart -- but left me feeling hope rather than despair. That takes talent, IMO. Wish I could do it.

 

[Black Tulip]

Giving a good critique is not really all that difficult. Honest, I found that out by plunging in, scared silly I would not really be contributing something valuable. That is nonsense! Everybody has his or her own particular strong points to bring to the forum. And if you are a writer, all you have to do is keep in mind what you would like to get yourself.

* Honest pointers to what can be improved, not merely saying it sucks.

* Tell a writer what he or she did good too, instead of focussing solely on the bad spots.

* Give your own opinion with the understanding that all opinions are subjective.

It's called a Discussion Circle, which means we all have our own views and that's what we are talking about. It's fun to do and you learn a lot about writing, even if the story discussed is not your own.

Do come and join us, we do not bite unless invited to do so.

 

[Guest]

well, youve piqued my interest. i wont be putting anything of mine up since my ego is very frail...but maybe one day, when i grow up.
thanks for posting this. i know several people who do get involved with the SDC and they say it has been an invaluable forum.
v~

 

[neonlyte]

If you want to cringe, you should see my last post over there - typical that Manu couldn't manage wipe that one

That's the thing about SDC, teaches you to read as well as write.

 

[Guest]

If you want to cringe, you should see my last post over there - typical that Manu couldn't manage wipe that one

That's the thing about SDC, teaches you to read as well as write.

ive been going over and lurking for a while but i still cant make myself post over there.
it is, to me, a place where all the cool kids hang...im not in that click yet.
but i have learned quite a bit from my lurking. i do that well, lurking..

 

[neonlyte]

ive been going over and lurking for a while but i still cant make myself post over there.
it is, to me, a place where all the cool kids hang...im not in that click yet.
but i have learned quite a bit from my lurking. i do that well, lurking..

You can click with me anytime, we could get cool together... before things hot up

EDIT: better stop flirting on this thread before I get drummed out.

 

[dr_mabeuse]

One of the great things about the SDC is that an author can ask specific questions - did this work? Was this part too long? Did you like or hate this character? Was this part funny? - and get input from different authors and then discuss the story and the comments.

How many times have you had the frustrating experience of receiving anonymous feedback and really wanting to respond and explain yourself or your story but being unable to? This gives you a chance to do that. It also gives the reviewers a fascinating look inside the author's head and a chance to see how another writer handles problems we all come up against.

You don't have to be a literary genius to critique a story. All you have to do is be able to say why you liked or didn't like it, which is something we all can do if we just give it a little thought. And of course the ability to evaulate a story is something every writer has whether they're aware of it or not.

I can also say that the quality of the reviews is at least as good if not better than the kind of thing you'd get in a college-level creative writing course, and it's free. The SDC is probably the single greatest resource available on Lit for people trying to improve their writing.

---dr.M.

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

bump

You see, CV isn't the only one who can do that.

Rumple Foreskin

 

[Pure]

Drop in!

Sure, c'mon over. Vella_ms.

Read some threads and offer comments; that can't hurt!

---
NOTE: By the way, this thread started with a posting by me describing the Circle, yet the posting seems to have disappeared. Read the second sticky, at the Circle about 'how things work, here' giving information on the process. Beginners and advanced are welcome. As at Lit, there is no actual selection or weeding out, other than in terms of basic literacy and intelligibility.

 

[Poussin]

.....

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

"Bump for Box and Helene."

 

[cloudy]

Just a cautionary note:

While I think, on the whole, the SDC is a wonderful tool, it'll probably be awhile before I put another story up for discussion, if ever.

When I put one up, it was torn apart so relentlessly that Pure had to step in, and remind some (not all) that it was not only about what was wrong, but what was right, as well. Very few found much good to say, and I'll venture to say that maybe it was just an off week for folks, but I doubt I'll put one up again.

edited to add: I have no problem with constructive criticism, in fact, I welcome it. However, I left the experience feeling a whole lot worse about my skills as a writer, and actually doubted whether it was something I should continue to do.

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

Just a cautionary note:

While I think, on the whole, the SDC is a wonderful tool, it'll probably be awhile before I put another story up for discussion, if ever.

When I put one up, it was torn apart so relentlessly that Pure had to step in, and remind some (not all) that it was not only about what was wrong, but what was right, as well. Very few found much good to say, and I'll venture to say that maybe it was just an off week for folks, but I doubt I'll put one up again.

edited to add: I have no problem with constructive criticism, in fact, I welcome it. However, I left the experience feeling a whole lot worse about my skills as a writer, and actually doubted whether it was something I should continue to do.

Cloudy,

I'm sorry. That must have been while I was up to my elbows trying to finish my novel and missed all the uproar. No one can promise it will never happen again. But at least Pure, the SDC mod, was able to step in and stop the personal crap. I hope you give the joint another try sometime. When you do, be sure to give me a heads-up. I wouldn't want to have my head up my ass again and miss your story.

Rumple Foreskin

 

[Black Tulip]

Cloudy,

I'm sorry. That must have been while I was up to my elbows trying to finish my novel and missed all the uproar. No one can promise it will never happen again. But at least Pure, the SDC mod, was able to step in and stop the personal crap. I hope you give the joint another try sometime. When you do, be sure to give me a heads-up. I wouldn't want to have my head up my ass again and miss your story.

Rumple Foreskin

That goes for me too. I have been absent for a while and have missed your story too.
I'm very sorry you had such an unpleasant visit. Please come again.
I'll bake you cookies?

 

[neonlyte]

Just a cautionary note:

While I think, on the whole, the SDC is a wonderful tool, it'll probably be awhile before I put another story up for discussion, if ever.

When I put one up, it was torn apart so relentlessly that Pure had to step in, and remind some (not all) that it was not only about what was wrong, but what was right, as well. Very few found much good to say, and I'll venture to say that maybe it was just an off week for folks, but I doubt I'll put one up again.

edited to add: I have no problem with constructive criticism, in fact, I welcome it. However, I left the experience feeling a whole lot worse about my skills as a writer, and actually doubted whether it was something I should continue to do.

Cloudy
Sounds bizarre, don't remember that at all - but then there are gaps between my visits.
You are a fine writer, as many here would attest, and hope that the experience is now behind you. I can understand only too easily the effect on you as a writer of being torn apart, it's not been my fate (yet) on SDC.

 

[angelicminx]

I have read the discussion of dr mabeuse's "Keeper of the Streets". I learned that I haven't the first clue how to give a critique. I will continue to lurk until I can offer something that doesn't sound like I am uneducated moron, lol.

Rumple, I like your style! The suggestions you made seemed to make a difference. I have read the story you have up for critique and I will PM my suggestions, if that is okay?

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

I have read the discussion of dr mabeuse's "Keeper of the Streets". I learned that I haven't the first clue how to give a critique. I will continue to lurk until I can offer something that doesn't sound like I am uneducated moron, lol.

Rumple, I like your style! The suggestions you made seemed to make a difference. I have read the story you have up for critique and I will PM my suggestions, if that is okay?

Minx,

Please do send me your comments. A lot of folks are uneasy about posting a critique. But an objective critique is very helpful.

Just for fun, I'm adding the link to an English site, The Self-Appointed Grammar Police, that shows all the WRONG things to do when giving a critique. Got to their "How To" section and click, Critiques. Enjoy.
SAGP

Rumple Foreskin

 

[cantdog]

I am still trying to apply the lessons from the last time I was there.

I'd hate it to need to be told the same things, again. But Zoot is absolutely right that it is a terrific tool for improving your writing. Cloudy is right, too, in a general way. You need a good stout ego to withstand the process, sometimes. I recommend it.

 

[angelicminx]

Minx,

Please do send me your comments. A lot of folks are uneasy about posting a critique. But an objective critique is very helpful.

Just for fun, I'm adding the link to an English site, The Self-Appointed Grammar Police, that shows all the WRONG things to do when giving a critique. Got to their "How To" section and click, Critiques. Enjoy.
SAGP

Rumple Foreskin

Critique PM sent, thanks! Feel free to post it if it isn't completely awful, lmao.

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

Critique PM sent, thanks! Feel free to post it if it isn't completely awful, lmao.

Minx,

Your critique is fine. I've only had time for a quick glance (I'm about to leave for a meeting - "meet" is a four-letter word, you know) but I'm almost certain to take one of your first suggestions concerning a character's dialect. I'm hoping your thoughts on dialect in dialogue will spark some interesting talk on how much is too much.

Many thanks.

Rumple Foreskin

 

[angelicminx]

Minx,

Your critique is fine. I've only had time for a quick glance (I'm about to leave for a meeting - "meet" is a four-letter word, you know) but I'm almost certain to take one of your first suggestions concerning a character's dialect. I'm hoping your thoughts on dialect in dialogue will spark some interesting talk on how much is too much.

Many thanks.

Rumple Foreskin

Wanted to tell you that I posted the PM... and give this thread a bump in the process...

 

[angelicminx]

Well deserved BUMP... lol