I like the analogy of literary weights. I played violin when I was younger, but I never got really good because I hated practicing scales. But if you want to be really good, you have to spend hours and hours practicing scales, which aren't fun and you will never perform in front of a crowd.
I think the big difference between workshops and critique groups is that, with critique groups, you generally have a consistent group of readers who you know well. You trust their opinions, but more importantly you understand their opinions. So if one of my critique group members has an issue with something, I can better figure out why. Do they usually have the same taste as me here, or not? Their feedback is much more useful.
Personally, I think motivation and literary criticism (analyses of other work) are better, long term, than most "craft" books. There's certainly value to writing about craft (I like your posts quite a lot!), but most craft books max out their value quickly and early. Literary analyses goes much deeper -- I've been slowly going through the "Art Of" series by Graywolf Press and it's fantastic.
I love the idea of "read the best in every genre." What were some other titles you read through this?
I think you are dead on about the difference between workshop and critique groups. One is a trusted group of respected colleagues and the other is.. whoever shows up to class. The "Art of" Series is great-- I wish they would do more of them!
Your substack is the one of the few I consistently read the moment it arrives in my email. Your POV is so spot on and helpful. This was a great read right as I'm trying to plot my second novel. Thank you!
Cannot love this newsletter enough.
I like the analogy of literary weights. I played violin when I was younger, but I never got really good because I hated practicing scales. But if you want to be really good, you have to spend hours and hours practicing scales, which aren't fun and you will never perform in front of a crowd.
I think the big difference between workshops and critique groups is that, with critique groups, you generally have a consistent group of readers who you know well. You trust their opinions, but more importantly you understand their opinions. So if one of my critique group members has an issue with something, I can better figure out why. Do they usually have the same taste as me here, or not? Their feedback is much more useful.
Personally, I think motivation and literary criticism (analyses of other work) are better, long term, than most "craft" books. There's certainly value to writing about craft (I like your posts quite a lot!), but most craft books max out their value quickly and early. Literary analyses goes much deeper -- I've been slowly going through the "Art Of" series by Graywolf Press and it's fantastic.
I love the idea of "read the best in every genre." What were some other titles you read through this?
I think you are dead on about the difference between workshop and critique groups. One is a trusted group of respected colleagues and the other is.. whoever shows up to class. The "Art of" Series is great-- I wish they would do more of them!
Your substack is the one of the few I consistently read the moment it arrives in my email. Your POV is so spot on and helpful. This was a great read right as I'm trying to plot my second novel. Thank you!