tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post8622625099372899800..comments2024-03-29T11:06:57.780-04:00Comments on Alex J. Cavanaugh: A Little Help Please?Alex J. Cavanaughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-17632786850083477062011-04-03T14:17:32.727-04:002011-04-03T14:17:32.727-04:00I don't know, why wouldn't a science ficti...I don't know, why wouldn't a science fiction reader notice a plot issue? I think they certainly would. Although I think your critique would be more well-rounded if you did find a writer as a critique partner.Suzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14698067676022598868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-45317900567513709742011-03-29T13:08:09.031-04:002011-03-29T13:08:09.031-04:00Colene, definitely aiming for two critique partner...Colene, definitely aiming for two critique partners.Alex J. Cavanaughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-33449579194262663582011-03-25T23:53:13.187-04:002011-03-25T23:53:13.187-04:00Holy smokes that's a lot of advice and offers!...Holy smokes that's a lot of advice and offers! I agree, you need more than one partner. People look for different things as they read, and miss different things. I have 3 in a group and have had 2 other people read it before them. All have spotted different things, yes. But another cool bit about having more than one is that when someone suggests an addition or subtraction to your work that you're unsure of listening to/want to ignore because it's your work and you don't have to change that damnit, you can always fall back on others. If more than one person suggests the change, then you know it's too obvious to ignore. <br /><br />Good luck on your quest! I would be so freaking fan-girl thrilled to help but I feel highly unqualified!Colene Murphyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06086195075690893194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-51799147565923448412011-03-25T07:19:30.373-04:002011-03-25T07:19:30.373-04:00*grabs critical looking mustache - no not that one...*grabs critical looking mustache - no not that one that's so Snidley Whiplash you're imagining... the one that makes me look smart. Wait You went for Hercule Poirot didn't you. Gah, I'll never win.*<br /><br />Oh, sorry, am I interrupting. I just came from solving war tribe crimes in foreign lands where that sort of stuff is still going down. <br /><br />I think this is a good idea Alex, and an especially good one if you can avoid the pitfall of handing out the sequel to your book to half your fanbase :PUnivarnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01437654003558435749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-31680994615226048202011-03-24T23:32:32.478-04:002011-03-24T23:32:32.478-04:00Julie, I need some with a kind touch!
Hart, I app...Julie, I need some with a kind touch!<br /><br />Hart, I appreciate that.<br /><br />Donea, you are honest though! And I've found science fiction readers aren't my core audience.<br /><br />Spacerguy, that's a bummer.<br /><br />Sounds like a big plus, Patricia.<br /><br />Thanks, Beer. Really hoping there's SOME good...<br /><br />Julie, I need a cheerleader as well.Alex J. Cavanaughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-86281118761327968242011-03-24T22:50:14.887-04:002011-03-24T22:50:14.887-04:00Alex, I do have critique partners and they are the...Alex, I do have critique partners and they are the best thing. They point out all kinds of problems, from small to big. Not only that, they're cheerleaders for the things I do right.Julie Musilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02150454913885915017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-993648801317594432011-03-24T20:48:23.615-04:002011-03-24T20:48:23.615-04:00The two of us are each other's critique partne...The two of us are each other's critique partners, and it works out really well. We've gotten past the point of, "Oh, that was really good, I loved all of it" to "this part was rough, and needs some work."<br /><br />We like to use the comment feature in Word and attach comments everywhere -- what we liked, what we didn't like. What worked, what didn't work. <br /><br />Don't forget, critiquing isn't just about the bad. I like to point out what stands out as being really good, as well, so the author knows what they're doing right just as much as they know what to improve upon.<br /><br />If either of us can be of help, our e-mail is on our profile page.A Beer for the Showerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17029139745335325356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-9607702546604173082011-03-24T19:25:21.250-04:002011-03-24T19:25:21.250-04:00My critique group is the best thing that has ever ...My critique group is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Then my husband.Missed Periodshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10343265071637032284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-84900793742480675432011-03-24T18:02:34.227-04:002011-03-24T18:02:34.227-04:00Hi Alex,
I belong to a face-to-face critique grou...Hi Alex,<br /><br />I belong to a face-to-face critique group with a total of six members, and a small online group as well. I also start new critique groups for Northern Colorado Writers. I have no fear of critiques -- the feedback I receive and the critiquing I do for others help make me a better writer, and that's what it's all about.Patricia Stolteyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17192369425956406122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-32060547609105684102011-03-24T17:55:58.340-04:002011-03-24T17:55:58.340-04:00I did a blog post on critique groups recently and ...I did a blog post on critique groups recently and would have to say I am a fan. Is it scary, you betcha. Is it worth it, without a doubt. Getting lots of different views helps a good bit. I truly believe that.Libbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14323538213636795216noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-1922329703607912492011-03-24T17:45:19.143-04:002011-03-24T17:45:19.143-04:00A Science Fiction friend of mine read my cosmic t...A Science Fiction friend of mine read my cosmic trek story 4 years ago. Its unfinished and still a rough draft but at least its totally unique... Analysis: I've written a fun story with my writing going from strength to strength! Result: Still no book. I still get a really good chuckle every time I read it. Where did I go wrong? Good luck with the hunting Alex.SpacerGuyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05575342869714342370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-28223996075248904402011-03-24T15:46:49.259-04:002011-03-24T15:46:49.259-04:00Hey Man, I hope ya find the perfect match for a cr...Hey Man, I hope ya find the perfect match for a critique partner 'cause it sounds like a grand idea to me. Ya gotta find one who you can play well with though or it just won't work.<br /><br />God bless ya Man and have a marvelous day!!! :o)Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise)https://www.blogger.com/profile/10175389676508928061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-53020066450699992602011-03-24T15:34:10.969-04:002011-03-24T15:34:10.969-04:00Hi Alex - looks like you've got some great cho...Hi Alex - looks like you've got some great choices here! I'd also be happy to read through your sequel.<br /><br />I haven't read Cassastar yet, but heck! I'll go download it right now. Honestly, I don't read a lot of sci-fi (awful, I know), BUT I do watch a lot of sci-fi. Not sure I'm the perfect critiquer out there either (really selling myself here, right?) but, I always give my honest opinion. Best of luck in your search for the perfect CP! :)Donea Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15393184831994368021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-10004526233130158062011-03-24T09:53:23.538-04:002011-03-24T09:53:23.538-04:00Sounds like you've got some great crit partner...Sounds like you've got some great crit partner possibilities here! I'm actually thinking about starting to look for CPs for a resurrected and revamped novel, but it's epic fantasy so probably not what you're looking for.Susan Fieldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02433408456603462774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-31431005365644884772011-03-24T09:46:32.232-04:002011-03-24T09:46:32.232-04:00Alex-I've found different readers spot differe...Alex-I've found different readers spot different things, even as WRITERS. I STRONGLY recommend not just one, but a couple. I have my writer's group, but I also have done a lot of one-on-one swaps and they help a lot.<br /><br />I'm happy to give a read, if you'd like. My strengths tend to be big picture and characterization stuff (that psych background).Hart Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17599570189253229318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-29799816288998810162011-03-24T09:45:31.968-04:002011-03-24T09:45:31.968-04:00I love my critique group, but it's totally sca...I love my critique group, but it's totally scary to send off drafts to them. I think it's terrifying to send off drafts to anyone, actually, but in the end it's usually more than worth it! It's good if you have people who know how to critique and be kind at the same time. Hope you find the right CPs, Alex!Julie Daohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13814052162359300933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-9537667502256819192011-03-24T09:36:36.565-04:002011-03-24T09:36:36.565-04:00Jeffrey, thanks so much! And I'd say you are m...Jeffrey, thanks so much! And I'd say you are more qualified than I am.<br /><br />Huntress, no, not busy at all!!Alex J. Cavanaughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-71047962537063270832011-03-24T07:49:20.127-04:002011-03-24T07:49:20.127-04:00Why not begin a critique group? Sort them into sev...Why not begin a critique group? Sort them into several branches according to preferred genre and skill.<br /><br />I mean, you're not busy or anything, right?<br />*snicker*Huntresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08155372788872245758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-87210701329496052032011-03-24T05:42:00.909-04:002011-03-24T05:42:00.909-04:00Dude, I find myself a bit lacking in the critique ...Dude, I find myself a bit lacking in the critique partners area right now and would be mightily humbled if you were to consider adding me to your army of critique partners. You know how much I enjoyed reading CassaStar and am looking forward to the sequel! I've been a slush pile reader for a small press publisher for a while now and just got done critiquing a horror novella for an author.<br /><br />Let me know if you could use my assist, Alex. You know I won't say no to you.Jeff Beeslerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17935580053176710609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-24233565854648004532011-03-24T01:21:45.329-04:002011-03-24T01:21:45.329-04:00Kal, thanks dude!
Thank you. Elizabeth.
Thanks D...Kal, thanks dude!<br /><br />Thank you. Elizabeth.<br /><br />Thanks Donna - I appreciate that!<br /><br />Thanks, Words.<br /><br />Ella, you always make me smile!<br /><br />Thanks, Karen - I appreciate the offer.Alex J. Cavanaughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-39167413518800320832011-03-24T00:43:17.038-04:002011-03-24T00:43:17.038-04:00Sounds like you've gotten lots of offers, whic...Sounds like you've gotten lots of offers, which is great!<br /><br />Digging through the writing of a story and helping make it better happens to be an area of expertise for me. I spend some of my working hours helping in the Writing Center.<br /><br />You know, if you're still looking.Karen M. Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06972093977468313631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-15242066999775642612011-03-24T00:14:05.344-04:002011-03-24T00:14:05.344-04:00This is a great idea; I want one, too. I need to w...This is a great idea; I want one, too. I need to write something besides poems and blog posts. I had one critiqued on another side, I now know what pain feels like...ouch!<br /><br />Excepted about the Woman and pass the Hot Tamales and the War Heads...Thanxs!Ellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06070952447277684613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-90954366708342983962011-03-23T23:18:22.159-04:002011-03-23T23:18:22.159-04:00Alex - I've recently added an about me page to...Alex - I've recently added an about me page to my blog. It has contact info at the bottom if you decide to send me a message.<br /><br />Otherwise, happy writing.Rusty Carlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09887821877521181811noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-9740241595630934412011-03-23T23:01:53.044-04:002011-03-23T23:01:53.044-04:00I would love to offer my services, but alas, I am ...I would love to offer my services, but alas, I am never able to focus on the technical stuff. I always, ALWAYS, get lost in the story. Which is good, I suppose. It means the story has captured me. <br /><br />There you go. I would be able to tell you if the story was good, that's all :)<br /><br />I hope you find one, good luck!The Words Crafterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14520267901489487512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699262959296846764.post-88302885144548709182011-03-23T22:30:41.275-04:002011-03-23T22:30:41.275-04:00Your writing style has a momentum to it Alex. Eas...Your writing style has a momentum to it Alex. Easy enough to relate to, and works well with the pacing of your story.<br /><br />I haven't finished Cassastar yet - I'm slow reader, and got a little distracted by a submission deadline (ALH3).<br /><br />I meet 2x a month with my ftf crit group; we're at 7 members now, I think. A variety of writers, which means a variety of critiquing voices. Good input and exchange of ideas.<br /><br />I'd partner with you, if you don't mind my rough-around-the-edges style. Looks like you have a lot of partners to choose from. Good luck making your choices - I'd recommend two or three.<br /><br />.......dholedolorahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08715849844092553699noreply@blogger.com