I’ve recently started running a book club for writers of mystery/thriller and, as such, have had to brush up my knowledge on what makes a good story and what makes a good critique. I didn’t want to do anyone a disservice by explaining things off the top of my head, so I went searching for helpful outside resources. And that’s what I’ve included below! I hope you find these articles helpful.
Critiquing
How to Critique Other Writers’ Work by Melissa Donovan is a nice primer for how to critique another author. It gives tips on how to read with a critical eye, how to provide helpful comments, and how to follow up with those you’ve critiqued to help them on an ongoing basis.
Five Tips for Writing a Helpful Critique by Manuela Williams is exactly what it sounds like. Among her five tips is a helpful list of things to keep in mind while you read for a critique and some tips for making sure you provide a well-rounded critique.
Crafting a Story
10 Ingredients of Great Novels gives some elements that make a novel great – it is somewhat subjective, but can give you a great place to start if you aren’t sure what types of things you should be paying attention to when crafting a story.
The 7 Critical Elements of a Good Story by Amanda Patterson gives an even more detailed list of what makes up a story. It is by no means exhaustive, but it gives some great questions and ideas to think about or send off to your beta readers or critique partners when they review your work.
Do you have any resources you like (or have made?) about how to critique or craft a story? I’d love to share them here and with my reading group.
Eliza Solares 