Thursday, March 9, 2017

Talkin' Heads: Critique Guidelines

We've got 10 dialogue-rich excerpts ready for your sharp eye!

As you critique, please bear the following questions in mind:
  • Does the dialogue sound natural (do people actually talk this way)?
  • Does the dialogue propel the plot or develop character relationships in a meaningful way?
In addition, please feel free to add any additional critique that you feel will be helpful.

Here are the general critique guidelines for MSFV:

  • Please leave your critique for each entry in the comment box for that entry.
  • Please choose a screen name to sign your comments. The screen name DOES NOT have to be your real name; however, it needs to be an identifiable name.  ("Anonymous" is not a name.)
  • Critiques should be honest but kind, helpful but sensitive.
  • Critiques that attack the writer or are couched in unkind words will be deleted.*
  • Cheerleading IS NOT THE SAME as critiquing.  Please don't cheerlead.
  • Having said that, it is perfectly acceptable to say positive things about an entry that you feel is strong.  To make these positive comments more helpful, say why it's a strong entry.
  • ENTRANTS: As your way of "giving back", please critique a minimum of 3 other entries.

*I can't possibly read every comment.  If you ever see a comment that is truly snarky, please email me.  I count on your help.

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