I don't want to hurt my friend, but...

[Spookwriter]

I feel that in a writers group this person would get a better feedback.

Yes, you could find something postive to say. You can blow smoke, please her
with comments. And that really doesn't help.

Only after a brutally honest critique can the writer face the issues and then deal
with how and if they desire to alter the story. It isn't easy. Everyone can write. The
trick is to write well.

An honest critique is never personal. From either side. Always keep it about the writing.

 

[eenie114]

Quote:
I know I could find something nice to say. The problem is that I'm kinda.... apathetic about this story. It doesn't interest me, even though her friendship does, and if I'm going to spend my time reading, I want to spend it reading something I like. I don't have hours to kill reading her book, sadly.

 

[kelidei]

Quote:
Think that'll do

PERFECT! and don't worry about it... even if she is upset if you are good friends she will get over it... you handled it very well!

 

[AngieChick]

Quote:
This is very true, in all of the arts. The trick is to walk that fine line between constructive criticism (critique) and just plain trashing. There is an art to critique and it requires thought and really analyzing what is and is not working in it, and why.

 

[chicmom]

I think it's all how you put it to her. If you say, "I'm sorry, Friend, but dark fantasy stuff is not my cup of tea, so I'm really the wrong person to critique your writing." She should understand. She should find someone who enjoys that type of book.

 

[PineappleMama]

Quote:
x2 When DH gets going about logic I just totally lose him... I hate the subject... I mean REALLY it's the most illogical thing in the world to me. You can prove the moon is made of cheese or that smurfs are the ruling power for pete's sake. So yeah when he starts rambling on about this or that proof I just don't get it, don't want to get it, and cannot/will not follow it so any input I give just isn't sound. I would never attempt to advise him on a Logic paper and risk my advice screwing him over. He knows he can ask me about typos, grammar, "how's this sentence sound?" that sort of thing, but when it comes to the technical stuff I'm just NOT there and have no desire to spend a few years wading through it and reprogramming my brain just so I can offer an opinion. Likewise I don't ask him whether he prefers old school yeast to fast rise, Evanovich over Irving, or Clairol over Feria.

I'd tell her that you are not qualified, don't like the genre and aren't an English major so you are not comfortable giving any advice on the subject at all.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

Quote:
I honestly think you should just read what she sends you, and do a short critique for her. You say she's your friend, that is what I would hope a friend would do for me, even if the kind of writing isn't my thing. If your critique is an honest one, chances are she won't as you to do it again. At that point you can tell her that the writing isn't something that really interests you so asking you to critique isn't going to be as effective. Think back on your friendship, has she ever done anything for you that you know wasn't her favorite thing to do?

 

[PineappleMama]

There's a difference between grinning and bearing a puce bridesmaid dress and this...

I know when it comes to my writing (or other things) that I'm VERY nervous and when I ask someone to read it (taste it, view it, etc) it's in the hopes of getting positive reinforcement for my very self-conscious effort. Even when I say "Be honest" I'm really meaning "PLEASE at least find ONE thing I did right!" I try and brace myself for bad news, but still hold out hope that at least one thing (one sentence, one ingredient, one something) is good. That's why when I'm asking for opinions on a cheesecake I do NOT ask my FIL... he doesn't eat cheesecake. He doesn't eat cheese period. It's a consistency thing. No way could he offer constructive criticism because he hates ALL cheesecake. They ALL taste like (or rather feel like) crap to him. And knowing that, I would never put him in the position of having to choke down something he doesn't like and then try to do it with a smile and any kind of critique; constructive or otherwise. That's just not cool to do to someone you care about. Maybe an enemy... and you'd certainly hear about any bad points then... but NOT someone you care for.

It's HARD to be an editor. Not only all the grammar and what not, but also having to walk a delicate line between brutal honesty to create a book that will sell and not destroying the author so they just quit. Someone who has an emotional investment (their own work, a friend's, etc) is just going to have an even harder time of it.

But hey, let's say she does read it and LOVES it... it could happen. Is her friend really going to believe it? Knowing her likes and dislikes, is she going to believe her good friend is really being honest or is she just going to figure she hated it and is just being nice? She'd be right back to where she was before she gave it to her to read. That's why editors are great. When they tell you it's good you know they mean "This will sell"... because if it doesn't it's their bum on the line. Asking a friend... no way to know if they're being kind and honest or kind and dishonest.

That's why I'd be honest up front. Tell her you do not like these sorts of stories. That it'll be hard for it to hold your interest even if it's a bestseller (maybe mention an author of that genre that you've tried reading but failed??). That you're prejudiced against it to start and so wouldn't be able to give it a fair critique. That you'd hate to end up lying and saying you liked it because you know that wouldn't be ANY help at all. And that's what she needs, that's what she's asked you for.

 

[Mattemma]

I would be honest and tell her you can not get *into* it enough to give a decent reading. Maybe she can post it online at a place where others also share their writings. It really would benefit her to know the truth. When I read a book I start skimming the pages till I get hooked,and if that doesn't help I just give up.

I hate it when my own kids do this stuff with me.The art,writing,singing. Fine line we walk when people ask us," Well what do you think??"

 

[PineappleMama]

Oh, didn't think of that Mattemma... Fanstory.com is a possible for submitting online.