by Kit Wilkinson
Aside from paying a free-lance editor to critique your work, nothing can help your craft like having a great critique partner. Finding the right one, however, can be really tricky. It’s a relationship you have to enter slowly and with caution but, when it’s right, can benefit the both of you immensely.
In July 2008, I sat next to Diane Burke at a Faith, Love, Hope mini-conference. We chatted a bit, ran into each other a few days later at RWA, and exchanged e-mails. Over the next six months, we exchanged a few chapters and eventually went on to help each other with our next two novels. Neither Diane nor I were actively looking for a partner, but we were in the exact same place in our careers and after talking at the conference we thought it might be fun to just read what the other was working on. That definitely took a leap of faith, as did sending back the chapters with some notes attached. I hate to speak for Diane, but I think I’m correct in stating that both of us were amazed by what the other had to say. Comments were more like suggestions than criticism and all transpired with respect and in a spirit of praise. My story telling improved 10 fold during the time we exchanged work and I’m so grateful.
If you’ve been thinking of finding a critique partner, the start praying for that person who is just the right fit for you. It can make such a difference, as I’m sure many of you ACFW authors can attest to.
This month, Diane and Kit felt as if our critique partner relationship went full circle as they have novellas being published along side of veteran author Marta Perry in a new release from Love Inspired Suspense. Look for Danger in Lancaster County in a Goodreads giveaway this October.
KIT WILKINSON is a former Ph.D. student who once wrote discussions on the medieval feminine voice. She now prefers weaving stories of romance and redemption. Her first inspirational manuscript won a prestigious RWA Golden Heart. She is currently working on an Amish suspense series, starting with the title Plain Secrets. For more information, you can visit Kit at www.kitwilkinson.com.