Last night at The Wordos, we had a full table (about 30 folks), and 6 stories were passed out for critique. This wouldn't be such a big deal except that for the past couple months, we've had a dwindling table, and on average 1 - 2 stories (sometimes none) on the table each week. A couple people have complained that the level of critique has not been up to snuff, that is, too many dittos, not enough thoughful attempts to help fellow authors make their stories better, and a number of people not turning in any critique at all.

I don't know if I agree with all that, but I had noticed that many of the "Oldtimers," some rather successful Wordos who've sold many stories and/or novels, have not been at the table in some time. And having mostly New Kids critiquing does affect the level, or at least the content of those critiques. At the very least, some of the Oldtimers have an entirely different vocabulary when making crits, and share that knowledge with the rest of the table. Wordos is where I learned about Try/Fail cycles, for instance, and learned most of what I know about Story Arcs.

So, last night, a bunch of the Oldtimers were back, plus we opened up the waiting list, and so had a bunch of New Kids, too. The joint, as they say, was jumping.

One of the main things I like about Wordos is that we have writers at many levels: Newbies, Middles, and Old Pros.* I don't value the criticism of the Old Pros more; some of the most helpful remarks I've received have come from people at the freshest level of writer: those who are still reading like readers and not like writers. I think, after years of writing, and critiquing, it's sometimes hard for people (including me!) to read something and not notice all the flaws, or how they would have done the story differently, or how the syntax or imagery don't quite resonate, rather than seeing the piece how a reader would, immersed (if possible) in story, and enjoying the ride. So having all levels of writers and readers makes for a more well rounded set of criticism.

I was one of the 6 who turned in a story last night. We'll see how it goes . . .



*I figure I'm a Middle, myself, having sold a couple stories, but not many, and none of my novels. Yet.