Where to Get a Writing Critique

Where to Get a Writing Critique Where to Get a Writing Critique Where to Get a Writing Critique By Maeve Maddox From time to time, I receive emails from writers, asking me to critique attached poems or short stories. In the early days, I would send a polite reply, explaining that I hadn’t time to critique their work. Now I simply delete the email and attachments and get back to my own writing. The DWT Contact page states the policy that our writers don’t answer questions via email. Critiquing a manuscript of any length is time-consuming. Time is the most precious possession of a working writer. Asking another writer, especially one with whom you have no personal acquaintance, for a free critique is the equivalent of asking a stranger for a gift costing anywhere from $300 up. I have arrived at this figure by browsing the sites of professional critiquing services. Rates are based on word-count, number of pages, or some combination of the two. One service that specializes in science fiction, fantasy, and horror charges $300 for the first 20,000 words and $15 per every 1,000 words thereafter. Another service offers a flat rate of $260 for the first 50 pages, but applies a per-page rate thereafter. A manuscript of 100-199 pages is priced at $6 per page; from 100-199 pages, $4 per page. A manuscript of 200 pages is priced at $3.75 per page. Paid critiquing is neither a practical nor sensible solution for the beginning writer. Such services are for writers who have already done everything they can to improve their drafts with whatever help is available to them without an outlay of cash. On the other hand, writers need the feedback of other writers. What’s the solution? Where can beginners find suitable readers for their early drafts without an outlay of cash? First, they must be willing to critique the work of others in exchange for critiques of their own writing. Ideally, they will find another writer or writers in their own vicinity. For example, I belong to a writer’s critique group whose members live within a radius of about thirty miles. We meet weekly, varying the meeting place so that no one has to drive the farthest distance every week. Not every group is a good fit for every writer. In approaching an established group, writers need to evaluate the writing level and interests of the members. Some groups specialize in different genres. Not every group critiques poetry or illustrated children’s books. Not every group is made up of beginners. A group of published writers may not be the best choice for an unpublished writer who is still struggling with basics. A good place to find kindred writing spirits is your local public library. Browse the bulletin board. Ask the reference librarians if they know of authors in the area. Writers who can’t find other writers locally can look for critique partners on the Web. Here is a starter list of five sites that offer help in finding a partner: Kingdom Writers An email critique and fellowship group for Christian writers. Ladies Who Critique Ladies Who Critique  is a critique partner-matching site for writers of all levels – â€Å"published, unpublished, aspiring, hobbyists, even closet writers or complete newbies!† Nathan Bransford This free writing forum offers a thread devoted to connecting with a critique partner. Poetry-Free-For-All This site boasts 23,000 members â€Å"of all skill levels† and is described as â€Å"a non-stop online poetry workshop for beginners and experts alike.† Participants must agree to offer at least three critiques of others’ work for each poem submitted. Quantum Muse This site is for writers of â€Å"science fiction, fantasy and alternative writing and artwork.† It offers the opportunity of publication. Membership is free, but participants must complete three critiques of the work of others before receiving permission to submit. Scribophile This free site is for writers of all skill levels. Members exchange detailed critiques. Reciprocity is a must. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Fiction Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:15 Terms for Those Who Tell the FutureLatin Plural Endings6 Foreign Expressions You Should Know

Blood Diamonds Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Blood Diamonds - Essay Example Diamonds are commonly associated with glamour, love and affluence but the discovery that they were financing conflicts in Sierra Leone, The Congo, Liberia and Angola took the ‘shine off the stone.’ â€Å"In some African countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo tens of thousands of civilians have over the past years been killed or tortured and millions have been displaced† (International Secretariat, 2006). Many came to realize that they not only financed genocide and other acts of vulgar inhumanity by purchasing a diamond but were also wearing and flaunting this symbol of human suffering. The main source of this horrific revelation to the world community was last year’s movie ‘Blood Diamond’ which attempted to alert the masses to the atrocities occurring in Africa. Until then, this situation was largely ignored by Western governments and news media. In one scene of the movie, the character Maddy Bowen witnesses a massive refugee camp that contains more than a million displaced, poverty stricken, desperate people and says â€Å"we’ll only get a glimpse of it in CNN, somewhere between Sports and Weather† (Zwick, 2006). Rebel militias deal in the illegal diamond trade for many reasons. The most obvious is that diamond’s value-to-weight ratio is very high which allows for great amounts of capital to be easily transported. Diamonds are mined with low-profile, rudimentary tools and in various regions, many of which are remote making it all but impossible to adequately patrol. Additionally, determining the source of individual diamonds is tremendously problematical although efforts have been made in this respect such as the Angolan government issuing tamper-proof ‘certificates of origin.’

Case Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Case Management - Assignment Example However, people tried to kill my dream by discouraging me into joining the nursing school. For this reason, I diverted into legal studies, where I managed to get a degree in 1998. However, I now seek to pursue my dream and have decided to branch off into nursing. Through getting a place in the nursing school, I will be able to nurture my talent, hence contribute to a healthy society. I realize that people pass through different stages, both pleasurable and unpleasant. During these times, I enjoy being a source of encouragement to people. For instance, when an individual is on his/her deathbed, I sympathize with him/her by giving comfort, and other material needs. In moments of joy, for instance, birth, I rejoice with the new mother and seek to give any assistance that would contribute to their joy. Through this, I have learned to share intimate times with people, hence encouraging me to pursue a career in nursing. Joining the nursing school will allow me to become well equipped with the skills of nursing. In addition, I will apply the skills gained in a veteran hospital where I have worked for six years now. Through this work, I have gained experience of working with both sick and well veterans. However, I have realized that I need to learn a few more concepts and skills in order to give my services satisfactorily. Thus, the skills gained in the nursing school will make my skills better. Apart from working in the veteran hospital, I intend to visit marginal societies, where treatment is minimal and give assistance. For instance, I will contribute to the profession by visiting Africa, where I intend to use my skills to save the lives of many people. Some, for instance, are ignorant of healthy ways of living, thus experience high rates of mortality frequently. Therefore, apart from offering services, I intend to train other nurses, who will assist in saving lives. Moreover, I will teach people ways of taking care of other patients at home, eating

College Life Essay Example for Free

College Life Essay I was really excited to go on college by the time I step on the stage and got my diploma. During college applications, I would always think of what college has to offer far from high school. I would imagine myself walking around the university’s corridor from building to building, meeting new and unfamiliar faces, involving into different school activities and enjoying a lot of my free time. I would also see myself in a more mature role as a Mass Communication student of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila which is I think a big challenge. However, I fear that college might be hard for me as a freshman. I wonder who are going to be my friends, will I be with the good ones or the other way around, what type of professors I’ll be dealing with, where should I and most importantly, how can I cope up with these changes that I can’t even sleep that night before our first day of school. And these are the things I’ve encountered so far. The whole set up of college is totally different from high school Embracing a change is certainly a difficult one. It took me a lot of adjustments to familiarize things in college. It is true that in college you are the master of your time. You should know how to manage your time preparing for school, during vacant hours and free time. Since I’m from Cavite which is a 2 hour ride going to Manila (heavy traffic not included), I should have a time allowance so I can’t be late on my first subject. Technically, if I have a 7 am class, I should be up at 4 am for preparation then at 5 am I must go. Same with going home and this is very tiresome. During my vacant, instead of wandering somewhere I will do my assignments so when I came home, there’s nothing to worry about. With my schedule, I can rarely bond with my parents and siblings at home because I must make the most out of my time to do what is needed and that often left me no personal time. I can no longer join family gatherings or social parties because if I do, I would sacrifice my time for sleep and rest. My time is being calculated and I think that’s the worst part of being a college student. On the other hand, my social life broaden with the new friends I’ve met in college but at first I find it hard to be comfortable with them because I’m still looking for the same qualities of my friends in high school. Because of it, I barely enjoy my time with them which is not healthy. That’s the hardest part in me that I struggle, to open up myself for new opportunities. The next adjustment that I had was in terms of money. Back in my high school, I am not really into allowances because IÂ  had my pack lunch and school service. Whenever I need something, I’ll just ask my parents and they will give me the amount of money I needed. But when I entered college, I started to budget everything I need with my allowance – fare, food, and school stuffs. Especially with my school environment since it is near SM Manila and those tempting, low-cost stores scattered anywhere. With that, I learned to save money and prioritize my needs over wants that leaves no room for extras.

Helping Phantom Limb Pain Essay examples -- Phantom Limb Pain Medical

Helping Phantom Limb Pain Over the years scientists have noted many complaints of a strange form of pain called phantom limb pain. This pain is strange because it is located in an appendage that no longer exists. By many of the amputees the pain is described as totally unbearable. Phantom limb pain has even driven some victims crazy. For the amputee population this is a very real problem that definitely needs to be solved. After James Peacock had his right arm amputated last December, he expected some difficulties. With those difficulties came pain so unbearable it could not be controlled with all the medicine in his cabinet. Derek Steen, otherwise known as "The one-armed pool player," lost a limb in a motorcycle accident at the age of 18. Although he lost the limb, he still plays a great game of pool. Nine years after the accident Steen continues to have pain in the missing arm. Deborah Finnegan-Ling, a graduate student in neuroscience, is writing her dissertation on phantom limb pain. Finnegan-Ling should know a lot about this phenomenon because three years ago, after a farming accident, her left leg was amputated. She has experienced much pain from this phantom limb especially in her personal life. The area of the brain for the foot is adjacent to the area for genitalia. Because of this connection Finnegan-Lingà ­s missing limb aches when she makes love."I consider myself tough," she says."But the pain is so acute that Ià ­ll cry." Some amputees experience the opposite of phantom pain - phantom pleasure. One man tells about feeling an orgasmic sensation in his lost foot during sex. Finnegan-Ling sighs."I wish," she says. Many scientists have studied amputees to determine the cause of this mysterious pain. Sussman (199... ...981). Persistent phantom limb pain. Journal of Perceptual and Motor Skills, 53(1), 135-138. Flor, H., Elbert, T., Knecht, S. & Wienbruch, C. (1995). Phantom limb pain as a perceptual correlate of cortical reorganization following arm amputation. Journal of Nature, 375(6531), 482-484. McKechnie, R. (1975). Relief from phantom limb pain by relaxation exercises. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 6(3), 262-263. Morris, D. (1992). The place of pain. Journal of Advances, 8(2), 3-24. Tsushima, W. (1982). Treatment of phantom limb pain with EMG and temperature biofeedback. American Journal of Clinical Biofeedback, 5(2), 150-153. Wain, H. (1986). Pain control with hypnosis in consultation and liaison psychiatry. Psychiatric Annuals, 16(2), 106-109. Sussman, V. (October 1995). The route of phantom pain. U.S. News & World Report, 76-78.

Wild horses

During first years of ass's a new generation was blossomed all over the world. Apparently, this Juvenile posture was trying to brake all the rules from their previous generations. Freedom, liberty and peace were part of manifesto expressed by millions of young people demanding social revolution under one common flag: Rock and Roll. By middle of decade, different rock styles were played all over America: folk, surf, collides, chicane, southeast, bruit among many others.Perhaps for first time In the story the music meant more than chords and scales, It became an expression canvas for all up coming generations. Rolling Stones is one of my favorite band, they were very interested to dig into find the roots of the rock and roll music: Delta blues. Mica Eager and Keith Richards did several trips to Chicago to learn the old school blues with musicians like muddy water or chuck berry. Once they finally dominated the basic tune they could fusion it with the Bruit rock creating the base for th eir up coming albums and influencing numerous new bands in England and the rest of the world.Wild horses theme is written by Mica and Keith on 1971. It has an acoustic and melancholy melody. The words are easy to follow and they have metaphoric and idiomatic expressions: Wild Horses: if you say that wild horses couldn't make you do something, you mean nothing could persuade you to do it Wild horses couldn't drag me to a party tonight. Dragged something away: push or pull something from a place. In my opinion, the lyrics make reference to a break up and all the process to leave all memories behind.

Informative Speech On Smart Watches - 933 Words

Informative Speech Outline General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about smart watches. Thesis Statement: In order to be more knowledgeable about smart watches, it is important to know how the idea came to be, what they can do, and their place in the future. Organizational Pattern: Topical INTRODUCTION I. Attention getter: Are you wearing a watch? Chances are you are not. According to the journal Campaign August 2013, phones have replaced them as time-telling devices for many people (Media: The watches might be smart). Watches might not be as popular as they used to be, but watches are probably going to be the next thing you have to worry about from the big technology companies. All the big technology companies are rumored to be working on smart watches. According to the journal Toronto star August 2013, smart watches are devices that allow users to interact with and control their smartphones. (Handy smart watches dial up consumer interest). II. State Topic: Today I will inform you about smart watches. III. Audience Relevance: This topic is important to you because when I asked some of you if you would like to learn about smart watches, you said yes. Smart watch technology is relatively new any many do not know about it. IV. Preview statement: In order to be more knowledgeable about smart watches, it is important to know how the idea came to be, what they can do, and their place in the future. Transition: First I will discuss howShow MoreRelatedIct and Ebusiness Retail Industry88499 Words   |  354 Pages4fitness, Germany ........................................................................................................... 156 Fleria Floral Creations, Greece ........................................................................................ 163 Smart Supermarket, Malta............................................................................................... 168 EMPiK, Poland ................................................................................................................ 174Read MoreBusiness Journalism in India26104 Words   |  105 Pagesyear Fiscal Policy Statement for the financial year Medium Term Fiscal Policy Statement Expenditure Budget Volume -1 Expenditure Budget Volume -2 Receipts Budget Status of Implementation of Announcements made in Finance Ministers Budget Speech of the previous financial year. Budget at a Glance Revenue Receipts Capital Receipts Non-plan Expenditure Plan Expenditure Revenue Deficit Fiscal Deficit Primary Deficit REVENUE RECEIPT: Consists of duties imposed by the Centre, interestRead MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 Pagesand Teamwork 493 The Advantages of Teams 494 An Example of an Effective Team 497 Team Development 498 The Forming Stage 498 The Norming Stage 499 The Storming Stage 501 The Performing Stage 503 Leading Teams 506 Developing Credibility 507 Establish SMART Goals and Everest Goals 509 International Caveats 511 Team Membership 512 Advantageous Roles 512 Providing Feedback 516 International Caveats 517 SKILL ANALYSIS 519 Cases Involving Building Effective Teams 519 The Tallahassee Democrat’s ELITE TeamRead MoreBrand Building Blocks96400 Words   |  386 Pagessuccessful. If you picture a successful person, it takes you off in a different direction -- that of an action-oriented, perhaps even aggressive type. Finally, try not to come up with a whole laundry list of adjectives. Bring those powerful parts of speech down to two or three words that real ly convey the essence. Now, when you sit down to write a personality description, you need not subject yourself to a blank sheet of paper. Because there are three factors that can give you a substantial headRead MoreLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 Pagesconsequences. Being logical isnt the only way to make high quality decisions. Sometimes these decisions are made by accident; sometimes they are made in illogical ways, such as by following a horoscope. In the long run, however, statistics show that the smart money is on logical reasoners. Logical reasoning pays. When the expert says, Hey, dont drink that stuff; it could kill you, the logical reasoner will defer to the expert and put down the cup. The irrational thinker will think, Experts have beenRead MoreExploring Corporate Strategy - Case164366 Words   |  658 Pagesoperation, adopted by many companies. They would supply critical drugs to poor countries on a no-loss, no-proï ¬ t basis. As for investing in research into ‘not-for-proï ¬ t’ diseases, Garnier declared: We’ll go after it. It’s just that we’ve got to be street smart about the funding. . . . There’s plenty of money . . . to fund those initiatives and we’ve never been turned down. I talk to Bill Gates all the time.5 Industry consolidation While the pharmaceutical market remained relatively fragmented, with very