How do you crit?

We’re all different and that usually means we do things differently as well. I’ve been wondering how fellow writers choose their critique buddies and how they personally critique.

Do you choose a group of your same genre or are you one to break out of the mold and try something fresh and new?

Do you read a chapter before deciding if you’ll connect with the characters before making the connection with the author?

Are you light hearted and supportive when you tear a person’s work a part?

Are you one who gives a very honest critique and sometimes can be displayed as rude and hurtful?

I personally don’t have a critique group set in stone. Though I’ve tried to fit in to several groups I’ve never quite meshed. I love all of them but I just never felt the connection with their stories like I’d hoped. It was then I realized I’d chosen them for the wrong reasons.

I’d chosen them because they were my friends. I loved them. We loved each other. We got along so naturally so would our work. Though I loved everything I’ve read from all of them I never felt like I fit.

That was until just the other day. A secret someone – I will not name unless they want me too – came into my life (She’s been around we just finally connected) who writes the same stuff I write. Together we clicked. We’ve read one another’s work and fallen in love. I love reading all of hers and I’m constantly dying for more. She’s the first time I felt like I belonged.

So I guess for me it really was about the connection with the story AND it’s writer. For me it was about sitting in the same genre. Someone who can understand the ins and outs for what you’re up against. Though I’ve written three YA novels my love is for chick lit. I want someone to read my work that loves it as much as I do.

So… tell me your story!