'Constructive criticism?! You can't say that about my writing, you poo-head!'

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I critique people's stories to give honest feedback and not coddle the bad by overloading on compliments. If the writing is an insult to my intelligence as a reader, I'm going to let them know it. I hope my words can motivate the author(s) to improve their work in a way where it couldn't be torn apart like that again.  

My problem lies in how bad the story is constructed mainly (Does it make a lick of sense? No. Is it supposed to? Yes. Then we have a problem), followed by nitpicks at such things as grammar, spelling and the like thereafter. The nitpicks alone are not worth mentioning, but if they are there in addition to a horrible story (which they almost always are), they will get a mention. Bad/lazy writing does not deserve reward or praise, nor should it be ignored and left without mention. I critique people's stories to give honest feedback and not coddle the bad by overloading on compliments. 

Contrary to what some may suggest, my comments are very constructive. I point out flaws, I make it painfully clear what went wrong and why. If pointing out areas where work could be improved upon isn't constructive, then I don't know what is. I'm building writers up by pointing out they can try harder, they can invest more in their characters or story, they can patch up those holes. I'm respectful in the regard that I have devoted a portion of my time to this author's work, and continued to do so by sharing my thoughts, observations and suggestions. Every word of my commentary is supportive in its own right, just not coddling. If you cannot see the unspoken words in my comments, that is because you are purposefully trying to block them out.An author should take it as a compliment that a reviewer has opted to spend his/her valuable time to help improve their writing.  

My goal is to educate authors of their bad habits and passive work, because sites like this seem to produce an overwhelming acceptance of poor quality as 'great' and give a writer a sense of accomplishment (which is good) without any offering of areas where they can improve (which is bad, as most of the works I comment on are in dire need of a clean up). In a good cop, bad cop scenario of story commentary, I take the bad cop role that nobody wants, but many desperately need a dose of. I like to make authors aware of their bad grammar and spelling, but I never make it the biggest issue because I am aware it is something that will plague a writer for the rest of their life. My main focus when critiquing is to bring attention to problems with a story overall. Flimsy structure, lack of plot, lack of reader engagement, lackluster character(s), inconsistencies within their own story/world, etc.  

I want bad writers to see their mistakes, understand where they went wrong and maybe, just maybe, they'll want to fix it so someone like me won't come around again and point out their writing is, indeed, bad.  


Wanna know a secret? I got my wrist slapped by Wattpad a few months ago for some review I left. I was, apparently, a tad too harsh with my words. I have cooled my jets in that area since then.

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