Step 37: Submit Your Work for Critique

*Sorry, but once again my blog post is geared more towards all you budding writers out there and less so to my everyday audience. Even if you don't write, though, I'm willing to bet that you do something creative that you can submit for critique just as I've submitted my stories.

Handing over your work to someone with the hopes of having them approve of it but knowing that they're going to rip it to shreds is one of the most nerve wracking things in the world. But it's also one of the most beneficial.

I submit my short stories and chapters to a site called Critique Circle, where people from all over the world and of all levels of writing abilities can read my stories, give compliments, and make suggestions. For the young adult novel that I'm working on, I've already submitted the first seven chapters for review, and I've learned two very important things: the people who've looked over my story so far seem to think it's a good idea (yay!), but I've still got a lot of work to put into it if I hope to get it published (less yay, but good to know).

When you allow complete strangers to look at your creation, you get honest feedback. You'll find out what works and what needs to be tweaked. Errors in logic can be pointed out, which saves you the embarrassment of pulling a George Lucas or a Stephanie Myer (and don't hate on me--I like both of them, but backpedaling on how Princess Leia can remember her mother or how vampire Edward can get a girl pregnant is a little sad). And, most importantly, you find out if you've actually got a shot at doing something great, or if you should hang up the towel on that particular project.

So my question to you: When you make something (either a story, a painting, a cake, whatever), who do you have check it out?
And my challenge to you: Try not to be afraid to show others what you've created. I know, that's easier said than done, but you really will find it helpful.