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Critting Part "X" of a Long Fic
Multi-part fics can be the hardest type of fic to crit if you haven't read
the previous parts. Even a summary can't always bring you up to speed, or give
you the information you need to allow you to do a really detailed reading of
the newest part.
But before you ignore or delete part "x" of that long fic, try out
these crit suggestions:
- Just like with the quick crit, hit the "Reply" button before you
start reading.
- Before you start reading, say "hi" and tell the author that you're
jumping in the middle. They'll appreciate knowing that, and it will help them
make the most of your comments as well.
- Accept the fact that you're going to be somewhat confused. Focus instead
on what parts of the fic give you contextual clues about the world and the
characters. Look for places where you can say "ok, this tells me -blah-
about the world or chara."
- Look for things like sentences that you have to read more than once to
get the sense of. Point those out, and say "I had to read this a couple
of times, and I take it to mean "x"."
- If you later change your mind because you've read more of the fic, make
a note of that too. It's ok to say "ok, now I get it. That really means
"y" not "x"." Writers need to know where readers
"clue in."
- Comment on whether the section/chapter holds your interest by itself.
- Comment on if it makes you want to read more about the world, and if so,
why? Is it the technology? the magic? the characters? the "feeling"
of the story?
- Be polite, and be constructive. Remember, always try to give the kind of
crit you want to receive -- honest and constructive.
- If you have time, do a quick re-read of your comments and see if anything
else comes to mind.
- Hit the "send" button!
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