Category: Tools

Posted in The Nitty Gritty of Children's Writing, Tools, Writing Life

Awkward Critiques

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Critiquing and being critiqued can be a stressful activity under the best of circumstances. But sometimes difficult or downright awkward situations arise. The following addresses three of those times.

What do you do when you receive a hard or unfair critique?

First:

  • Don’t be easily offended. Work at staying calm. (If you need to take a break and go cry right now, do so privately.) Step back and give yourself time to recover.
  • Then take an honest look at the comments. Now that you can be more objective, consider whether these comments have validity. If they still seem unfair, focus on comments from other critiquers.
  • Analyze the critiquer. Were they negative with everyone? If so, they may need to be exposed to or reminded of critique guidelines that discuss how important it is to give positive feedback. If you have a group leader, ask them to remind everyone of the guidelines. Or share an article with everyone on good critiquing habits.
  • Get to know this person better. Perhaps other events in their life were influencing a normal positive attitude. Or it may just be a misunderstanding—what feels hurtful to you may be intended as humor.

Possible Responses:

  • Say nothing, besides “thank you.”
  • Speak privately to the person and express your need to hear something positive on your writing. Use I statements. e.g. “It’s easier for me to accept criticism if I also hear what IS working in my writing. It would really help me if you could tell me something you liked.”
  • State clearly what you need. “I’m not looking for a line-by-line edit, I just want to know if the overall story arc is working.”

Tips:

  • Try to separate yourself from the piece.
  • Remember that most people aren’t intentionally malicious. Often it is thoughtlessness that hurts others.
  • Move on.

This may be hard to remember, but consider: “Critique, feedback, reaction to one’s work or the way they have presented it, regardless of intention, is a gift.” – Mark Brand

What do you do when a member of a critique group brings a manuscript you cannot critique? This is probably rare if you’re in an established group.

Make sure you understand why you cannot critique the piece.

  • For example, you find the content personally offensive—making it difficult for you to even comment on writing style, punctuation, etc. Or the manuscript is diametrically opposed to your beliefs and you can’t be objective. Then be prepared to speak honestly, but kindly.

Possible Responses:

  • Withdraw from critiquing this piece. “I’m sorry, I need to pass on critiquing this manuscript.” Be ready to give an answer, if they ask, about why you do not want to critique it. e.g. “The language in this manuscript bothers me.” Or, “I’m uncomfortable with the subject matter.” If they don’t ask, say nothing.
  • If the material is racist—not a historical representing the times—does your group have guidelines about the type of material offered for critique? If so, and the piece is outside the guidelines, politely remind the writer of the goals of the group. If your group does not have guidelines, discuss the possibility of creating them with the group.
  • If the rest of your group is comfortable with this type of manuscript, perhaps it’s time to find new critique partners.

Tips:

  • Remember to make “I” statements not “you” statements.  For example, “I prefer not to read a manuscript with profanity.” NOT “You use too many curse words.”
  • Comment on the piece not the author: e.g. “This main character feels racist. Was that your intent?”
  • Ask questions: “Is this issue acceptable in middle grade manuscripts?”

What do you do when someone doesn’t want to critique your manuscript?

First:

  • Don’t be easily offended.

Possible Responses:

  • Accept it. Thank the critiquer and see what others have to say about your manuscript.
  • Ask if the problem is with the style or the content of your manuscript? Some people don’t understand poetry and don’t feel they can offer any worthwhile comments. Others don’t like fantasy.
  • If the critiquer responds “content,” you may want to ask for specifics so you understand the problem. Be as polite as possible even if you disagree.
  • If the critique says style, see what others have to say about your manuscript.

Tips:

  • Remember this is not personal. We all have our own tastes in what we like to read.
  • If people in your group are frequently unwilling to critique your material, either this is not the right group for you or perhaps your manuscripts are not appropriate for the critique group. (For example, I wouldn’t take an adult novel manuscript to a children’s literature only critique group.)

I’d like to leave you with this one thought from Marcy McKay: “Criticism can hurt and may always sting at first. Every criticism is not bad, but it may not be helpful, either.

You have to measure the comments against your instincts. Only you know the true vision for your work. The secret is to not let criticism destroy your self-confidence so much that you give up on your dream altogether.”

Further Resources:

“8 Tips for Getting a Great Manuscript Critique” by Rebecca J. Allen

“8 Tips for Reviewing a Manuscript Critique” by Janice Hardy

“How to Deal with Criticism” by Susan Breen

“How to Utilize Feedback to Improve Your Manuscript” by Nathan Bransford

drawing of three people
Posted in Craft, The Nitty Gritty of Children's Writing, Tools, Writing Life, You Are Not Alone

Seven Elements for a Good Critique

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Writing is a solitary act for most of us. And usually we are too close to what we’ve written to see what is working and what isn’t. This is where a critique can be powerful. My favorite critiques are from other writers. (This is all separate from an editorial letter from an agent or editor, which would be after critiques.)

I’ve been in a number of critique groups as I moved around the country. Critiques of my work have caught typos, pointed out awkward or confusing sentences, asked for more depth, inspired me, taught me, and corrected me. My critique partners have suggested where to tighten, brainstormed when I’m struggling with a particular issue, shared marketing news, cheered successes, discussed possible comp titles, and become faithful friends.

So, what elements make a good critique?

First, encouragement. It can be as simple as “I like this character” or “that was such a lovely phrase.” Or even, “I know you’ll figure this problem out.” I love this quote from Judith Martin aka Miss Manners: “When virtues are pointed out first, flaws seem less insurmountable.”

Second, kindness. A lot depends on how something is said. For example, “I’m not getting this” versus “This doesn’t make sense.” Margaret Chase Smith  said, “Every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration. Constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought.”

Third, honesty. I’d much rather hear something isn’t working than be told polite lies that will become evident when others see my manuscript. “We need very strong ears to hear ourselves judged frankly, and because there are few who can endure frank criticism without being stung by it, those who venture to criticize us perform a remarkable act of friendship, for to undertake to wound or offend a man for his own good is to have a healthy love for him.” -Michel de Montaigne

Fourth, knowledge. Most of us don’t know everything about grammar and spelling or punctuation, but critiquers need to have some basics to catch others’ mistakes. My group also shares resources on various writing issues with each other.

Fifth, readers. Those who read in the category and genre you write will have a better understanding of what is working in the current market. “The quality of your reading (and the depth of your engagement with what you read) improves the quality of your thinking and subsequently, your writing.” -Lark Morrigan (And I’d add, your critiquing.)

Sixth, questions. Sometimes I learn more from questions than anything else. “Why is your character doing this?” “Where or when is this happening?” “What is your character’s motivation?” It makes me realize I haven’t made those things clear. Or, maybe I never thought their motivation—oops! One of my critiquers often asks, “What’s the heart of the story?” Such a good question. Audrey Chin says, “Critiquing has taught me that the best stories are still the ones that move hearts.”

Seventh, time. One of my critique partners always says she reads a manuscript first as a reader, then secondly as a writer. It takes time and attention to detail to notice a wrong word was used, or to think why a section isn’t working. My partners give me the why which helps me understand how to make changes. And, of course, there’s the time we spend together in person or via Zoom discussing manuscripts.

In conclusion, I’d like to share this thought from Duane Alan Hahn: “You are a glorious, shining sword and criticism is the whetstone. Do not run from the whetstone or you will become dull and useless. Stay sharp.”

colored circles that say poor, average, good, and excellent
Posted in Market Prep, The Nitty Gritty of Children's Writing, Tools

Kidlit Bloggers and Podcasts Who Do Reviews

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

A question about where to find a master list of these who do book tours was asked recently in a Facebook group (Kidlit411). I wondered the same myself and went looking. I found about four review resources, which I shared. Then someone jokingly said I should make a list.

So, I did more research and made a list of lists!

(Do I personally recommend all these? No. I’ve just gathered the info in one place. If I noticed a date on when it was created, I added the year—some titles had the year in the title. Please do your own research.)

General Review

The Best KidLit Blogs to Follow (2024)
– a handful divided into categories (PG, MG).

BookSirens Children Book Reviewers
– about 10 are visible with lots of details—must sign up for free to see all 59 reviewers.

Press Play: 8 of the Best Kids’ Lit Podcasts (and a Few for Grown-Ups Too)
– nice summary for each.

Reedy’s Best Children’s Book Review Blogs in 2025
– 65 created by a search. Can’t determine reason for order.

Review Blogs for Children’s Books
– a clickable summary and domain authority and number of visitors.

Top 17 Children’s Book Influencers (2023)
– summary with video image and link

Top Verified Children Book Influencers on TikTok
– 70 if I counted correctly.

The Ultimate List of Children’s Book Review Blogs in 2024
– has a short vetted list with details, then a longer names and urls only of 60+

Middle Grade Specific

22 Best Kid Lit Blogs to Follow (2020)
– looks like a good list, but a lot of ads to skip over

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday bloggers who post regularly. New reviewers pop in too.

– Greg at Always in the Middle…

– Carol Baldwin

– Natalie at Literary Rambles

– Brenda at Log Cabin Library

– Rosi Hollinbeck

– Me at So Many Good Books – though I do occasional picture books and young adult as well

– Kasey at The Story Sanctuary

– Valinora Troy

Not Necessarily Review Related

Kidlit411.com Blogs to Follow (2021)
– this list could use updating. One link I followed hadn’t posted anything since 2016, and another since 2022.

The Little Press Podcasts and Blogs
– unfortunately a pdf so the links won’t work directly

Questionable, in my opinion

100 Best Children’s Book Podcasts (2025)
– request for spreadsheet or cvs file, so I assume asks for money.

Top 100 Children’s Book Influencers in 2025
– access to 250 using same email above.

Any Others?

If you know of others, please comment below and I’ll add it.

scrabble tiles on an orange background - most are face down, but four spell out the word plan
Posted in Before You Begin, Craft, The Nitty Gritty of Children's Writing, Tools

Preplanning and Beginning to Write Your Novel

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Preplanning your novel. Some people outline, other writers just write. I’m the latter—a pantser with a plan. So, before we go any further, an explanation of the methods:

“To Pants or To Plot: Which One Is Best for Your Story?” by Nisha Tuli. This article has lots of references to other reading as well.

If you’re an outliner, I thought this article was helpful: “Outline Tools to Structure Your Children’s Book Plot.”

As a pantser, I still need to know some things before I can start actually writing. Whether I start with a character or plot, I need to know a little bit about who and what. I also like to have thoughts on where I think the story is going.

These posts from my archives might be of use before you write your novel.

Character related:

Making Friends: Character Development

Naming Characters – from Mary’s Notebook

Naming Your Character

The Right Number of Characters

Show Your Character’s Character

Viewpoint in Children’s Fiction – point of view – which can definitely change as you revise

Plot related:

Novel-sized Problem

Raise the stakes, honey!

Know what you’re writing:

So, You Want to Write a Book…

Theme and Premise

Writing a Novel? Where Does It Fit?

Especially for pantsers:

If you’re at the beginning stages of writing a novel, and don’t have an outline, how do you keep track of people, scenes, days of the week, etc.?

Here are some posts sharing thoughts on those topics:

Do You Have Style? aka Master Character Chart

The Story Ladder or Novel Timeline

I’d love to hear from others on how they plan and begin a novel. Feel free to share in comments.

image of a group of people around a table
Posted in Inspiration, The Nitty Gritty of Children's Writing, Tools, Writing Life, You Are Not Alone

Types of Writers’ Groups

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

When I moved to a new town—almost five years ago–I joined a writer’s group in formation. We discussed what the attendees would like to see in a meeting. The conclusion was critiques, but we didn’t last long since the pandemic hit shortly thereafter.

Here are my categories of groups:
Critique – feedback on your own and other’s writing
Discussion – may be on a specific book, topic, or writing in general
Lecture/Talk – usually craft focused or inspirational
Write In – a time to work on your own writing
Workshop – craft or marketing focused with some hands-on activity

Both face-to-face groups and online groups can provide any of these services. All can be useful, but it depends what you are looking for. For me a variety of these types of groups have worked over the years. I find the writing community invaluable.

I love the chance to learn through lectures and workshops. It’s so great when some piece of craft advice clicks. Or when the “so that how that’s done” aha moment happens. These events often inspire me, whether it is simply to press on, or with a specific piece of inspiration that makes me avid to jump back into my own work. No matter how many I’ve done, I usually discover new tidbits each time I participate.

Before the pandemic, I’d mostly gone to in person sessions. But these days more and more webinars are available from the comfort of our own homes. I do miss the bigger gatherings that are slowly starting back up, however I love the worldwide opportunities of virtual sessions.

I’ve found write ins to be very practical. I’ve participated in them in coffee shops, libraries, retreats, etc. Each writer focuses on their own project. Just the fact that others are working around me helps me keep my butt in the chair and my hands on the keyboard. I’ve done weekly schedules in a public place where headphones eliminate distracting conversations. Mostly I’ve formed these with likeminded writers, but sometimes organizations will schedule them too. Most often now, I do these at private retreats with my critique group.

Discussion can be fun, especially if it is focused. I’ve been in groups where we shared favorite books by genre, or good first lines, or marketing tips, etc. Having a theme makes the discussion more practical. I’ve found an unfocused group can end up being a gripe session, or can wander completely off writing.

SCBWI has Discussions Boards with a variety of topics. Check it out here. Some areas are only for SCBWI members. Others are open to anyone.

Facebook discussion groups on writing that I enjoy:
Kidlit411
Sub It Club
Work-for-Hire Author Support Group

Others I’ve come across:
Childrens Book Hub
The Manuscript Academy’s Ten Minutes with an Expert Chat

But for me probably the most important group is a critique group. I’ve learned so much by what others say about my work (the good and bad) and what see in their writing, too. We encourage each other to press on. We inspire one another. Our meetings provide a deadline to have pages ready. Not only have we helped improve our writing by consistent meetings, but we’ve become close friends because of the time spent together.

How do you find a writer’s group? I found most of mine through SCBWI.org. You may also want to check with your local library or search online for writer’s groups in your area. Join writer listserves which often announce events or groups forming. If you’re on Facebook, you can find groups there, too. Both Kidlit411 and Sub It Club have critique matchup groups. Kidlit411 has one for illustrators as well.

Here are some helpful resources, especially if a critique group doesn’t have established guidelines:
“The 4 Hidden Dangers of Writing Groups” by Jennie Nash
“Ground Rules for Critique Groups” by Pamela Smith Hill
“How to Find a Writing Group, Because Every Aspiring Author Needs a Support Group” by Sadie Trombetta
“Knowing When to Fly: Leaving Your Critique Group” by Lisa Bubert
“The Value of Feedback for Writers” by Jan Fields
The Writing & Critique Group Survival Guide: How to Make Revisions, Self-Edit, and Give and Receive Feedback by Becky Levine