Today I was so struck by one critique partner’s statements on another partner’s brand-new first chapter that I want to use them too. Here they are:
What I know.
What I think I know.
What I want to know.*
With What I know, one example was, “the girl wants independence from her mother.” She also commented on the story being “coming of age.” We all got that the main character is interested in a specific boy and the mom is a detective. We also know it’s the first day of eight grade.
Her statements about What I think I know included that the book was contemporary. We might guess the girl is an only child as no siblings are mentioned. We think we know she’s grieving.
What I want to know comments included sense of setting and what people are wearing. I personally wanted a hint of a bigger problem, as well.
I might add another: What it makes me feel. Sympathy for the main character? Amused? Curious? Sharing these thoughts could be helpful in a critique as well.
*Author Barbara Herkert learned these statements when taking Hamline’s MFA program. I’m thankful she shared them with us today.