July 30, 2010 8:30 PM PDT

Writing Short Fiction II :: Suggested Critique Guidelines

Start with a two-sentence synopsis of the story, then answer these questions.

  1. Are the main characters individuated, consistent and complex? Are these characters vivid and convincing? Do they change or grow in any significant manner?
  2. Does the story's structure work? Where's the climax? (should be 4/5ths of the way through)
  3. Is there conflict and tension?
  4. Theme or central concern: is it universal; evoked rather than stated outright?
  5. Is the language fresh and free of cliches? Is it suitable for the story being told?
  6. Is the dialogue believable?
  7. Is the point of view consistent? If there is a variable point of view, does the technique work? What narrative voice is being used?
  8. Is the tone effectively created?
  9. Time and place: is the information provided in an appropriate way and do the choice of time and place fit with the theme?
  10. Is there an effective beginning?
  11. Does the story have an appropriate ending?
  12. Is the whole greater than the sum of its parts? Does the story come full circle and leave the reader feeling content?

Copyright of the above belongs to Kelly Watt, I guess, and when I remember the name of her first novel (out this fall) I'll give her a plug. Bad Dog, or something like that... -- Sharon O'Brien