***I was honored to share some thoughts on what makes a solid critique partner when it comes to writing. Below are my words published with Books Uplift (run by Kimberly Charleston).

“We place our hearts on our pages. Consider that visual and now imagine whom you would want to care for that heart. The most courageous thing a writer can do is consistently allow their heart writing to be critiqued. A critique partner is saving you from bad Amazon reviews. A critique partner is nudging you to go further with that title choice. Also? Pay attention to your body’s reaction to feedback. I know I’ve found an ace of a critique partner when there is warmth in their voice (this allows my whole body to exhale and become open to the process). 

I also politely shut up and let them do the talking… I don’t try to explain, I simply absorb their words. (And by the way, once a reader has your book in their hands, you won’t be there to explain anything!) It doesn’t matter if it’s two or twenty—there is no perfect number of critique partners, but if you bring in a crowd, expect the myriad feedback to send you in circles. I have found success when a critique partner thoroughly understands my genre (I’m a Flash/Short-Form writer) and brings a calm voice to the table. We are not meant to be everything for everyone. But with the right critique partner, we can connect to our readers and get to the heart of the story.” ~ Kelly Q. Anderson is an award-winning short-form writer, word artist, and the VP of Off Campus Writers’ Workshop. 

***Photo above taken during a hotel stay in Kentucky; the hotel uniquely had a gallery in the main lobby and this particular piece stretched across the ceiling in vibrant color and texture.