writer | Tuesdays with Laurie

When I spoke at the Writers’ Institute at UW-Madison, one of my topics was why critiquing is necessary. My presentation included defining the difference between criticism and critique:

I represented CRITICISM with scissor blades facing the recipient — putting a person on the defensive. We typically react (knee-jerk) to this style of communication, viewing it as an attack. Criticism is problem-oriented, negative, and critical.

I represented CRITIQUE with scissor handles facing the recipient — putting the person at ease. We typically respond (thought-filled) to this style of communication, viewing it as a gift. Critique is solution-oriented, positive, and helpful.

When you provide feedback (at home, work, or in a writing situation), is your message respectful, honest, useful, clear, and specific?

Paden Plume (Laurie’s alter ego)

Please note: the opinions expressed here are based on my perspective—that doesn’t make it right or wrong, it’s simply my point of view. I’d love for you to share yours.

What makes a person a writer?
The simple answer is, they write. If you put pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard (or voice to recorder, as the case may be)—you’re a writer.

The more complicated answer is that a writer is a person who has a love affair with language. They’re wooed by manipulating words; by painting word pictures. They can’t help expressing themselves—words flow down their arm through their fingertips, unchecked. They write regardless of who may, or may not, read their words.

Why do writers write?
Writer’s write because they can’t help themselves. It’s a compulsion; an automatic reflex like breathing, and equally essential.

My friend Susan said, “I write because it sucked me into my own personal matrix and I’m still looking for the exit!”

What’s the difference between a writer and an author?
A writer is a person whose written work is yet unpublished. An author is a person whose written work is published.

Do you have a love affair with the written word?

“Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.”
—Cyril Connolly, English intellectual, literary critic, and writer

Tuesdays with Laurie

"Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing." —Laurie Buchanan

Tag Archives: writer

Not just for Writers — Criticism versus Critique

W is for Writing