Chapter 2

I’ve always been a critic.

Some people call it blunt.
I call it a necessity.

Reviewing and critiquing isn’t about tearing someone down; it’s about making sure their work rises.

I don’t hand out sugar-coated half-truths.
If something doesn’t work, I’ll tell you.
And then I’ll tell you why.

I care about excellence.
Because it looks good on me...

I'm somewhat of a retired perfectionist (still working on it).

But it's still because I want the people I read to shine.

Their story deserves more than mediocrity.
And sometimes, they need someone outside their head to hold up the mirror and say: This is working. This isn’t. Here’s why.

I step in with honesty, detail, and the kind of critique that makes you better, not bitter.

...

I had this client whose work was all over the place, an exaggeration, but they were one of the creative writers I've worked with.
Their story is something I'd read if I were just a passive reader amongst the few, so I had the pleasure of working with the author and contributing to their work.

This engagement went far past critique; it included developmental editing and full structural analysis.

 
My critique, and an excerpt of my overall review, was simple yet effective: "The plot is great. However, I feel like I need something stronger. Something that can make me take a step back. Something of a second plot twist. MORE. I want to feel intense emotions other than the ones I felt. The high, I did feel a bit of it, but due to how the story is presented and currently stands, it feels like I want this story to be 100% read-worthy. I want something stronger that may destroy me or take me places. Based on my read, it feels like I haven’t reached that point yet: The OVERDOSE. If this story were published as a physical book, I want this book to be the golden book on the bookshelf; something sacred."

And their reaction?

a FULL-BLOWN comment that made me appreciate their thoughtfulness.
And a lovely feeling was born in my chest that felt familiar, yet I couldn't get used to it.

My feedback wasn't just a one-line comment.
It was a multi-phase structural intervention, delivered as a lengthy report: going from the overall review to the chapter-by-chapter review.

I had a good time editing and reviewing their work, and they were one of the people who left their feedback on the testimonial page.

Because when I critique, it’s not about being harsh—even though my work is seen as straightforward, very, to some—it’s about being real.

And real is how writers grow.