For community standards, please consult The Codex.
Discussion Guide
1. Opening Reflection
- First impressions: What stood out most in the chapter/story?
- Emotional response: How did the piece make you feel while reading?
- Memorable moment: Was there a line, scene, or image that lingered afterwards?
2. Story Elements
- Characters: Are they believable, relatable, and consistent?
- Plot: Does the story flow logically and maintain interest?
- Setting: Is the world vivid and immersive?
- Theme: What deeper ideas or questions does the piece raise?
3. Craft & Style
- Voice: Does the author’s style feel authentic and engaging?
- Pacing: Are there sections that drag or feel rushed?
- Dialogue: Does it sound natural and serve the story?
- Language: Are word choices effective, clear, and evocative?
4. Closing Reflection
- Takeaway: What message or feeling remains after finishing?
- Reader curiosity: What do you want to see more of in future chapters?
Critique Guidelines
1. Tone & Approach
- Be respectful: Focus on the writing, not the writer.
- Balance positives and negatives: Highlight strengths before pointing out weaknesses.
- Be specific: Instead of “this part was confusing,” explain why and suggest improvement.
2. Content Feedback
- Clarity: Point out where meaning or intent is unclear.
- Consistency: Flag contradictions in plot, character, or setting.
- Engagement: Share moments where you felt hooked, or where your attention drifted.
3. Constructive Suggestions
- Offer alternatives: Suggest rephrasing, restructuring, or expanding ideas.
- Ask questions: “What if the character reacted differently here?”
- Encourage growth: Frame critique as opportunities, not failures.
4. Boundaries
- Avoid prescriptive rewriting: Don’t try to “fix” the story for the author.
- Respect creative intent: Critique within the author’s vision, not your own preferences.
- Confidentiality: Keep shared drafts private and secure.
