Here's a list of questions that I developed for a writing group that I'm leading. I thought it might help keep us on track. Anyone have any ideas for improvements, etc.

CRITIQUING FICTION

Who is the audience for the story? Are the story and language appropriate?

Do the first few sentences or paragraphs of the story grab your attention?

From what point of view is the story told? Is it consistent?

Is the story humorous, dramatic, mysterious, literary, poetic, etc.?

What is the moral (theme) of the story?

Is the theme easily understood? Is it too subtle? Too obvious?

Is the theme proven in the story line?

Does the story have a beginning, middle, and end?

Does the story have a major dramatic question? Is it introduced immediately and sustained?

Do the story and/or characters have clear goals?

Does the story begin at the appropriate point.

Is there ascending action, obstacles, crisis, climax and descending action in the story?

Are revelations of the story and characters made in a timely manner?

Is there a through line? If so what? Does it follow the story?

Are the characters adequately described?

Is the setting for the story adequately described?

Does the story include adequate action?

Is there adequate dialogue?

Is the dialogue realistic? Does it develop character? Does it further the plot?

Is there enough conflict within the characters?

Is there enough conflict between the characters?

Are the sentence lengths varied?

Thanks for sharing that. A friend of mine, John Prophet, author...teaches critique groups in Cape Cod. He sent me this critique outline to use whenever I am critiquing for other people. I use it quite often and have gotten several comments on it.

Critique Outline

Title_
Author_

Title: Was it appropriate for story? Did it make you want to read the story?

Beginning: Did the opening sentence make you interested? Did it grab you?

Middle: Did the middle flow easily? Was it important to get you from the beginning to
the end of the story?

End: How did you feel at the end? Did you develop a relationship with the characters?

Plot: Was the plot believable and consistent with what the character wanted to
accomplish?

POV: 1st? 3rd? did it work for the story?

Dialogue: Was it well done? Was it easy to follow? Was it age appropriate?

Setting: Was the transition from one place to another in the story easy to follow?
Confusing?

Comments: Tell Author anything that you exceptionally liked: title, characters, descriptions, voice. List any suggestions you have that would help the story along.

Marketing Ideas: If asked or you think of a marketing area, suggest it.