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What are you looking for in a critique partner?
Difficult to say. Honesty and insight, certainly. An ability and interest in helping in the development of my work. I am not a novelist, at least at this point in time, so it is less about story-line structure, and more about content and style and delivery, especially delivery. I believe there is a story, but not in the conventional sense, although there have been many that disagree.
Constructive criticism would be nice, with an attempt not to write my work, but help in defining expectations and achieving the desired result. I am not a big fan of 'likes' and not particularly looking for encouragement, although it will never be refused. The focus is on creating an environment where my ideas can evolve. I want to be challenged, in the truest sense, and am more than willing to accept harsh criticism. I am determined to hone my craft, but it may be difficult for a CP to understand my intent. An ability to see through my crap would seem to be an imperative. Confidence in your own abilities would help.
I am looking for anything that will help my work, so I don't get distracted by spelling, grammar, and historical norms, but do tend to expect explanations as to why something needs attention. Not a big follower of rules, so I often drift away from what 'everybody' else does. Needs to enjoy introspection, philosophy, and spirituality. My work at times is 'memoiresque'. It is deeply respectful of the individual but questions everything. My work can be passionate, but I try to be contemplative and balanced. Sometimes I am successful.
So I am not looking for much, just a regular guy or gal who cares, about themselves primarily, as well as others, and of course, me and what I do. Not looking for a friend, but more an ally, although I would never turn one away. True friends are a rare commodity. A mentor would be great, but I don't believe in fairy tales. Willing to work under almost any kind of schedule, but I do get lost at times, but I am determined and motivated. You can always change your mind and continue on your way.
What can I offer? All of the above, obviously. And an attempt at whatever you are looking for. I have no expertise or experience with literature, especially through mainstream education, but you will hear what I feel, what I think, what doesn't seem to fit, and why, to the best of my ability. I cannot ask, nor give, anything more.
I write primarily what I call an essay, but it is contrary to what many interpret as such. It is not a 'formal' essay by any means. In fact, that is the purpose of the development that I speak of. It could be represented as a 'colloquial' essay, and the motivation for, and the result, is to have a virtual 'conversation' with the reader, trying to be provocative to the extent that the reader is compelled to think about issues in a manner that they may not have envisioned or expected. My attempt is to get people to think, nothing more. there are no agendas or imperatives. To that end, it can be 'memoiresque' as I mentioned. I look for introspection and re-evaluation, demanding neither, and expecting nothing either, but hoping, always hoping.
There is a component of spirituality, but minimal 'preaching' but yet again, there are others that disagree. It is just supposed to be a conversation. I am not a very religious person but speak of my own experience with the attempts to question the subject. Philosophy is always evident. Nothing exists without a question of philosophy, but of a more practical kind, that can help us in our evolution of self, and our interaction with others. so, at times, it might be considered a 'self-help' of sorts.
I like to talk of concepts. We have a real conflict in communication between individuals and fail to understand each other on some of the most basic ideas. I like to speak of these things, ask questions, and offer my own personal insights, not with the expectation of changing perspectives, but of stimulating an interest in further investigation. I could talk for hours. I assume that I have piqued your interest or completely lost you at this point.
As most writers would attest, my preference would be for someone superior to my abilities, where it would seem that I could learn more about the craft of writing, but my limited experience has shown me that I can learn as I help others, even those that have no identity on the page as yet. I am not big on horror, romance, or YA, and yet have found individual items that were both interesting and enjoyable. That is the problem with an 'audience' of which I am never able to articulate. I personally do not write for an audience. It is for the audience to find me. No matter the favorite genres, I believe that there is something I have written that may intrigue and invite further investigation for almost anyone. It is fascinating the cross-section of readers that have sampled my work, both voicing condemnation, and endearment. Such is the reality of a writer, or at least this one. It is not for me to decide.
Therefore, if it is interesting, with time and effort invested into the product, there is usually something to enjoy and something to critique. If there is anything that I might resist, it would be 'lazy' writing where the writer does not respect his own abilities. I would tend to think that the role of a CP is to help in the development and evolution of a writer's abilities, but not necessarily be a tutor, unless that is an expectation from the beginning, although if you were insightful and articulate enough, it might well be acceptable. Writing is a serious vocation. It deserves to be treated as such.
Having said all that, science fiction was my gateway 'drug' to philosophy. Heinlein, Asimov, Clarke, Jules Verne, Bradbury, and so many others. Men who thought outside the box. Envisioned things as they should be, and then told us a story to make us believe it was possible. These were thinkers of the highest type. Unfortunately, there is as much garbage as gold in the genre, as there is in all writing.
An almost impossible quest. Every good book has something to take away and hide in the recesses of your mind. Science fiction was my first love. Philosophy soon followed, with Aristotle and Plato, Kant, Hesse, Aquinas, Confucius, Lao Tzu, Hegel, Rand, and a thousand more. Followed by the political thinkers like Locke, Mill, De Tocqueville, Paine, and even Marx. The fantasy of Tolkien and Adams. The horror of Lovecraft and Poe.
To choose favorites is to pick the most beautiful flower or the most vibrant color or the most tempting culinary indulgence. It is all about context. Where you are, the time of day, the person you are with, the experience you have just witnessed. There is no real favorite. The trick is to enjoy each and everyone and to embrace the joy of each moment of life as it happens.
Above all else, I consider myself a philosopher. I enjoy the challenge to think, and contemplate, and make decisions as to the right and wrong of things. I don't understand all of the bad things that people do and live in a perpetual state of confusion as to why. I strive to understand 'self' and wish everyone else the peace and contentment of someday finding the answers that are important to them. I wish nothing for myself that I do not grant to another. I seem to be a lightning rod for conflict, which was never my intent. And yet, I am who I am, and continue my path with a resolute and determined step.
I am a writer and wish to share my experience and insight with any that are interested, and of course, hope to improve my abilities to do so. I love the art of communication and am fascinated with the beauty of words and language. I wish everyone did.
Otherwise, I am no one thing. I am conservative, and yet more liberal than I would like to admit. I have looked at a hundred religions, and while never finding any god, it has given me insight into myself and others that I take with me on my path. I have taken hundreds of lessons as my own from those efforts, and if there is a god, I hope that he one day reveals himself. In the interim, I continue along my path. I am an Objectivist of sorts but recognize the value in all of the other 'isms' that exist. I find that it not the ideology that fails mankind, but the individual. I question the beliefs of others as I question my own, on a continuous basis. Philosophy and belief is a personal journey. I ask only that they do no harm to another, and they will find little fault from me.
I am a follower of none, because I do not feel a need, and have seen nothing of interest in any case. I am a leader of none either, since I do not wish it, and no one seems to be interested in any case. I can share and accept as the circumstances dictate. I see no real need, and there exists a certain degree of contentment upon my path.
I wish the freedom only to follow that path, and to everyone else, the opportunity to find peace.
