Most of you probably have noticed, but I critique stories on here. I actually love being a critic and nitpicking writing. My classmates who I do peer edits with either love or hate my critique.

So, I recently opened up my critic shop again. I have been relatively lucky to have great experiences with clients on here. We usually part ways shaking hands and wishing each other luck on our stories.

I am not an expert, but I do not claim to be. I just want to help others with their writing. I just love nitpicking stories to pieces. What I love about Wattpad is that most people on here are serious about writing, whether they be on the verge of writing a bestselling novel or just beginning their writing career.

Most of the time, everything goes well. Most of the time.

It's story time. Gather around, little people, and listen to this fable that may be based in truth.

***

Once upon a time, not so long ago, in a galaxy know as middle school, a girl named Lucy was part of a clique. However, Lucy did not realize this until nearly the end of her eighth grade year (her last year in middle school.)

Lucy was not the only writer in the group. She thought that was amazing at first. That bliss lasted until one of the other writers, a girl codenamed Queen (she was the leader of this clique) brought in a forty paged novelette. Queen asked Lucy to give her honest thoughts on it.

Lucy liked to critique. In fact, if she wasn't going to be a writer Lucy would have loved to go into editing at a publishing house. Some would say Lucy loves critiquing more than writing. (At least, she uses it as an excuse to skimp out on writing for the day.)

Lucy, being Lucy, wrote four pages on notebook paper (front and back) with tips and suggestions for the story. She was quite proud of it. It was a lot of fun. Queen took it graciously and smiled. Lucy took that to be a good thing.

The next week, Queen and her best friend (codenamed Sidekick) didn't really want to talk with Lucy. Lucy asked her best friend (codenamed Shorty) why. Shorty shrugged and said that everything was normal. Lucy believed her. It was good for a few weeks.

Then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Wait, wrong story. Lucy, Sidekick and Sidekick's Friend (SF) sat at the same table in science. Sidekick and SF would often pass notes. Occasionally, Lucy would look over. Usually, they were talking about boys.

Usually being the key word here. One day, Lucy looked over and saw her name on there.

SF: So, what do you think of Lucy?

Sidekick: She's gotten better, but I am still mad at her for being mean to Queen.

In retrospect, Lucy should've let the conversation go a little more so she could do reconnaissance. But, Lucy does not like to take things lying down. Lucy confronted them.

"We were just kidding," they said. "We like you just fine."

Lucy is not gullible. (Except for the time when someone told her that saying orange slowly sounded like gullible. Not her best moment.)

Shorty refused to tell Lucy anything, so so she went to the twin sister of Queen. Twin Sister explained the situation.

Sidekick thought I was jealous of Queen's writing talents and that I made up a bunch of bad stuff about Queen's novelette. Apparently, Queen wasn't looking for critique- she was looking for false praise. So, Sidekick told Queen how mean and horrible I was.

Lucy lived happily ever after since she went to a different high school then her "friends."

***

Moral of the story: cliques are bad.

Moral for writers: make sure you want a critique before you ask for one.

The best critics are on your team. The best critics aren't supposed to give you fluff nor personally attack you.

We want to make your writing better. Respect our opinions, and we will respect you.

Don't flame us. Choose to take our advice or not, but don't burn us.