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Live-Love-Write — Synergy: Week Three
Published: 2013-06-17 18:54:26 +0000 UTC; Views: 1648; Favourites: 7; Downloads: 0
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Description Dear Synergists,

Please find below the assignments and challenges for the third week of Synergy. The assignments are mandatory for each individual to complete, while the challenges are optional to gain extra points. All participants must report their responses to each assignment and challenge separately; one partner cannot report for both.


Week Three: Assignments

Please complete the following assignments and challenges by June 22.

1. Read three of your partner's literary pieces, and leave an in-depth critique for each one. In a comment on this journal, please leave links to the deviations you have critiqued; this activity will earn you 25 points for each one. If your partner does not have enough pieces left to critique, please note the group and we will arrange for an equivalent activity. (75 points total)

2. Leave a comment on this journal with your responses to the following questions: How do you like the program so far? What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy? Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what? Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback? Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace? (10 points)

3. Choose a piece that your partner has critiqued and rewrite it with their critiques so far in mind. Leave a comment on this journal with the link to the old and new versions, and offer your thoughts about whether you think you have improved. This will be due on June 29th. (100 points)

Week Three: Challenges

1. Beyond the three mandatory critiques, you can complete more and include the links to each in your comment on this journal. Each critique will earn you an extra 25 points.

2. Complete an exercise in characterization: Click on this link and complete as much of the character profile form as you can for your selected character. Post your responses in a deviation or scrap, and leave the link to it in a comment on this page. (50 points)

3. Complete an exercise in olfactory poetry: Click on this link to broaden your use of senses in poetry, and try to write a poem using a sense besides vision. Leave the link to it in a comment on this page. (50 points)


Important Notices:

Please try to include all of your responses in one comment for organization purposes.

So far, we've had a lot of issues with partners being able to effectively communicate with each other, so activities this week are a little less partner-oriented and more focused on your personal effort with your own writing. Which do you prefer?

Thank you!
Related content
Comments: 106

smallsincerities [2013-07-16 11:25:50 +0000 UTC]

Critiques

1. fav.me/d6cji3q

2. fav.me/d62ely3

3. fav.me/d5n2omn


How do you like the program so far?

It's quite good, however I wish that we would have more writing activities. After all, this is to try and improve our writing, but if we don't get a chance to actually write, it's rather counterproductive. Maybe making writing higher priority would be better.


What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy? 

I enjoy the writing ones, but find the collaborative ones hard. My partner and I are in highly different time zones, which is bad, and we are both going to school (homework, schedule, etc), which makes it even worse. We find it difficult to communicate, to say the least. Critiques are good and dandy too, but I find that maybe we are getting too many. It's almost given that we will have to do 3 each week, but writing activities are pushed back to challenges, meaning they are harder to complete, given that I finish the required ones first and the optional ones later.


Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?

More writing activities. Also, maybe next time you make one of these programs, have people sign up with their time zone as well. It's proving more than a bit of a handicap in our partnership.


Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?

Yes, it does. Kitty is a nitpicker, and likes to be sharp on details, which is wonderful (she is wonderful).


Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace? 

Yes. Extreme emphasis on the 'MUCH SLOWER' please. I don't think I will be able to deal with this when end of year tests come 'round.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

smallsincerities In reply to smallsincerities [2013-07-16 11:28:08 +0000 UTC]

papernation.deviantart.com/art...

That's the improved version (I skimmed over the article, and missed this one, sorry). Unfortunately, I don't have the original copy anymore. I think it's improved, if only because it's the little details that help make a great poem. 

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

camelopardalisinblue [2013-07-13 01:27:03 +0000 UTC]

(I realised I put this on the Week Four's journal but then I realised I should have posted it here. I also realised I forgot to offer my thoughts

My rewrite/edit is here: [link]
The original is here: [link]

I think my writing has definitely improved, not so much evident in this particular piece as in others -- we have mainly been collaborating with poetry. Toshie has helped me see the use of rhyme in more detail, and given me more of an appreciation for meter; as well as encouraged me to give some thought to different directions I can take my writing in.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

EvelynTaliette [2013-07-08 23:58:51 +0000 UTC]

I finished up the character sheet, it's in my stash here: sta.sh/01pn4abpzfs7

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

LadyLaumes [2013-06-29 20:06:25 +0000 UTC]

Alrighty, so I finally finished my revisions:
Revised: [link]
Original: [link]
Revised, part 2: [link]
Original, part 2: [link]

I don't know that I've improved much because of the program. The critiques offered were critiques made only because my partner felt pressured to do it, I feel. Although this assignment gave me the incentive to go back and revise the piece, it still sucked away time from current projects.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

freewritingseer [2013-06-28 01:08:38 +0000 UTC]

How do you like the program so far?: It's okay.
What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?: Critiques in and of themselves are tedious.
Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?: No idea.
Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?: Not really. I'd prefer multiple points of view in order to fully establish what could be improved.
Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?: Sure.

Old: [link]
New: [link]

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Estafina [2013-06-25 20:56:09 +0000 UTC]

HERE: [link]
The character sheet. I know it's late! But I worked hard on it! D:

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

NoxInEralon [2013-06-25 06:23:33 +0000 UTC]

Okay, last comment from me on this I swear! Here's the redo project for the assignments!

Old - [link]
New - [link]

And yes, I definitely think there's been an improvement! It's little changes like the ones suggested by my partner and made of my own volition that can really make a story go from 'meh' to 'wow', you know what I mean?

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Jchrispole [2013-06-24 20:32:26 +0000 UTC]

here is the character sheet: [link]

here is the poem: [link]

I hope I did both of those right

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

AnUnfoldedPaperTiger [2013-06-24 03:43:05 +0000 UTC]

How do you like the program so far?

I think it's good. It allows for mutual growth between writers at a fairly brisk pace. That, and pressure is mild, among other things.

What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?

I enjoy the challenges that allow me to grow as a writer. Those that have the partnerships formed create and write something together and simultaneously enhancing our skills.

However, the barrage of reviews does get a bit tedious, so I'd like to see those numbers reduced.

Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?

Well, I'm not really sure. Something interesting that I think would help inspire the group is ending or starting each journal entry with a quote from a memorable writer. Just a thought.

Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?

Yeah. It allows for rapid, unquestioned advice that I can count on.

Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?

That would be great!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

VargenSaphia [2013-06-23 23:00:31 +0000 UTC]

Here's my second critique: [link]

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

ChildOfTheWest [2013-06-23 22:43:41 +0000 UTC]

I had misread the date and thought they were due today (June 23rd) Is it too late to post my links to my critiques?

👍: 0 ⏩: 2

DrMeh In reply to ChildOfTheWest [2013-06-23 23:52:34 +0000 UTC]

Hello,

No, you may turn in any assignments and challenges you missed for each week until the end of July. You will be awarded full points.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

ChildOfTheWest In reply to ChildOfTheWest [2013-06-23 23:12:22 +0000 UTC]

Just saw the journal for the new Synergy guidelines. Sooo.
Critiques:
[link]
[link]
[link]

~*~*~

I'm very much enjoying the program so far and would like to see it continue year-round if only on a month by month rather than week by week basis. Also I think it'd be fun to switch partners every once in a while. I'm enjoying my partner's feedback and her work immensely, but it never hurts to have more people look at a piece.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

leangreenlimabean [2013-06-23 21:11:30 +0000 UTC]

[link]
Character study

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

DelilahFire [2013-06-23 20:51:47 +0000 UTC]

critiques:
[link]
[link]
[link]

char. sheet:
[link]

Olfactory poem:
[link]

How do you like the program so far?
It's great, enjoying it very much!

What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?
I enjoyed everything so far, especially the collabs. I'd suggest to leave more time for these though, like two weeks.

Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?
Eee I pretty much like how it's going so far, perhaps more experimental assignments like the olfactory poetry

Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?
Yep, it suits me. I think it's good that we get to know our partners' style and know what they expect from the critique.

Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?
Yes, that would be epic!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

illumin4te [2013-06-23 20:42:16 +0000 UTC]

old version: [link]
new version: [link]

i believe i have improved with this poem thanks to my partner

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

SuperSam413 [2013-06-23 20:24:08 +0000 UTC]

Critiques:
1
2
3

Questions:
- I'm absolutely loving the program so far! It's keeping me very busy
- I know that the critiques are absolutely necessary, but they're not my favorite activity. So maybe instead of just critiquing old pieces, we could complete some sort of writing prompt and then have to critique each others? I feel like that be a bit more enjoyable and I'd also like to critique something other than a piece my partner uploaded months or even years ago; I'd be able to judge my partner on her skills that she possesses presently.
- Even though I haven't completed any of them as of yet, I've glanced at the challenges and they look absolutely wonderful!
- It does indeed help to have a fellow writer there to critique and support you!
- Hmmm, as much as I adore Synergy, I don't really want it to continue year long because it's hard enough for me to keep up with it now with me being busy with my job, and throwing school into the mix would just render my participation impossible.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

RedRevanna [2013-06-23 16:18:38 +0000 UTC]

Critiques:
[link]
[link]
[link]

-How do you like the program so far?
It's great! I can improve my style and I also can exchange views with another writer, that's awesome!
-What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?
I really enjoyed the collaborations although the time to do it was too short for me. Writing critiques is not my favourite activity of course, but I see that others (me too) need feedback. Maybe it would be better with only one-two critiques each week.
-Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?
No, not at the moment.
-Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?
Sure! Although opinions of more persons would be even more helpful, of course.
-Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?
Absolutely!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

AuraArgentum [2013-06-23 09:48:45 +0000 UTC]

Assignment number 3!
Out with the old [link]
And in with the new [link]

In the old one my writing was quite basic, mainly describing the actions of the characters and nothing really beyond that. I edited it by using more descriptive words and going into more detail, also putting reasons behind the original actions.
e.g at first being 'he leant over the professors work'
and changed to 'he lent over the professor's work to try and understand his research. He wondered if there was a way her could help, but just understanding would be a place to start'.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Goldfish-In-Space [2013-06-23 07:11:32 +0000 UTC]

only a little bit late!
Critiques:
[link]
[link]
[link]

-How do you like the program so far?
I like it a lot! I really enjoy working and being around another writer!

-What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?
I think the three Critiques a week thing needs to slow down a little, because me and my partner are running low on actual pieces to critique. I like the critiques, but I would like to maybe do a different kind of challenge.

-Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?
A few little writing challenges would be fun! Maybe a prompt/few prompts where each partner has to write a flash fiction (FFM is coming up, anyway! Why not join in?) with the same prompt and then critique each others piece in regards to their handling/use of the prompt.

-Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?
It is getting to be a little overwhelming, actually. I have all this feedback, but not enough time to actually do anything with it!

-Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?
I'm not sure yet!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

ivory-phills [2013-06-23 05:09:09 +0000 UTC]

Critiques:
[link]
[link]
[link]

Questions:
-How do you like the program so far?
I'm actually really enjoying it!
-What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?
I enjoy the critiques because it has given me both a reason to set time aside for reading (which I haven't done in a long time) and to actually think critically of the literature I'm reading. Plus, there's communicating with someone new!
And yet, giving critiques on a weekly basis tends to get old.
-Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?
May I suggest a sort of story collaboration between partners? Where partners come together, discuss character creation and story plot and present a written story?
-Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?
Yes, it truly does!
-Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?
My heart says yes, but my brain says no. Summer is a great time for this type of program because of the free time, but year-round might be troublesome for when school comes back.

Character Profile:
[link] (Sorry for the sloppy work; it was very late when I started this)

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

JackDenim17 [2013-06-23 05:08:27 +0000 UTC]

[link]
[link]
[link]

I love the program. I like having a good reason to critique other people's work, and that other people have a reason to critique my work. I would like there to be more collaboration assignments. Year-round would be great ^^.

Working on olfactory poem as we speak T^T

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JackDenim17 In reply to JackDenim17 [2013-06-23 05:56:46 +0000 UTC]

Olfatory poem [link]

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Phantom-Kat [2013-06-23 05:02:52 +0000 UTC]

Critiques:

[link]
[link]
[link]

I'm enjoying the program so far, although it's been kind of hectic juggling this and summer classes. I especially liked the poem collaboration because it's simple and can turn out into pretty much anything. Challenges I don't like are the mandatory critiques every week. I don't mind critiquing, but there's only so much you can critique. Then you get repetitive because you comment on the same grammar mistakes or the same types of improvements can make on description. It gets rather tedious for both partners, in my opinion. There's also the fact it seems silly to critique something a year old or older if a person doesn't have anything else in their gallery; maybe what you critique is something they have fixed or improved since they wrote it?. As for ideas as to what to do, well, it would be cool to have a challenge where you try to imitate your partner's writing style.

As for having Synenergy year-round, that would be fun, but yes, a much slower pace would be appreciated.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Pepper-the-phoenix [2013-06-23 03:24:45 +0000 UTC]

Questions:

How do you like the program so far?

I really like it.

What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?

I enjoy the collaborating assignments, but the critique assignments have gotten old. I think critiques are important, but I don’t think they should be done every week. Maybe every other week.

Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?

I would like assignments that focus on certain elements of writing. For example one assignment that focuses on description, one that focuses on characterization, one that focuses on plot, one that focuses on style, one that focuses on research,, etc.

Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?

I like having constant feedback, but I think it might be more beneficial to have different people critique your work. I love my partner, but she only sees certain issues, whereas a group of people critiquing your work can point out many different issues.

Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?

Yes, I think that would be awesome!

Characterization (it had be split into two pieces):[link]
[link]

Critiques:
[link]
[link]
[link]

Revision:
Old version: [link]
New Version: [link]

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

ChronicSleeper [2013-06-23 02:58:25 +0000 UTC]

Critiques:

[link]
[link]
[link]

I think the program is alright. Though to be honest, I feel like the Synergy project should be more focused on writing new stories than just critiquing. I mean, when I get the chance I do do the bonus challenges, but it would be nice if writing more work was a higher priority. It helps a lot to have another writer give you feedback because it's a new perspective on the piece and allows for more chance of catching mistakes the original writer missed. Synergy would be pretty nice year round, I think.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

notCindyChen [2013-06-23 02:21:00 +0000 UTC]

Critiques: [link] [link] [link]

How do you like the program so far? I like it, it motivates me and gives me a challenge. it also lets me get feedback from someone.

What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy? I've enjoyed the critiques at first, but now it's becoming a chore. :/ I don't have that many deviations in my gallery, soooo my partner always has to critique the one that I put up that week. >.> it's also a but pressuring on my part, to have to get up something every week, since I like to mull over story ideas in my head, and write something that'd be worth reading. I'm also finding it harder to critique my partner as we go along, because I feel like i'm repeating the same words every single one. I've enjoyed the partner activities, and the challenge activities as well.

Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what? this goes along with the last one. I'd love it if we get to critique different people sometimes. For example, we can get everyone to submit a deviation that they want critiqued to a folder (or just a link of the work to LLW), and LLW can pair up deviations with members, so that you're reading and critiquing something different every time, and a writer can get several perspectives from different writers as well. Also, possibly reduce the critiques from three to one or two. I think it'd also be awesome if synergy can feature some works by the participants; for example, have each person's partner link their favorite piece out of their partner's gallery... and send it to LLW. LLW can then compile a list of those deviations? I don't know! I would also love for the challenge activities to be due at a later time than the mandatory activities - two weeks seems good.

Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback? Somewhat? It's good to have constant feedback, but you're only getting ONE point of view out of a lot of other people that can be potentially reading your work.

Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace? It's a good idea, yes!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

notCindyChen In reply to notCindyChen [2013-06-23 03:22:06 +0000 UTC]

for the challenge: [link] I'll be completing the latter half of it tomorrow.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

SkysongMA [2013-06-23 02:16:40 +0000 UTC]

Critiques: [link] , [link] , [link]

I do like being encouraged to talk to each other so much, and I think the back-and-forth stories and poems are good ideas, but the three-critique-a-week thing is getting sort of exhausting. (Maybe because I'm working so much and trying to manage my new group, but still.)

Character profile: [link]

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

camelopardalisinblue [2013-06-23 02:12:12 +0000 UTC]

1. Critiques:
[link]
[link]
[link]


2. Questions:
How do you like the program so far?
I'm really enjoying myself. Everything's clear and well defined - the organisation is wonderful.

What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?
So far I've enjoyed all the challenges and the assignments! I'm pretty eclectic as a person and I write several kinds of literature, so that may play a part, but yeah. I do find it difficult with three critiques every week, though - I'm going to run out very soon, I think! I also think that I tend to be saying the same thing with every critique -- which I imagine others are running into as well.

Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?
Hmm. Well, I don't know about others, but I think my biggest reason for joining was to make a new friend and expand my writing abilities, so I think more together activities (which I'll come back to in your last question).

Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?
It does, but at the same time, I think it would also help to have a variety of opinions. Please don't misunderstand and think there's something wrong with my partner's critiques because there totally isn't (!) but I think sometimes it'd be nice to have others share their thoughts on her work, too - because some things just may not be to one person's taste! What about an assignment or challenge where we both offer critique to other teams? (I can easily flesh out this idea if you want).

Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?
Oh yes, that would be wonderful, as long as people could join all the time. I've been in groups where certain activities run for months and when you can't join in, it's just frustrating. So maybe rather than "year-round", perpetual? That'd be awesome.

So far, we've had a lot of issues with partners being able to effectively communicate with each other, so activities this week are a little less partner-oriented and more focused on your personal effort with your own writing. Which do you prefer?
I like both, but I think I prefer partner-oriented -- but at the same time, I'm one of the people with the major time-difference coummunication difficulties. What about if you ran fortnightly (or even monthly!) partner challenges as well as weekly solo ones? You could do the fortnightly ones as though they were weekly but just extend the time so those of us who're in opposing timezones still have enough time.


3. Reworked Literature: Not complete yet. Will have to leave a new comment for this one. (Alternatively, I can get my partner to confirm that I have made edits on all of my pieces she's critiqued as I've gone along?)



CHALLENGES:
2. Character Sheet:
I don't have any current established characters that I intend to use in future, so I have chosen a character from my partner and I's last collaboration. We have only written the plot outline at this point & created basics of certain characters, so I chose one of the characters I came up with for this challenge, I hope that's okay!
[link]



3. Poem: [link]

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

CAPPSSLOKK [2013-06-23 01:03:51 +0000 UTC]

Critiques:
[link]
[link]
[link]

Questions:
How do you like the program so far?

I really enjoy this program, and I feel it's a great way for members to build teamwork alongside with our writing skills, all the while engaging in friendly competition.

What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?
I enjoy the collaborative work between partners and basically anything that involves writing something (either with/without our partner), though I find I haven't really had the chance to do this because of the ongoing critiquing assignments (which I find a bit repetitive at this point).

Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?
Not at the moment, no. However, I would highly anticipate any activities where we could perhaps merge with other pairs for an assignment or two!

Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?
The fact that I'm getting feedback at all is wonderful! I really appreciate my partner's critiques, and I feel like I could really improve when keeping her words in mind. However (as I've already stated about repetitive critiquing assignments), I'm worried I can't keep up my writing with the number of critiques that are required to be done each week!

Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?
Yes, I would absolutely love for Synergy to be continued for as long as possible. And yes, I also agree that a slower pace would be much appreciated; probably with either the extension of deadlines, or one less assignment per week?

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

HuntingForHappiness [2013-06-23 00:47:15 +0000 UTC]

Critiques:
[link]
[link]
[link]

Questions:
How do you like the program so far?
I’ve been enjoying it so far. I’ve enjoyed giving and receiving critiques, and the external push to keep active with my writing is great, as are the actual prompts/challenges themselves.

What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?
I pretty much always enjoy the challenges, though I didn’t get to do either of the ones from last week, the ideas were good. The critiques being a requirement each week gets a bit tiring, even for someone who enjoys critiquing; I think since you’re always critiquing the same writer, it maybe gets a bit repetitive? Not sure. Pretty much everything else is cool though. And even the critiques would still be good as a weekly challenge, I think.

Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?
I think you guys are doing pretty well in terms of ideas.

Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?
Yeah, I think it is helpful. That consistency is really beneficial, and being there to give someone else constant feedback is also helpful, since sometimes looking hard at other peoples’ writing can provide insight into your own.

Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?
I think it’d be cool for Synergy to continue year-round, though if you were to do that, it might be a good idea to switch up the partners every once in a while, to keep the partnerships from… stagnating, for lack of a better word? Then the participants would get fresh eyes every once in a while, and it would just keep things a bit more interesting, maybe? But yeah, year-round synergy would be cool.

Comment with original poem in it(commented on the rewrite's deviation): [link]

I only might have time for the olfactory poem, so I'm posting this now just in case.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

LadyLaumes [2013-06-23 00:30:50 +0000 UTC]

Critiques:

[link]
[link]
[link]


How do you like the program so far?

I like it a lot, but my issue is that one week is not enough time to do the very few tasks that you ask of us xD I've been working 40 hours a week and trying to adjust from usually doing absolutely nothing during the summer. As such it's hard for me to find time to do this, let alone destress from work.

What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?

We haven't done any of the challenges yet, but I like the idea of them. The assignments are fine and I appreciate that critiques should be written, but my partner is in the same boat as me and never gets them done in time. As such, I don't have much to work with.

Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?

Not really...I barely have time to finish this stuff xD No brain power left for writing my own stories even...not sure what else the program should do.

Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?

It would if it were constant. But like I've said, our schedules prevent us from doing that.

Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?

How much slower? I could do like...you give us monthly things and we could manage that way, but not like two weeks instead of one.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Estafina [2013-06-23 00:17:11 +0000 UTC]

critiques: [link] [link] [link]

How do you like the program so far?
I like it a lot, and I'm enjoying it. I already feel like I'm learning a lot, and being around fellow writers (at least in cyberspace) is pretty awesome. It's like we're one big group of writing geeks. I've gotten a lot of really good feedback, which is great because I usually don't have anyone read any of my work.
What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?
I think that the critiques are going to become a problem pretty soon, because we'll get into older work that maybe isn't as good, or for new members of dA there simply won't be anything to critique. My partner and I are already having that problem. I don't know what can be done about that, though. I really like all the challenges and assignments other than the critiques. They're always different and challenging. I almost feel like I'm getting in shape for a race, except with writing. It's great.
Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?
I don't know. I can't think of anything at the moment. If I think of anything I'll be sure to post it on the forum.
Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?
Yes, it's helped me immensely. As I said before, I never let anyone read my work and mostly on dA I never got constructive feedback, so this program has been awesome in that regard.
Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?
Sure. I don't know how active I'll be, though. School will get insane very quickly. I've got a huge work load next semester.

Also, I have a question: is the deadline for the character sheet/poetry thing longer as well as the rewrite? I would like to do them but I simply didn't have the time this week.

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VargenSaphia [2013-06-22 23:31:49 +0000 UTC]

I haven't had time this week to be online all that much, since Friday (midsummer's eve) was probably one of the largest holiday celebrated by my family. We've been preparing by buying and storing all the food we needed to bring . And there was also an official inspection of our horses and stable this Wednesday, so everyone has been working all day to make sure it's all looking neat, for about one week in advance.
And today, my father got a call by one of his farmer friends, that they needed him to hunt down some wildboars, so he brought me with him. I just made it back home, and it's 01:27 AM, so I only had time to write one critique today. If I can, I will write the other two tomorrow. Expect them by then.

[link]




I'd like us to get more time, atleast a full week of 7 days, to complete our assignments. Also, doing critiques over and over again does get a bit boring after awhile. Maybe something else, like make a cover for each other's literary pieces?


old: [link]
new: [link]

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DailyBreadCafe [2013-06-22 22:02:59 +0000 UTC]

Critiques:

ohineedtea.deviantart.com/crit...

ohineedtea.deviantart.com/crit...

ohineedtea.deviantart.com/crit...


How do you like the program so far?

I think it's great!


What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?

I prefer doing things on my own rather than collaborating because me and my partner are in very different time zones so it's really difficult, especially since we both work.


Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?

Can't think of anything at the moment


Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?

It helps a lot, but it's still helpful to get views from people who aren't so familiar with my work


Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?

YES!! All year round, 2/3 week assignment/challenges would be good. 


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RosyDawn527 [2013-06-22 21:49:57 +0000 UTC]

By the way, will you remind us when the revisions are due in your next journal entry?

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RosyDawn527 [2013-06-22 21:49:09 +0000 UTC]

Critique:
www.deviantart.com/art/093-Sim...

How do you like the program so far?
I enjoy it. It's nice to have someone reading and communicating with me on my work, and me on hers.

What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?
I enjoy writing things together, and challenges on my own writing (like the challenges this week). I don't really like critiquing, but I know that it helps both of us.

Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?
Not right now, but I'll let you know if I do.

Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?
Definitely.

Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?
Key word is slower.

Activities this week are a little less partner-oriented and more focused on your personal effort with your own writing. Which do you prefer?
I like both, maybe you could alternate them every other week?

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the-solimnludic [2013-06-22 20:42:29 +0000 UTC]

Critiques for my partner, =EvelynTaliette:
"Tumble" - [link]
"Lady of Ashes" - [link]
"Liquid Kaleidoscopes (Take 2)" - [link]

I've found the program to be very helpful so far. It's awesome to know that there's many other partners doing this along with me, and my partner, who has been extremely helpful in her critiques and helping me see my pieces outside of my "comfortable perspective." At times I had a hard time seeing what she meant, but as I went back and fixed up a couple of works I thought, "Wow! She was so right!" I enjoyed doing this assignment of fixing my piece, according to her critique. I don't want to say I didn't enjoy critiquing (because I did once I forced myself to not be lazy and do my best), but I think we have done enough critiquing for now!! Besides, I've ran out of pieces for her to critique! Yikes! I hope we do continue this program year-round, except around school-year time I would like it to be more loose and slower-paced, with a different partner every two months or so.
One thing I would really like is if you gave us just a bit more time with our assignments. You post them on a Monday and they are due that Saturday, at least make it a full week! I can't even get to the challenges. Oh, well, I will try harder this week.

Old version of "wishful thinking" - [link]
New, rewritten and updated version of "wishful thinking" (after even a second critique from her!) - [link]
Like I said, I feel a big improvement and I love the second version so much better than the first, which was just scraps from my journal and thoughts. The fact that I was able to sculpt it into a more refined piece with her help is inspirational!

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the-solimnludic In reply to the-solimnludic [2013-06-22 20:48:19 +0000 UTC]

Oh, and like other people said: one person with constant feedback is a lot of help. My work doesn't get noticed too much, so I appreciate it a lot!

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DreamDayWirter [2013-06-22 19:59:46 +0000 UTC]

Critiques:
[link]

((the rest were fanfic as well. Its really hard for me to critique it with out knowing what is being fanficed."

feedback:
I do wish it would move a little slower. Give us a more days. I'd also like to see more Assignments that are not critiques.

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AyeAye12 [2013-06-22 18:53:42 +0000 UTC]

Gonna do 2) first,

How do you like the program so far?

It's good. A lot easier than I expected it to be.

What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?

The critiques are becomign a bit tedious. I prefer the actual writing ones; the rewrite one this week looks fun.

Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?

Put in more tasks like the rewrite on for this week.

Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?

Definitely. A constant stream of feedback really shows my weak spots.

Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?

Hmm. Not year round per se, but definitely a slower pace.

Also 3);

OLD: [link] NEW: [link]

I can gladly say that yes, this is a massive improvement, and that Hunting's criticism has made me improve my poetry, mainly in the technical sides of things (which is still very important).

Expect Task 1) soon.

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DarkColibri [2013-06-22 16:35:44 +0000 UTC]

Critiques:

[link]
[link]
[link]

Challenges:

Olfactory poetry: [link]
Characterization: [link]

How do you like the program so far?
I like it.

What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?
Can't say.

Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?
Yes actually, please please please slow down! 5 days during the week is nowhere near enough time to even get the critiques done properly. I simply don't have enough time during the week and with some partners living in different timezones it is impossible to do a collab since the answers to the notes take one day flat. That's maybe a paragraph of poem but only if that person answers regularly. Make it two weeks instead or at least include one weekend.

Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?
It helps tremendously.

Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?
I approve.... slow...yeah slow is awesome

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gadsdy [2013-06-22 15:11:55 +0000 UTC]

Critiques:
[link]

[link]

[link]

The second critique is from my partner's secondary account. So far I'm really liking the program. I enjoyed the poem challenge where each partner wrote one line. In the future I think more challenges like that one would be fun. I think it would be great to have synergy year round. That way partners have a chance to really get to know each other. I like having one person who gives constant feedback because before this no one was really giving me feedback.

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gadsdy In reply to gadsdy [2013-06-22 15:45:23 +0000 UTC]

Original piece: [link]

Changed piece: [link]

After reading my partners critique I added another scene to the second draft. I like the changes. I think it builds a stronger relationship between my characters. I'm glad I changed it.

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AuraArgentum [2013-06-22 11:17:30 +0000 UTC]

Critiques:
[link]
[link]
[link]

Sorry that my answers are separate.

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JoseCelada [2013-06-22 04:59:51 +0000 UTC]

Critiques:
[link]
[link]
[link]
Answers:
How do you like the program so far?: It's a bit repetitive with the constant critiques but it helps me improve
What sort of assignments and challenges do you enjoy and do not enjoy?: Collaboratives are great, I like talking and getting to know each other and critiques are between those two
Do you have an idea for something you want Synergy to do, and if so, what?: Pair switch for the final week!
Does it help you as a writer to have one person for constant feedback?: Yes
Finally, would you like for Synergy to continue year-round, albeit at a much slower pace?: Year-round with the pace it currently has would be exactly the same as this for me because in Latin American school year vacations are until October with a 2-week half-year vacation between the last week of June and first of July

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

EvelynTaliette In reply to EvelynTaliette [2013-06-22 03:34:46 +0000 UTC]

Well, those are some odd links. Is anyone else seeing that?

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