Is Literary Critique Useful To Writing?

This is the question asked by Laughter At The Fringes of Sanity*, a member of the Manila Litcritters, in his blogpost, Literary Critique And Writing (also here at his blog mirror, Fictionautics). His answer to the question is a clear "yes", he expounds on his reasons, and tells us what exactly the Manila Litcritters do when they get together and critique stories. Click the link above and read what he has to say.

Every so often, the Manila Litcritters have open sessions. Anyone can attend these sessions, either to join in or to just listen. These sessions are announced in advance on Notes From The Peanut Gallery (you can join the Litcritters google group from there so that you'll have access to the stories they critique). You might want to try attending an open session. Hearing how others perceive various stories might broaden your own critical reading eye, which can then enhance your reading pleasure even more.

*Alexander Osias, author of "Inhuman" from PGS1.