Writing is a very individual undertaking. It’s solitary. You come up with the story, you create the characters, the world, the plot, the twists and the turns. And then YOU write it down.
Though I did write some as a child/teenager the loneliness never seemed to bother me. But as an adult? Writing is a lonely pursuit. I’m not sure how people did it before the internet, it’s far too integrated in my life for me to understand or even get a grip on.
But these days? Finding critique partners and writing groups is so much easier than I ever imagined. I’ve been with one of my crit partners for almost seven years now. Another for around five. And we mesh so damn well. My strengths help them improve and their strengths help me.
I’ve also been lucky enough to find a couple of local writers who’re fantastic. And I’m truly not all that biased. Their input and feedback, even though I’ve known them for a shorter period of time, has been so helpful and encouraging, it’s amazing.
And then there are a few more online buddies. Two who crit for me, and two who read for me. I think it’s very important to have non writers read your books. Sometimes they find things we wouldn’t.
But even though I have a fantastic group of people surrounding me. Supportive people who aren’t yes men/women. People who’ll be honest with me and tell me when something sucks or doesn’t work, when something needs a rewrite or deleting.
In the end, it’s my story and I have to make the ultimate decisions that polish my finished work. I have to draw that line between – this does or doesn’t help me tell MY story.
Because at the end of the day, regardless of all the awesome CPs you have, you need to tell YOUR story.
How do you feel about writing? Do you sometimes find it difficult to draw that critique line?
Of course, I tear the MS apart first 😉
That is so true. It is very lonely and the only time it isn’t is when you are interacting with people about your story. Crits and betas are so important in that regard.
I agree. There’s a time and place for the solitary and a time and place to put it out there 😀
I whole heartily believe in crit partners and ones who aren’t just “yes men”. Without them, I’d be lost. And you know what? Without the internet, I’d have none! I’m a solitary person to begin with, unable to go out and meet new people. So, I am thankful for the internet….and you! 😀
Awww <3 You're a gem. Thank you and Anthony for being such amazing crit partners. You're priceless.
So true. Really, though, you rip things apart so well, it constantly amazes me. You do in one pass what it will take me three to accomplish. And I love how you’re so open to crit, and how there are places where you’ll change, and places you’ll keep things the way they are no matter what anyone says. I love that you have such a strong view of your stories.
and oddly? Maybe it’s because of all the writers groups and war groups over the years, but I don’t find writing lonely at all. If anything, it’s one of my more social hobbies. I love bouncing ideas off of people (aka you, these days), and seeing where we all take it.
It’s only my OCD lol. I have to FIX ALL THE THINGS!!! My brain won’t work any other way. It’s either everything, or nothing lol. You should know that about me by now 😉
Also, you’re so amazing. Without you and Em I wouldn’t be here – TDP wouldn’t be complete because brainstorming with you guys is always fantastic <3
Now, I believe you owe me a story...
<3 I do, and I love that about you. It's a good thing!
And <3 I can't argue. 😛 And I'm working on it. Halfway through chapter 2. Ugh! Have I mentioned I hate editing?
When you send off that query letter….there is only one signature on the bottom line! But when that book finally reaches the shelf…that’s what the acknowledgment page is for!
Yep! All the people who helped you get there. Mine is going to be one huge page lol
I’ve learned that having people critique your work is so extremely helpful, but in the end, you are the one that has to stand by your work. You have to follow your gut and follow suggested changes if they fit your story, not the story they would write. You have to answer for the end result. Can’t place blame on others. So, with these things in mind, I’ve gotten more comfortable when it comes to giving my crits, fully aware that some, most or all of it may be ignored…and I keep an open mind for the crits I receive because something may get pointed out that I completely missed…or I may choose to skip a suggestion because it doesn’t fit the voice of my character.
Yep, in the end you just have to do what is right in your gut for your story.
I’ve learned so much from critiquing other people’s work. I do it quite regularly. At first I was hesitant but I know that as long as I explain my comment and sandwich it between praise then most writers take on board that this constructive comment is only an opinion and not a criticism.
Kay
@1_Lovelife
exactly! we take what others say, internalize and do with it as we see fit! we cant please everyone!
It was most difficult for me to draw that critique line when I had just started writing, and didn’t know many other people who did. It gets easier to accept critiques when you have someone you can trust.
But yeah, I don’t know what I’d do without the internet. There’s too many random research questions that pop up in my writing to get along without it.
And I love you #writemotivation people. I don’t know how I wrote without you guys before. It would be like not having NaNoWriMo.
Hello, K.T.! The internet has been awesome for finding critique partners and other writers to celebrate and commiserate with. That’s the reason I started blogging in the first place. I wanted to find other individuals who write and I’m so glad I did!
Have a great weekend and happy A to Z!!