What if someone told you that your writing was offensive? Reading is very subjective so your writing may very well offend someone. Each reader comes to a story with a specific set of morals and values and this can affect their response/reaction to your writing. It can be awkward to say that least. I was once in a critique group where this became an issue. One writer felt that she couldn't even bring certain material to the group because it was deemed "offensive." In the end, she had to … [Read more...]
Taking it Personally
May 24, 2011 Read Comments
This past Saturday, I was out with some "creative types" --- some of us writers --- and we were talking about negative criticism and how we should NOT take it personally. We all agreed that we should get a "tough skin" and just let the comments roll off our back. Blah, blah, blah. But then a writer friend spoke up: "Why do we always say this when it comes to negative stuff? What about the positive stuff? Should we not listen to that? Ignore it too?" We all agreed that the positive stuff … [Read more...]
Novels are Fluid
July 21, 2010 Read Comments
I remember my early critique days. I would get all of these suggestions but I was closed off to them. I would say, "They don't understand!" or "This is the only way this story can be told!" or even "What? I'm not doing that!" It took me a while to realize that my novel is not something rigid. Novels can change. Novels are fluid. I believe in order to grow as a writer, you have to be open to the different avenues your novel can take you during the creation process. You have to be … [Read more...]
Frequently Asked Questions
June 14, 2010 Read Comments
Do you remember your first *paid* critique? You know, the one with the agent/editor/published author? The one where you just *knew* they would be blown away by your genius and offer you a book contract on the spot? Okay, so maybe that was just me but I do remember my first paid critique. Back in 2004, I had my first critique with a real live editor --- someone who worked with authors on a daily basis. The end result didn't quite match my daydreams of glory. But after the bloodshed … [Read more...]
