This morning I finally finished the first draft of my NaNoWriMo 2012/2013 manuscript. I already had a beta reader (
I do have a self-imposed deadline. At the end of March I'm going to Conception, Missouri for a DIY writing retreat. My plan: to have some constructive feedback in my pocket, so I can do some serious revising.
My beta reader and I skyped last night. We discussed what we both value when it comes to critique. This is Sioux's Guide to What Every Writer Needs:
- Tell me when the story gets sucky. I don't mind big X's across a page, and I know this 82,000-word monstrosity has some parts that suck. Big time suck.
- Tell me when I've discovered the cure for insomnia--through my writing. If my story gets sluggish or boring, let me know. I've got thick skin. My name is written on bathroom stalls by third graders, and I'm pleased when they spell the colorful words correctly. (That "tch" blend is oh-so important...)
- If you don't care about my characters, tell me. This story was a way to work out some personal issues, so perhaps I am the only one who cares...
Honesty above all. I'd rather someone tell me what I need to hear instead of what I want to hear. Now I want to get a glimpse of your tome. I may know some of the characters.
ReplyDeleteLinda--You won't get to see it if it stinks to high heaven. And yes, some of the characters might seem...uh, familiar.
DeleteCritique isn't helpful if it isn't honest. Of course I'd prefer to hear it phrased more like "Here's a suggestion on how to tighten up that scene" rather than "Don't give up your day job".
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
Pat--For sure, it's always nicer if it's phrased in a softer way. However, humor works for me, too, so if there is a way to make a joke about my shortcomings, I appreciate that as well.
DeleteLike you, I have tough skin. I would much rather someone tell me what they don't like. In my writing ..... not in my campground, so much. I tire of too much advice in my business. Every bit of "you should do this" has $$$ involved. Writing, I can change. Maybe.
ReplyDeleteKathy--I agree. Sometimes it IS a maybe. :) And you're also right about people who are full of "helpful" advice...
DeleteGreat post this morning. I am with you on wanting "their" truth but still the decision in our court. Sometimes loving a line might work out in the end. It all depends on what editor reads and if they "see" as you see.
ReplyDeleteClaudia-Yes, we always have the final say as a writer, but if several people are saying, "It's sucky," it probably IS...
DeleteAbove all, Honesty - if tempered with respect and splashed with kindness. I like to say I have thick skin, but "honestly" sometimes a thin spot is rubbed and I may either privately sob into my pillow or shake my fist in the air. But I will take the critique to heart and most often strengthen my work because of it. And to even more "honest", I probably suspected the sucky part was sucky.
ReplyDeleteMarcia--How often does ANYthing you write get truly negative feedback? Perhaps they might say, "Will this one win first or second place?" but other than that...
ReplyDeleteI want the truth, but I might seek the truth from several sources. When I get the truth, my hackles go up and I dig in my heels like a goat on a leash, because that's my nature...don't offer to swim me across the river on your back. After mourning the most brilliant piece of writing ever written, I will succumb to the advice.
ReplyDeleteVal--A goat on a leash? You sound like you're speaking from experience...
DeleteFrom my inner circle, I want honesty.
ReplyDeleteShay--The part I didn't include in my post you nailed in your comment.
DeleteDo I want honesty from everyone? Do I want honesty from people who think that Nicholas Sparks should win a Pulitzer?
No.
Do I want honesty from people who think no sentence should begin with "because"? No. From people who think ellipsis are bad? (Okay, perhaps I need a little tempering...)
So yes--from people I trust and people I respect, I want honesty. Others can say, "I'm speechless" after reading my work, and I can choose how I take that.
Congratulations, Sioux. You finished your first draft after NaNo! As for feedback, I want honest opinions. What works, what doesn't work, what's confusing or unclear.
ReplyDeleteDonna--Thanks, but it was a NaNo two years ago, so it's a long time coming...I'm with you--I want honesty.
DeleteIf, for example, someone said, "I don't like this," I don't think it would be a terribly helpful suggestion. But honest and detailed constructive criticism from those I respect is a gift. I'm always grateful to those people who think I'm worthy of it. Congratulations on finishing! You rock. Now let your critique group critique it. I have a feeling I would care about those characters.
ReplyDeleteTammy--Yes, you would probably care about the characters, but you might not give a flying fig about the story. That remains to be seen...
Delete