When I worked in accounting, I had no problem taking time off from numbers. In fact, my checkbook never looked so unbalanced.
This Thursday, I decided I needed a break from writing, editing, the whole thing. When you’re a writer, you don’t work 9-5, at least I don’t. I work in stolen batches time throughout the day, every day, even holidays. With the kids all home, I was finding it hard to concentrate, I’d fallen behind in my housework and I’d just finished a revision so it seemed like a perfect time to take a few days off.
So what have I been doing? Staring at my computer screen, one hand on the mouse, the other poised over the keyboard, with, I’m sure, a lost expression on my face. Is it a sick addiction, this writing thing? Friday I swore off Twitter and I did get some baking done and the house cleaned. (which, as the kids are home, lasted for about an hour) Today, I’ve been on Twitter almost all morning, except for my attempt at a nap–Why is it as soon as mom lays down on the couch, at least two little bodies want to cuddle and talk?
Truth is I’ve been experiencing world-building angst. The Devil You Know is structured and done except for the little line edits and polishing. A few months ago, I enrolled in a writing workshop. The first chapter came up for review Wednesday. Most of the reviews are very positive. A few commented that they would like more setting but they contradicted one another enough that I really didn’t think about it much until last night, when I couldn’t sleep and wondered if maybe they had a point.
TDYK is set in a post-apocalyptic world but the cataclysm happened so long ago, it’s only legend. The inhabitants live in primitive conditions and are polytheistic but as the book isn’t about any of those things, I only touch on them briefly. It is primarily a love story. I know my angst has as much to do with lack of sleep as anything but that doesn’t make it any less real.
I posted about it on twitter and got an immediate show of support. I love you guys, really I do. Writing can be such a solitary endeavor; it’s nice to be reminded I’m not alone. Thanks!
I find that writing groups tend to be shark infested. The critiques can actually put you off your game in a big way. One tip: consider where the criticism is coming from. Is the person that offered up the advice a good writer? Do they write in your genre? Are they really someone credible?
I’m so glad you found Twitter and that it has been a beneficial experience. Keep up the good work!
Thank you. Yes, it does pay to be careful and consider the source. One of the hardest things for me, as a writer, is to walk that line between confidence and over-confidence.
I agree with Elizabeth. Some readers in writer’s groups are dangerous. Unlike the suggestions and counsel from an editor, agent or a fellow writer you trust, comments from a stranger have no weight.
Leaving aside failed writers, pseudo-critics and other wankers with axes to grind and scores to settle, most folks at writer’s groups are learning the ropes and have no idea about the realities of writing.
In my opinion, a serious writer like you can get two levels of useful feedback from these groups. The first is line edits: typos, alliterations, dangling modifiers and other horrors that some readers are adept at spotting. Great. The second is patterns.
If several readers concur that they can’t understand a sentence, it will pay to examine the offending passage. If they are of the same mind about something lacking, or unclear, or clunky, or downright confusing, it’s a good idea to analyze the text in question. Better still, to discuss the comments of these strangers with one of your trusted readers, to determine if there’s any merit in the critter’s rants.
Though paid advice can be worthless, free advice is usually worth what you paid for it.
Wankers with axes…
*grin* have I ever told you that you have a way with words?
I am not apart of any kind of group. I have been considering it though. I’ve only had feedback from those I know and I don’t want to ask them all the time.
Crystal,
I think that’s why it’s good for a writer to be part of a group. You don’t have to feel bad for asking. ; ) It’s important to trust the people reviewing and that’s hard in a large group. In the past, I’ve been lucky enough to have two wonderful writers whom I trust completely critique my work so I know how helpful it can be.
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