Two for Reading Back to Blog
I’ve taken the last few days off from my writing (with brief editing exceptions for Blood Hunt). I like to take a break between projects (as long as my schedule lets me) b/c I think the break gives me a chance to put the previous characters to rest…and better focus on those waiting in the wings.
So, during my rest, I’ve been reading some books–some for pleasure, some for research, and just some that I should have read long ago. Tonight, I read through The Pocket Muse by Monica Wood. This book is designed to inspire writers, pretty much as the name implies. So far, there’s been one section of this book that has interested me. Monica Wood says that every writer should have two critics. The first critic should have nothing but great, wonderful, glowing things to say about your work. This person will need to be someone who loves you a great deal and thus pretty much thinks everything you do is perfect. This person is the one you turn to when you need that important positive reinforcement. The second critic, the non-positive one, should be someone who “never, ever lies.” I’d imagine this critic would be a bit harder to find. : -) The second critic is the one you face when you need help–or you know your story does.
I know many people who work with critique partners on their manuscripts. I’ve never done that. And I don’t make a habit of running my work by a friend or a loved one, either. Yes, my husband does sometimes read my work, but generally, I don’t give him the book until it’s actually in print–then, well, his comments usually fall under critic category #1.
I started working with Laura Bradford (my agent) last November, and I feel that she gives me very honest, straight-forward comments about my work–and I like that about her, a lot. So I guess that means she’d fall under category number 2.
What about the other writers out there? Do you have critics? And are they in category one (I love your work!) or category two (This scene falls flat.)?
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Cynthia, I got lucky, in that while my CPs often tell me they love my work, they aren’t at all shy to tell me when something doesn’t work. It kind of makes the praise all the more wonderful, because I know they wouldn’t say it if they didn’t mean it.
You are very lucky, Michelle! Sounds to me like you’ve found the perfect combination.
Like Michelle, my CPs will offer constructive criticism with the praise, so that’s helpful.
I find that I often fall into the first category, though. It’s hard to tell someone when you think something isn’t working, though I try to do that with the CPs since they are honest with me.
I’m one of Michelle’s CPs. We give positive enforcement, but at the same time we try to see ways to make the book better. I won’t lie, but I will phrase it in a positive helpful way, saying what exactly I think the problem is and how it could be fixed. They’re the same. I have terrific CPs!
Kate and Edie–you ladies have a fantastic arrangement going on with your CPs! 🙂