I am lucky enough to be a part of a fantastic writer’s group. Monday was my first meeting in over a year (I joined the first time in 2006). There were many familiar faces sitting in the cramped circle of folding chairs, tucked into the corner of Barnes & Noble. Attending a meeting is like going to the first day of school, except it happens every month. I was nervous, excited, self-conscious, and of course my work was the first up for critique.
Each member (there were about ten at the meeting) shares positive feedback on the first trip around the circle. The second circuit is reserved for the “dark side”. Luckily, these people are diplomatic and objective, although they aren’t softies! The feedback is invaluable and at the end you receive ten line edited copies of your submission. I felt like it was Christmas when I arrived home, jumping into bed with Steve and pouring over the comments.
I’ve already made a ton of changes based on their reflections. It’s difficult to weigh readers’ comments against your own feelings about the book, but at the end of the day (if you want to be published), your writing is for others to enjoy. Once I started to dig in and cut, cut, cut, I realized how much better, cleaner, and tighter the story is becoming! It’s so exciting to watch the novel shift into focus.
If you have a friend working on a book, the biggest gift you can give them is reading their work and giving honest (and kind) feedback! Thank you LaMarsh for lending me your eyes and ears over the past couple days. Your feedback is fantastic and discussing the story brings it to life. Hope you see more of Frankie in your dreams!
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I write. I edit. I love my family, our Charm City rowhouse & my vegan kitchen. Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet.
