tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post5863719602612610764..comments2023-11-18T03:15:19.102-06:00Comments on Straight From Hel: Writers’ InsecuritiesHelen Gingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-52379388016923302642008-08-15T14:24:00.000-05:002008-08-15T14:24:00.000-05:00I'm glad you found it helpful. I dropped by your V...I'm glad you found it helpful. <BR/><BR/>I dropped by your Victory Garden blog. Made me hungry!Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-74512426016053953272008-08-15T11:53:00.000-05:002008-08-15T11:53:00.000-05:00Trying my hand for the first time at writing somet...Trying my hand for the first time at writing something longer than an article (or a thesis), I have to say this was a terrifically useful post. Thanks!<BR/><BR/>"Writing is a muscle you have to develop callouses for." So very, very true.Pricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01440306286962105757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-18116456388285255382008-08-14T20:07:00.000-05:002008-08-14T20:07:00.000-05:00You're too kind Karen. I'm so glad you're stopping...You're too kind Karen. I'm so glad you're stopping by the blog. The more voices we hear from, the more we can learn and grow!Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-75488462841583273362008-08-14T20:01:00.000-05:002008-08-14T20:01:00.000-05:00Helen,You are a great example of supportive writer...Helen,<BR/><BR/>You are a great example of supportive writers! I've been reading your newsletter for years. And am enjoying your blog. You are so generous with your time and ideas! Thanks for all of the great advice you've shared!Karen Kirkpatrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11851557636119759185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-2102253043676137792008-08-14T08:58:00.000-05:002008-08-14T08:58:00.000-05:00I've never heard of The Lurking Novelists or The W...I've never heard of The Lurking Novelists or The Writing Wombats. Thank you for sharing! It's great to hear of wonderful writers groups, esp. online.Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-47165488597293209782008-08-13T21:52:00.000-05:002008-08-13T21:52:00.000-05:00I used to poo poo writers groups until I joined tw...I used to poo poo writers groups until I joined two very supportive online groups, THe Lurking Novelists on Yahoo and The Writing Wombats on Gather. The critique I've gotten has been excellent, and the support and enthusiasm helped kick me out of a three year writing slump.Dana Fredstihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12802936840624512415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-23712114702920536232008-08-13T08:21:00.000-05:002008-08-13T08:21:00.000-05:00That's the key -- developing a sense of self, of l...That's the key -- developing a sense of self, of learning what comments to consider or accept and which ones to reject. A writer has to remember that this is their work, not the critiquer's nor the group's. On the other hand, as you sit and listen to comments, it's best to try to distance yourself from your work for that moment so that you're listening and not putting up a wall. Sometimes it helps to record the session so you can listen later.Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-22799868758347833322008-08-13T04:03:00.000-05:002008-08-13T04:03:00.000-05:00"7 Deadly (Writing) Sins"!!!!!!!Did it horror arti..."7 Deadly (Writing) Sins"!!!!!!!Did it horror articale??? Any way but “Self-Conscious " isn't bad at all but ur choice of “Insecurity” is batter....My own critique group is very diverse, and it's not uncommon for me to get as many different critiques as there are members, at times conflicting. In such a case I have to pick and choose.Deb, that is so true! I can't remember meeting a writer who wasn't supportive and generous. Would love to know, so I can become a top-notch reader because I do love doing it. I also think it's invaluable to the author to get solid feedback, that they can accept or reject as they please.But it's like exercise: if you don't keep at it, you'll never be good at it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-82095067037782104322008-08-13T03:45:00.000-05:002008-08-13T03:45:00.000-05:00I'm now at the point where my sense of ownership o...I'm now at the point where my sense of ownership over my work is strong enough that I can have readers at any point in the process. Raw, half-finished draft? The hardest part for me is letting others read my work while it's still in progress. I started out with two beta readers for this new Detective Jackson novel, then eventually stopped sending them pages.I know exactly what you mean LJ. I used to be in a critique group that met every week.Whatever criticisms I receive, I've learned that the writing remains my own. It's up to me to decide. I never feel any danger that the story will get pushed in a direction I don't want to go because I just won't let that happen.I got a lot of feedback, but I feel I need more time to write, edit, ponder, develop, change, etc.When I do a first-read for someone, I don't try to re-write the book even if I don't like the direction it's going. But, I think other readers might get a bit too involved and this makes it tough on the author.But it's like exercise: if you don't keep at it, you'll never be good at it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-45284038910179828492008-08-12T22:50:00.000-05:002008-08-12T22:50:00.000-05:00If you're having the problem of writing something ...If you're having the problem of writing something you like then reading it a week later and hating it, then I suggest you wait longer before you re-read it. And I'm not trying to be funny. If you let something sit for a long period of time, then when you go back you can see it with a fresh eye. Sometimes it is almost as if someone else wrote it. Some things you may not even remember writing. And you will be less critical.<BR/><BR/>It's always a bit scary having someone read your work. It's a bit like baring your soul. But I wouldn't be too worried about a prof reading it. As you say, he's not likely to be shocked. I used to teach on the university level and loved it when students presented new and unexpected material.Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-32366355507908706372008-08-12T22:38:00.000-05:002008-08-12T22:38:00.000-05:00I am my own toughest critic. I write something and...I am my own toughest critic. I write something and think it looks wonderful, pick it up a week later and feel like it's utter toss. I think that has something to do with working on the same thing for a long time. <BR/><BR/>The greatest piece of advice I've ever received, though, was from my ex-thesis advisor: write your head off. Writing is a muscle you have to develop callouses for. I started garbage writing (basically writing whatever is on your mind; did it when I was sad, most often than not) and it really got me going. <BR/><BR/>But it's like exercise: if you don't keep at it, you'll never be good at it. <BR/><BR/>My biggest insecurity is not letting people read what I've written; it's them reading what I've written about. I wrote an adult fairy tale and it does have me unnerved slightly to know that my nearly-70-year-old Russian teacher is reading it but oh well, what can you do? I won't be the first to write about that sort of thing and I definitely won't be the last and I bet she's read racier a thing before. <BR/><BR/>I think we'll all be happier so what am I fussing about?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09920436168604790249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-77423542288550724172008-08-12T21:06:00.000-05:002008-08-12T21:06:00.000-05:00It's 9 at night, Marvin, and you made me laugh. Yo...It's 9 at night, Marvin, and you made me laugh. Your manuscript is like your underwear. You don't show it until it's clean. <BR/><BR/>I love that!Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-56538397436206193432008-08-12T20:49:00.000-05:002008-08-12T20:49:00.000-05:00I don't let anyone near my ms in progress. Too int...I don't let anyone near my ms in progress. Too intimate, way too personal. Like showing the state of my underwear. Yeesh. Even if fresh washed and put on an hour ago. But, yes, ya gotta go through all that you wrote about, and you wrote about it well. Good post.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-78004422967952251392008-08-12T16:51:00.000-05:002008-08-12T16:51:00.000-05:00I think it's good to have a mix in your critique g...I think it's good to have a mix in your critique group -- someone who excels at line editing, someone who catches glitches, someone who can see the overall picture, etc. And people whose work you can read months at a time. When a friend and I put together a screenwriting group, we advertised and interviewed. Ended up with a wonderful, cohesive group.<BR/><BR/>But someone who nitpicks and tries to change the direction of your story can be maddening. While in one particular writing group, I knew it was time to leave it when I kept screaming all the way home.Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-91699114478824632212008-08-12T14:00:00.000-05:002008-08-12T14:00:00.000-05:00Yes, Helen, Most of us hanging around in the busin...Yes, Helen, Most of us hanging around in the business for a while are aware of this. We cannot write well, though, without interacting with others. Being alone we soon run out of impetus.<BR/>You said it all too well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-2617041404459908882008-08-12T12:59:00.000-05:002008-08-12T12:59:00.000-05:00I think it would be useful for writers to have a l...I think it would be useful for writers to have a little set of guidelines for reading and critiquing other works. What is a good first-reader? What is a good line-editor? <BR/><BR/>When I do a first-read for someone, I don't try to re-write the book even if I don't like the direction it's going. It's not my book. I just try to point out flaws or weaknesses in the plotting, or when the communication is hard to follow. <BR/><BR/>But, I think other readers might get a bit too involved and this makes it tough on the author. I've seen authors crushed because their critique groups just got too picky about a plot.<BR/><BR/>What are the various stages of a pre-publication that might require different types of reading focus? Are there guidelines, or is this another one of those skills we're supposed to be born with? Like parenting. (insert wicked grin)<BR/><BR/>Would love to know, so I can become a top-notch reader because I do love doing it. I also think it's invaluable to the author to get solid feedback, that they can accept or reject as they please. Without the advisor getting their skivvies in a wad.<BR/><BR/>http://blogbooktours.blogspot.comDanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-44952524280698677412008-08-12T11:58:00.000-05:002008-08-12T11:58:00.000-05:00Deb, that is so true! I can't remember meeting a w...Deb, that is so true! I can't remember meeting a writer who wasn't supportive and generous. I have to say that most of my closest friends are writers, as well. It's a wonderful community to be part of.Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-16440911021368206062008-08-12T10:51:00.000-05:002008-08-12T10:51:00.000-05:00I was painfully shy when my first book was publish...I was painfully shy when my first book was published. Suddenly I was the expert, but I didn't feel that way inside. I had a lot to overcome and it helped that the writing community was so generous and compassionate. If you reach out, other writers will take your hand.Deb Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11553920518121536568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-80266500636331184312008-08-12T10:36:00.000-05:002008-08-12T10:36:00.000-05:00It takes a strong writer to develop the sense of o...It takes a strong writer to develop the sense of ownership like you have for your work. If a writer doesn't have it innately, I think she develops it over time as she's involved in critique groups or have readers. As a novice, you sometimes absorb every criticism and try to make changes. But you learn to believe in yourself and your work and learn to filter.<BR/><BR/>Thank you Bill for such great input.Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-50476070900088926022008-08-12T10:27:00.000-05:002008-08-12T10:27:00.000-05:00For me, the first, most challenging insecurity to ...For me, the first, most challenging insecurity to overcome is the voice inside my that insisted I had to pay attention to any criticism I received. It was very freeing to finally accept that I don't actually have to agree with everything a reader says about my work-in-progress. I'm now at the point where my sense of ownership over my work is strong enough that I can have readers at any point in the process. Raw, half-finished draft? If someone is willing to trudge through it, I'll listen, and evaluate their response according to my own vision for the work.<BR/><BR/>My own critique group is very diverse, and it's not uncommon for me to get as many different critiques as there are members, at times conflicting. In such a case I have to pick and choose.<BR/><BR/>Whatever criticisms I receive, I've learned that the writing remains my own. It's up to me to decide. I never feel any danger that the story will get pushed in a direction I don't want to go because I just won't let that happen. I accept that anything I write won't be for everyone, so if a criticism doesn't fit my vision for the work, then I accept that that particular reader is not in my audience.<BR/><BR/>That said, I listen carefully, and more often than not I find readers help a lot. Early in the project? Maybe they help me see more clearly than I can myself what I'm attempting. Later, more likely they'll help me refine my own vision. But the work remains my own. I have the self-confidence to ensure that.<BR/><BR/>Of course, will I produce publishable work? That's another matter altogether.Bill Cameronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04796321136771189464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-53554328385996323112008-08-12T09:53:00.000-05:002008-08-12T09:53:00.000-05:00I know exactly what you mean LJ. I used to be in a...I know exactly what you mean LJ. I used to be in a critique group that met every week. I got a lot of feedback, but I feel I need more time to write, edit, ponder, develop, change, etc. before I start getting input from others.<BR/><BR/>Not saying I don't need others reading. Just that I need to feel the work is ready for that.Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32918125.post-23995964108659609582008-08-12T09:35:00.000-05:002008-08-12T09:35:00.000-05:00The hardest part for me is letting others read my ...The hardest part for me is letting others read my work while it's still in progress. I started out with two beta readers for this new Detective Jackson novel, then eventually stopped sending them pages. I'm not sure why. Fear that they would reroute my story? Fear that their feedback would be too discouraging? But I'm getting ready to print the first draft for my husband, and he's the toughest critic I have. Still working through insecurities.<BR/>http://ljraves.blogspot.comL.J. Sellershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10213491074676394406noreply@blogger.com