That Bad, huh?
I imagine some of you have written things, and given them to others to read. I don't know why, but every time I do this I get butterflies in my tummy. I pace back and forth and wonder if they think it's going to be garbage.
That always leads to the thought that it probably is garbage and I'm just wasting my time going down a literary path.
Then I always tell myself that I'll just keep writing because practice makes perfect, right?
Although if no one likes this, and this is my voice, doesn't that make me doomed?
Then again, writing brings me sanity, and well, you get the point.
Of all the things I could choose to spend my time doing, I choose writing. The most emotionally draining, sweat inducing, unprofitable thing in the world. Of course I can say the same thing about motherhood, which is the other thing I spend my time on.
I just have to ask myself, why I'm going through this torture? Do I really I have a bestselling book on my hands? No, honestly, I don't. Yet, I'm still pushing forward. I really don't know that I'll ever be published, but I do know I want to finish this. I can't go through my life asking what if?
I'm finishing my book because I need to know that I can follow something through to the end. That, and I'm rather attached to the story. Maybe a little too attached. I'm not sure anyone can love it like I do.
I want to know, how have you guys coped with others reading your work, and critiquing it? Anything to help me calm my nerves. Because really, I'm just a big softy.
Comments
It helps if the beta readers you use are experienced with the kind of critique you're looking for.
Good luck!
I also agree with Elouise82- You want critique partners who are going to be honest and not be afraid to give you their two cents. Trust me--it's much better to have a fellow writer point things out than an agent. With my first book, I was terrified to have anyone read it, so I didn't. An agent requested the first 3 chapters (hard copy mailed to him). I was mortified when, along with the rejection, he included the firt two pages of my ms marked up to high heaven. I was so embarrassed, because most of the mistakes were simple errors that a good critique partner would've caught. One of those lessons learned the hard way I suppose!
I think one of the hardest parts of writing is distancing yourself from the work. Not too long ago a friend asked me what I would choose if I could have any talent in the world. I said the ability to distance myself from my writing immediately.
Yeah, it's that important.
Sending your work off to get critiqued is an important part of the process. Know that if the critique that comes back is harsh, it's actually a GOOD thing. Nice critiques don't really help you fix much if they don't point out many errors, right?
Good luck with the submission process! And know that you're totally not alone in this. :)
1. Ok, it's not that bad.
2. Oh crap, I'm delusional!
3. Do you think I can get it back and edit?
4. Sighsighsigh...(checks email 20 times to see if I've gotten feedback yet)
5. Hmm, I wonder what I should make for dinner (surfs web)
:D Hang in there! You'll be fine. Goodluck and lots of hugs!
Plus, even if it was somehow awful, the thing about writing is, you can always write something else (and tell yourself it'll be better).
I throw up a little every time I pass my MS on to someone. I've even created these little dialogues that play over and over in my head about what they're probably thinking at this part or during that scene.
They call us neurotic for a reason. You are definitely NOT alone!
I think any time we open ourselves up, we risk negative opinions or critiques from others. Not that that makes it any easier to accept, but if we are confident in the knowledge that we have been blessed with a certain talent, writing in your case, we can take that constructive criticism and use it to help us become better.
And the fact that you care so much is a great thing. If you didn't, why write, why improve?
Thank you so much for contributing to the wholesome literary works of the world. I am honored to know you and am impressed with your talent. I love your passion for writing and the fact that you care to put out a quality product. I admit that it is hard to hear any criticism for something that is part of you; but that doesn't take away from the fact that you have been given a gift, one that very few people possess. Thank you for going out on a limb to improve that talent and bless the lives of those around you.
And even if they don't love it, they tell you how to fix it which is Awesome.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment.
Just remember:
To reach a great height a person needs to have great depth.
This quote helped me a lot, I hope it'll help you too!
I'm always here to support you.
"Of all the things I could choose to spend my time doing, I choose writing. The most emotionally draining, sweat inducing, unprofitable thing in the world"
I think you write because you have something to say, something beautiful that needs to be our in the world! Having someone critique it is important, but I think WHO you have critique it is a really important choice. If you believe in them, in their opinion, then you can stand to hear the feedback. Butterflies are wonderful, it shows you are alive!
Happy writing!
I'll abstain from giving any sort of 'advice' or 'insight' because I'm really way worse off than you are right now. I'm also stubborn, but most of all, I'm ever so insecure in my writing. So much so, I have been trying to make myself EDIT for the past month. *sigh* One of these days I'll kick myself in the butt, slap myself in the face, and get the f*ck writing.
Oops, excuse my French, lol. *hugs* YOU CAN DO IT!
You're book need not be a best-seller to be a 'good'book. There are a lot of books which are pure classics and yet not many know about them. Those are more precious than the normal best sellers.
It's great that you find sanity through writing. Unfortunately, I don't find sanity through anything. lol. I'm cracked in the head you see. But you know that already. lol.