By: Lily Iona MacKenzie
Being part of an
on-line writing group for several years has provided many benefits. But
with the positives come a few negatives.
The Positives:
Over a period of
time, one learns to recognize each reader’s style of critiquing and approach to
writing fiction/non-fiction. I’ve discovered that, usually, all of our
critiques collectively add up to one excellent response. Each person brings a
different angle, a new take on the material. Some focus on character
development more than story arc. Others seek deeper meanings in the piece and
how they are revealed by imagery, metaphor, etc. And there’s usually someone
who is good with punctuation or grammar or style. Rarely are comments
duplicated, and, if they are, then they add weight to whatever is being
discussed. So while responses can be predictable at times, they also are
dependable.
I’m always
astonished by the ways in which these multiple readings push me into deepening
my revision process. I don’t submit anything that hasn’t gone through multiple
(and I mean MULTIPLE) revisions. By the time the piece reaches my readers, it
has been examined from every angle, and I can’t find anything more to change. It’s
a surprise, then, when the comments start dribbling in, and I learn all of the
things I’ve missed or overlooked in my own editing process. Without those extra
eyes and minds, my work would remain incomplete rather than being enriched by
the perspectives these readers bring.
Okay,
the Negatives:
. . .
To read the rest of the post, click here:
~*~
If
you missed my writing & marketing tweets and retweets yesterday, here they
are again:
- The Writers Helpers http://ow.ly/Ryh1h TABATHA’S GUIDE TO OUTLINING
- The Pros and Cons of Writing Groups http://ow.ly/Ryh7S
- Ksenia Anske Books/Blog/Let's continue our conversation about book pricing http://ow.ly/Ryhb7
- WOW! Women On Writing Blog: Agents: Five tips on your next face-to-face http://ow.ly/RyhhY
- 8 Tips for Interactive Storytelling » Writeonsisters.com http://ow.ly/RyhjL
- Go Teen Writers: How To Describe A Voice http://ow.ly/Ryhp6
- Why Is Your Character’s Emotional Wound So Important? - WRITERS HELPING WRITERS™WRITERS HELPING WRITERS™ http://ow.ly/Ryp0B
- Living in the White Space http://ow.ly/Ryp6M
Writability : Writing Tip: Don’t Be Afraid of Said http://ow.ly/RyqyV- The Heartfelt, Unpublishable, Captivating, Shallow, Sound, Abandoned, Reclaimed, Worthless http://ow.ly/RyDhv
- Protagonist and Main Character— Same Person? The Answer May Transform Your Story! - Helping Writers Become Authors http://ow.ly/RyOp4
- Author 101: The Harsh Truth Behind Print Sales – LG O'Connor http://ow.ly/RyPwh
- The 4-Part System to Define and Attract Your Target Audience (Part 1: IDENTIFY) | Your Writer Platform http://ow.ly/RyPBH
- Do The Best Book Ideas Originate In The Marketplace Or In The Heart Of The Author? | http://ow.ly/RyPGe
- 7 Marketing Trends You Should Not Ignore - Jeffbullas's Blog http://ow.ly/RySXR
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