The “I’m a New and Scared Writer” Edition
Vol 1. No. 3
The one thing most writers want is for the reader to make it to the end of their book.
One of the things most new writers are frightened of is asking readers to enter their world of words.
Which is why getting critiques is such a vital part of becoming a better writer.
But who to turn to and what to expect and how to ask.
To the new writer who is scared and uncertain, these three words can help.
1. Feedback
2. Structure
3. Finishing
1. Feedback
It can be bone quivering, heart pounding scary to ask for feedback, even from friends and family.
But here’s an idea, when you’re ready and want feedback, don’t JUST ask any friends and family, only, ask the friends or family who are into the topic you’ve written about.
If you don’t have friends or family into or familiar with the topic, or the book features them prominently under another name…
Check out Ladies Who Critique.
You must get feedback from somewhere if you’re wanting to move forward with your writing.
To get the feedback you both need and want use a…
2. Structure
You help your critique partner structure their feedback appropriately.
Tell them what you’re looking for. Also let them know the structure of what you’re writing. Is it a stand alone short story, part of a series, a novel or something else entirely.
Make sure your work is complete, at a minimun make it a rough first draft. This way any feedback is about what you have and where it may be veering off course and can be made better.
You also avoid having feedback which takes you down paths you’d rather not travel.
Some feedback will still come in the form of proofreading, pointing out spelling mistakes and other grammatical gafs err, gaffes.
Not even professional writers have perfect grammar and spelling. That’s feedback that we can all use.
However, professional writers are all about …
3. Finishing
Remember, the best thing about feedback is that you are the ultimate decision maker.
You determine what, where, when and how the feedback is incorporated.
Take some time away from the critique after reading it. Allow yourself to feel the plethora of emotions coursing through you.
After 48 hours or longer depending on the depth of your initial fear of the critique, read the feedback again.
Toss what is absolutely a non-starter for you.
Then consider the rest and begin your next draft.
The next time you repeat this process may still be painful.
That’s okay. It’s what helps your words to shine as they are meant to.
NOT receiving feedback, not having critiques, no editing or proofreading will always leave you sounding funny like this:
Don’t have your readers cringing and whinging before they get to the end of your book. Keep it on track by getting a critique.
Make it better. Bring the crowd to it’s feet with your words and yes, plenty of first time writers have that capability.
Do it scared. Just do it. That’s how you become a better writer.
Until the next third Thursday,
Minna Bryant
Helping You Look Amazing Using Your Words.