Hi everyone!
It's time to share our thoughts, insecurities, and encouraging words. Thanks to Alex and our co-hosts for keeping IWSG going. For those who aren't familiar with Insecure Writer's Support Group, just follow the link. It's a wonderful group.
This isn't so much an insecurity, but something that can be scary for any writer. It's that moment you share your story with someone else and you anxiously await his or her feedback.
You see, I finally got into a nice flow with my MG fantasy, and I reached a point that I felt it was time to share the first five pages with my critique group. This usually means I've hit or passed the halfway point and I'm pretty sure (let's say eight-two percent sure) that these pages aren't going to be cut. Anyway, this group meets in person. We read our work out loud and have a short discussion about the pages, what works, what doesn't, and so on. I find it can be scary to share the first draft of a novel. Will others like it or hate it? Is the voice strong? Does the hook come through? Will they laugh or gasp in the right places? Is anyone yawning or does anyone have a look on his or her face that clearly says WTF? I'm happy to say I didn't notice the latter, so if anyone was thinking this sucks I couldn't tell. The feedback I received was helpful and encouraging, and interestingly divided on if I started the story in the right place. Now that I think about it, I should have asked for a show of hands to see how many people felt that way or if it was just one or two. I have given this some consideration, and I believe I began the story exactly where it should begin. The beginning introduces the world and what's to come in less than three pages. It's not backstory. It's the event that sets everything else in motion. So for now, I'm keeping it as is with several tweaks that tighten things up.
You see, I finally got into a nice flow with my MG fantasy, and I reached a point that I felt it was time to share the first five pages with my critique group. This usually means I've hit or passed the halfway point and I'm pretty sure (let's say eight-two percent sure) that these pages aren't going to be cut. Anyway, this group meets in person. We read our work out loud and have a short discussion about the pages, what works, what doesn't, and so on. I find it can be scary to share the first draft of a novel. Will others like it or hate it? Is the voice strong? Does the hook come through? Will they laugh or gasp in the right places? Is anyone yawning or does anyone have a look on his or her face that clearly says WTF? I'm happy to say I didn't notice the latter, so if anyone was thinking this sucks I couldn't tell. The feedback I received was helpful and encouraging, and interestingly divided on if I started the story in the right place. Now that I think about it, I should have asked for a show of hands to see how many people felt that way or if it was just one or two. I have given this some consideration, and I believe I began the story exactly where it should begin. The beginning introduces the world and what's to come in less than three pages. It's not backstory. It's the event that sets everything else in motion. So for now, I'm keeping it as is with several tweaks that tighten things up.
In news: Author Kat Ross is celebrating the upcoming release of her latest novel, The Midnight Sea, with a giveaway. Check it out here. But hurry, time's running out to enter the giveaway!
How's your writing coming? Are you a part of a critique group? At what point do you share your work?
Thanks for stopping by!
I've never shared my writing with a group and that does sound knee-knocking scary! But I can imagine it would be so helpful.
ReplyDeleteSharing it for the first time by reading it out loud - and seeing their faces! - sounds totally scary. But it also sounds well worth it. Your creative energy just keeps on flowing. :)
ReplyDeleteI have a critique group, but I tend to go to them individually when I have something ready rather than getting a group response. Maybe that's not the best idea, but it works for me.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to get feedback from a group. And if the pages spark a debate I know I've done my job as a writer. :)
ReplyDeleteThat part is always scary! No matter how many times I've done it, I am always a bundle of nerves. I've never used a group, though. That would be frightening. Like Crystal, I approach people one at a time. I also wait until I get feedback from one to seek more.
ReplyDeleteIf you feel you started in the right place, leave it as is.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't bother me to share. I bounce the outline off one critique partner, share with two test readers while it's still rough, and then again with all critique partners when it's polished.
It is scary! I remember someone telling me I'd started to early. The problem was I had two and a half stories squashed into one. Now that I've cut it into pieces, no one says that any more. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYikes, I'm 50k in and haven't shared a thing. After reading your blog, I'm thinking before I go any further maybe I need to share.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're content with what you have thus far. That's great!! I read on another blog about how they're content with their writing and that's a good thing.
I know this feeling well. It has gotten better with more books, but I'll never forget sharing my first book for the first time. Scariest thing I've ever done.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing easy about sharing.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you!
Heather
I'm glad it went well. Having some questions ready may help with the feedback. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Cathrina, the feedback helps me to to know if what I need to work on.
ReplyDeleteDonna, I have gotten better since my first book. So that is a plus.
Alex, that's a good way to do it.
Thanks for all the replies. I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets nervous.
It is scary for every author to share their work - even well established authors get the jitters when they send in their work (I've been told by a few). So pleased you had a good and inspiring experience. Well done and keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteps: Thanks for visiting my blog. Really nice to 'meet' you.
It's always scary sharing your work. No wonder it's taking me so long to pass my work on to my beta readers. Sounds like you have the right idea with your beginning. I'd wait until you have a complete first draft before changing it again.
ReplyDeleteSo true, especially with the first draft. Mine are never good; however, the feedback can provide clues on what's needed. I always respect my beta readers. They do want me to succeed. However, in the back of my mind I receive the input with a grain of salt. Not everyone has the same opinion on what is good or what's not working. But it does feel so good when they all agree on the manuscript's chances of success.
ReplyDeleteWhile it can be scary sharing your work, I also keep in mind that even if someone has a negative opinion of your WIP, it doesn't define it or define you as a writer.
ReplyDeleteIt's always scary to share your work. I'm just about to send my WIP off to betas, so I'm feeling nervous myself. I tend to not show people stuff until it's pretty polished, and I've worked out most of the kinks. I tend to get discouraged if I get too much negative feedback before the book is done.
ReplyDeleteFeather, you're right about not everyone will have the same opinion.
ReplyDeleteCynthia, that is true.
Jenni, I have shared some pretty rough work and you're right, it can be discouraging. When possible I will wait until I have a good start on a novel before getting feedback.
Thanks for the encouragment!