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Writer Needs Cape

10/10/2011

3 Comments

 
Picture
That's a rain tree in bloom. In another couple weeks the yellow blossoms will morph into papery rose-colored seed pods, followed by an invasion of rain tree, seed-loving insects called Jadera bugs or soapberry bugs.  The rain trees' brilliant show is one more sign Florida's easing out of summer.

But I digress. I should be writing about my mentorship. Correction. I should be working on the second hundred pages  of my novel. I'd like to blame this lethargy on Monday. Truth is, I'm tiptoeing around my writer self, leery of undoing the flimsy bandaid that's holding her together.

Caroline Leavitt responded to the first ninety pages of my book with constructive criticism and a dollop of praise. She asked questions that drove me deeper into the story, addressed weaknesses in the plot and undeveloped characters, and encouraged me to ask questions. I digested the review and a few days later I responded to Caroline with more questions and some clarifying notes about plot and character motivation. So far, so good. Sure, hearing I started the story too early (meaning chapters one and two were trash) hurt. But I was feeling challenged and motivated and the story was growing.

Then, I got Caroline's response to my response. She liked some of the new plotlines and character development and she says this is a great story . . . at heart.  Who doesn't want to hear their story's great? It's the caveat that worried me. That along with the rest of the comments that felt like they wiped out the other eight chapters I sent. It's amazing how fast the thrill of seeing ninety pages in print turns into the agony of imagining them shredded. I spent four days in a torrent, my brain spinning around and around the issues with no results. Yesterday, my brain shut down and I'm leaving it be. In the meantime, my story's stopped and I wonder, was this mentorship a mistake? Maybe I'm not ready for this level of criticism. I've only been writing for four years and my education's spotty. Maybe, I don't know enough to understand what Caroline's trying to teach me.

Trusting someone you've only just met with your book is hard. No matter how much you respect the person who recommended them and how shiny their credentials. When they ask you to put aside your doubts and believe in their instincts, it feels like jumping without a parachute. If their advice conflicts with what you've learned, you need a super hero's courage to jump from the plane. I've never worn a cape. Right now, I'm hiding in the bowels of the aircraft where no one can find me.

3 Comments
Leslie Z link
10/12/2011 01:55:34 am

I hope the angst has dissipated and that you're back to working hard. :-)

Taking criticism - no matter how constructive or necessary - is hard. Rough, difficult, enervating. *But* vital. Remember the old saying about how a diamond is created? A lump of rock turns into a gem after years of pressure, hard mining, and some judicious cutting and polishing.

Keep it up! You're a great writer who's going to take that pressure and turn your story into a diamond.

Reply
Mo Ungar link
10/16/2011 09:02:49 am

Dear Susan,
I agree with Leslie. It is difficult, but trust me, you get used to it and in time, you look forward to this part of the writer's learning process. I value the constructive critiques I've received. Every one has spurred me toward a better result.

I believe in your skills, drive, and talent too!

Reply
Susan B
10/17/2011 08:48:32 am

Thanks, ladies. I do value critiques and I wanted criticism from someone of Caroline's caliber. It's just hard to see four months of work disintegrate in a few days. I'm not giving up. Just had a baaad week! Your encouragement really helps.

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    I write middle grade and young adult books with a magical twist.  I'm represented by the fabulous Leslie Zampetti of Dunham Lit.
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