This weekend, as a part of my birthday celebration, I made a point of meeting up with a published author friend of mine, someone I haven’t seen in ages. He asked me where I was in my writing career. I explained I’d finally found my voice, four books later (five, if you count the one I wrote in my late teens). I’m not sure, but judging by the look on his face, I think he was a little taken back that I’d written so many books and had not even attempted to acquire an agent.
I wasn’t ready.
I knew my stories needed work and I wanted to learn the ins and outs of the publishing industry. Writing a book is one thing. Writing a publishable novel is another.
In any case, I told my friend that I’m now ready to begin my adventure in this industry. But first, I have to finish the book, the newest version anyway. He asked me what was holding me back.
Time. I don’t have a lot of it. I’m a stay-at-home mom of twins and, since I’m a certified copyeditor/proofreader, I’m starting an online business as a manuscript editor and fiction writing coach. Plus, I’m a member of a critique group and am responsible for one crit a week. My author friend advised me to quit the crit group and focus on finishing my novel. He felt writers only need critique groups for validation or they get stuck in the land of perfectionism and never get anywhere with their writing.
I get what he’s saying. I really do. And he’s probably right. For some writers, that’s great advice, just not for me. My critique group is filled with a published author (with Tor), and contest winning Divas. They know what they’re doing and offer suggestions that really make me think about my story. I don’t always make the changes they recommended, but, often I do. Or, their idea triggers another idea in my wild imagination. Plus, critiquing someone else’s work on a weekly basis, forces me to keep a keen eye in regards to my own writing as well as the writing of others.
So, while completing my novel is important, there are other writing related things that are also necessary in my journey to publication and success as a manuscript editor and fiction writing coach.
Where do you weigh in on this? Has someone given you advice along the same lines? Have you taken it? What was the outcome?
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The best feedback and direction I've gotten on my books has been from the editors and agents to whom I've submitted. I think you should get the novel finished and get it out there! I'm sure your critique group would understand if you needed to take a break.
ReplyDeleteI'd be interested to hear from others how many times their critique groups meet. Mine meets once a month--there's no way I could manage once a week! :) Good luck!! Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will be right for you! :)
I don't often hear published authors talking about crit groups (occasionally, but not often). More often they seem to have crit partners instead, just one or two people they exchange work with (not necessarily weekly). Personally, I like that arrangement better...I have a couple crit partners that I exchange work with, sometimes a chapter at a time, sometimes a full manuscript. That way we don't get bogged down continuously editing the other person's work, but we still have another set of "eyes on" as we're writing. And of course I have several beta readers that I can ask to read for me, and read for them in return - that's more on a "trade full manuscripts" type thing, so it's only once in awhile.
ReplyDeleteI doubt at this point I could be part of an actual structured "group" - I have little enough time to work on my own stuff as is, and I'll admit I'd prefer to get my work out there sooner rather than later.
But everyone has their own path - you need to do what works for you, and if that's being part of a critique group, then that's where you need to be. :-)
I generally ignore advice because, as you said, everyone has their own journey. But I'm at the point where I feel I need to just get on with the book and send it out. I've been working on it for so long - getting lots of input along the way - that I think, personally, it's time to just commit to it and get it done.
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't have nearly the schedule you do...and I really do suck at editing, so I wouldn't say getting caught up in editing would be a problem. But he IS a published author...hmm.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you should weigh what you want. Once you're finished with your novel...who knows? You're sending a query, and getting a response right? Look at your options, what you're willing to do, and THEN see if you want to drop something or if you're (miraculously) able to juggle it all.
I have never felt comfortable in a crit group, and yet I know many people thrive off workshopping. It's different for every writer (just like everything else.) Trust your gut; if you're getting something out of it, then it works for you.
ReplyDeleteOddy, he is a pubbed author, but so is one of the members of my crit group, so... Who knows? ;)
ReplyDeleteLynnette Labelle
Amy, our minimum crit is once a week, but it's only 20 pages, so it's not too bad.
ReplyDeleteJamie, should be interesting to see what happens once our group members are all pubbed. One of them already is (and with a big wig), and she likes having a crit group. Will we all feel that way? We'll see.
Christine, I hear ya. Maybe if I wasn't planning on doing the manuscript editing/writing coach thing on the side, I could drop the crit group and focus on my novel. However, my fear is that after reading a lot of work that needs major editing or rewriting, my writing might get worse instead of better. LOL At least with my crit group, the level of writing is there.
jj, thanks. Trusting my gut always seems to work best.
Lynnette Labelle
You'll know when it's time. And, it's good to be thoughtful in the process. If you query before you're ready, it can close that potential door forever.
ReplyDeleteAdvice is great - it gives a different perspective and forces you to reflect. Ultimately however, it is your journey and you will navigate it how you will. Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteHey Lynnette - I found you through a post on the boot camp at Savvy. I decided to come on over to your blog after reading you were writing a murder mystery.
ReplyDeleteHere's my two cents - everyone is right, it is your journey and you have to do what's right for you. But at the same time, if you can't juggle it all and get the MS finished and start querying, then something has got to give. And that should be your crit group.
I joined two and worked my ass off like crazy last year - and I learned a lot and am grateful for it. But later, I realized the group works too slow for me and I needed one partner I could swap work with more frequently.
It worked out great until we ended our writing partnership - which was more her issues with her own writing career than anything between us.
So, my roundabout advice? Pick one person to exchange with from your crit group - the person who gives you the most insightful feedback and then go from there. You need to query and get your work out there! If your work is half as good as this blog you'll do great!
Good luck!
I've worked on my memoir for four years and feel that I no longer want to be a part of a critique group while in the final revision stages. Someone commented,you'll know when it's right, and I feel that me message is guiding me through to the end now.
ReplyDeleteI think you write well. I hope to see your published works soon.
ReplyDeleteReally Angelic
Thanks, Enid. I'd like that, too.
ReplyDeleteLynnette Labelle
Thanks for your advice. Just to be clear, my critique group isn't what's sucking my time. If I only do the minimum 20 page crit, that only takes 1-2 hours (depending on the level needed). However, these ladies are sharp. They're able to catch things in my ms that I can see in the work of others, but not my own. They make my writing stronger, so I really don't have a problem losing a couple of hours a week on their crits. It's life, work, and the kids that are time whores. Can't do anything about that. LOL Although, the twins will be in kindergarten next year, so that'll help.
ReplyDeleteLynnette Labelle
I appreciate what he said about crit groups. And I think, at some point, your writing will have to come first.
ReplyDelete*hugs*
I'm not sure what the best solution is, but the published authors I know through my RWA group all have crit groups or a few regular betas. I know how much my writing has improved by being in the crit group. Yes, it takes a little time, but you cannot be truly objective about your own work, IMO. Other writer opinions are invaluable.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Roni! *high five*
ReplyDeleteLynnette Labelle