Welcome to another monthly meeting of an amazing chance for us writers to sit down together and pour out our hearts. Good or bad. Joy or sorrow. We finally let it out. Want to join in? Then head over to the founder of this super group, the man with a golden heart (or pen?) Alex J. Cavanaugh and join on in!
This month Alex co-hosts are:
This month feels like a dream.
Not a good one... not a bad one... one of those that makes you want to stick your head under a rock and hide. Yep, I'm talking about that dream where you go to school/work/meeting and discover that you've forgotten to wear your pants.
Thank goodness, it's not my pants I'm forgetting. But this month, I am sending off my first chapters to a critique group (ahhh!!!!) That's almost as bad!
Now, this shouldn't bother me. It's not my first MS. Heaven knows it's not the first time people have taken a red pen to my work and ripped it to shreds. Honestly, I usually thrive on having my stuff thrown to the wolves to be mutilated and molded before being sent back (the only way to get better, right?) But this time, that little doubt man is making me question my ability to write. (Dumb little guy.)
Yep, I'm scared I'm going to loose my pants.
So, what am I going to do? Ignore it, march out into the middle of that spotlight and let my pants fall as they will. . .
because as writers that's what we have to do.
Plus, I'm betting those pants won't slide nearly as far as that little doubt man claims they will.
IWSG has even gotten better! This wonderful bundle of hope, suggestions, tips and want-nots is now available!!! This is something no writer should miss.
Tapping into the expertise of over a hundred talented authors from around the globe, The IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond contains something for every writer. Whether you are starting out and need tips on the craft of writing, looking for encouragement as an already established author, taking the plunge into self-publishing, or seeking innovative ways to market and promote your work, this guide is a useful tool. Compiled into three key areas of writing, publishing, and marketing, this valuable resource offers inspirational articles, helpful anecdotes, and excellent advice on dos and don'ts that we all wish we knew when we first started out on this writing journey. ISBN 9781939844088
235 pages, FREE
Find it at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, Goodreads.
Thanks, Tonja!
ReplyDeleteWhat's the worst that could happen?
And if the pants do fall to the floor, just wiggle and give them a show.
Thanks for co-hosting today.
Bahahaha! Tonja, both your post and Alex's comment had me in hysterics! You have nothing to worry about. This is just something that will take your MS to the next level of awesome.
DeleteAlso, I think we all need to come up with a new metaphor for editing and critiquing. "Ripped to shreds," "mutilated," etc., is just too violent and unpleasant. It's also false. Pointing out opportunities for improvement isn't about tearing things down--it's about building them up. Often, I know my betas are onto something when I look at their comments and go "Oh, cool! That's an awesome idea--I'm definitely trying that."
So don't worry about your pants. If the little doubt man tries to pull them down, I say kick him across the room!
Yes, sometimes it's okay to get violent. ;-)
My mum always used to say, "Don't leave the house without wearing clean underwear." Makes sense these days. Tonja, you aren't alone. The thing about being published is we all wonder if the next book will be as good. Just keep busy. Read. Work on a new ms. Don't let those pesty doubts ruin any day. Kick 'em to the curb.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post, TD! You just have to go for it, even if it's hard to walk with those pants around your ankles! Good luck, and thanks for co=hosting the IWSG today!
ReplyDeleteThose doubts can be so frustrating when the chime into my brain. I do my best to slam the door on them, but BAM, they shove right back in. You're right, they are dumb - that's why we can't listen. Best of luck and thanks for co-hosting!!
ReplyDeleteElsie
New words into a new world. . . always a scary process. They'll come back looking like fine silk threads only a queen would wear! You'll tailor them into even finer cloth and dress your readers for the majestic ball! Thanks for co-hosting this month.
ReplyDeletePutting your work out for critique is never easy, but it's usually helpful.
ReplyDeleteYou'll do fine! :D
Thanks for co-hosting. :)
IWSG #151 until Alex culls the list again.
Pants are overated anyway!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm sure those chapters will come back and you'll feel motivated to work even harder
I'm betting that sending chapters off to crit partners will always result in those seeds of doubt, no matter how long you've been writing. So don't them bring you down.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting the IWSG this month.
lol Yes, let them fall as they will :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll get great feedback, good luck! And thanks for co-hosting :)
A scary but exciting time! Best of luck with keeping your pants and I hope you get an exhilarating response about your first chapter. Thanks for co-hosting today!
ReplyDeleteLOL - love your post! Thanks for co-hosting this month! Good luck with your critique submission and red ink!
ReplyDeleteBest regards,
Donna
Award-winning Children’s Author
Ignite Curiosity in your child through reading!
Write What Inspires You Blog
Alex - Now, I'll have one of my daughter's favorite songs stuck in my head today - wigglewigglewigglewiggle.
ReplyDeleteJoylene - what a wise mum!
Fundy - Pants on ankles might get chilly today ;)
Elise - They are sneaky!
Dean - Ooo...that sounds nice the way you put it!
Melissa - No, it isn't. But necessary.
Sarah - Lol! I still like wearing mine ;)
Ken - The anticipation is always worse than the actual event.
We do improve on what we do by getting those helpful critiques. So, yeah, I guess we have to get used to getting caught with our pants a little below the waist.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. That's something we all have to go through. Let 'em fall.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting! New follower here.
I suggest you wear some nice, clean, pretty underpants that cover nicely. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great metaphor! It is kind of like that! Critique groups always made me super nervous. People about to tear apart my child?! Eek!
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting!
Check out my manuscript but hands of my pants. I'm single and don't know anyone (to a level) like that. Just playing (but serious too). Glad you co-hosted IWSG and move forward with getting critiqued.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting!! It's alway hard to put yourself out there. Bish Denham stole my thoughts!!! hahaaa...
ReplyDeleteOhhhh… HUG!!!!!! It's all so crazy difficult---but knowing how awesome you are, I have no doubt in your ability or your skills!
ReplyDeleteS.K. - Well...maybe controlled falling ;)
ReplyDeleteLoni - Thanks!
Donna - Red is good.
J.L. - What us writers have to go through! ;)
Sittie - Nice meeting you!
Bish - Great suggestion!
Debra - Ugh! So true!
Sheena-kay - Lol!
Cathrina - ;) Advice was taken too!
LOL . . . love this! I feel the same way when sending off my work for critique. I want to add all those "but this part is messy because . . . " and "oops, typo!" comments as they read, but I can't.
ReplyDeleteJust keep writing through it! Have a great month!
Greetings from a fellow co-host! Hope you get great feedback.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! I have a book reading coming up and I'm a bit nervous about it. I'm going to imagine my pants falling and try to see just how bad it could be! It has to be worse than reality, because for one thing, I'll be standing behind a podium!! LOL
ReplyDeleteLosing only your pants? I usually am naked in my nightmares. Loved your post. Been there done that too. Usually after a critique, I am fired up and inspired to do more on the story. I am lucky to have such a group. Thanks for co hosting!
ReplyDeleteThe nice thing about critique groups is reciprocity. It behooves one to be kind and constructive, because your turn is coming, baby!
ReplyDeleteWeird. In my dreams, I never forgot my pants. I always decided to go to work topless and then only realized it was a bad idea when it was too late ... I have no idea what kind of Freudian thing that says about me ...
ReplyDeleteBut pantsless or topless, I am sure that you will gain a lot of insight from your critique group!
Good luck with your critiquing, Tonja! Makes you nervous every single time, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteI do that pant-trot every time I offer my words to someone, and I chew my nails until I get a response. But it is required. You're lucky to have a good group. I soon need that. All the best, you have the right attitude. :)
ReplyDeleteshahwharton.com
I so know how you feel. But as you said, it has to be done, and I know my writing is always the better for it. I think maybe I'll start wearing two pairs of pants...
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting!
Great post!
ReplyDeleteAt least we're not alone. There's comfort in the knowledge that all writers have to go through the difficult 'pants-dropping procedure'!
Thank you for co-hosting the IWSG this month.
That is such a perfect way to describe it! Lol! I hope you get great feedback! :)
ReplyDeleteVery nice post. Hope the month gets better!
ReplyDeleteIt's terrifying isn't it - but necessary. Hoe you get useful feedback and thanks for co-hosting
ReplyDeleteoops - I mean 'hope'
DeleteFear is so difficult to work through. If you feel your pants falling, grab a belt or suspenders and they will keep it up:)
ReplyDeleteHold your pants on, it will all work out. But, if they fall, keep in mind, a good "drop-drawer" scene makes for great comedy. Thanks for co-hosting IWSG this month. And, congrats on getting more writing done, and sending it out there for critique and growth!
ReplyDeletePlay off the Page
Being a writer isn't for the faint of heart. Go for it.
ReplyDeleteIf your pants fall down, just make sure you're wearing cheerful underwear. Just kidding. Keep an extra tight grip on them. I hope your critique won't be too bad. You can do it! I recently went through it and its very scary, but you'll be thankful for the advice...eventually. Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteI always feel the same way! You just never know how people are going to respond to your work but the feedback always makes the work so much better. I know everything will work out just fine. Good luck! And thanks for hosting:)
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way too, but I love coming out of it with new ideas from the critiques!
ReplyDeleteJoining a critique group was one of the most terrifying experiences I've ever had. I almost didn't go back after the first time and then the second and the third. But it's been over three years and I'm still with them. They've taught me so much. Good luck and thank you for co-hosting!
ReplyDeleteThe secret to writing is to do it often, regularly. Make it a habot. LOL
ReplyDeleteI bet your MS is better than you think. Getting critiqued from writers you admire can be scary, but it will make your story better, which is the goal, right? Time does seem to just be going so fast and it's hard to get everything done and still savor a moment or two. Hopefully the holidays will bring you some fun. And the IWSG book really is a treasure trove of good advice. I'm so excited to read it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting! Good luck with the critiques!!
ReplyDeleteEveryone has their own personal little troll, tugging at their pants, trying to slide them off without notice, making writers insecure about themselves.... Freaking Trolls!
ReplyDeleteI came across a quote a few hours ago on getting feedback. It was by Neil Gaiman.
“Remember: when people tell you something’s wrong or doesn't work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong.”
Good luck with the critique. Loop that belt tight! :-D
It's always hard to throw your book baby out there for others to critique. Hope it goes well!
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting the IWSG! It's great to "meet" you! As a mother of several children myself, it's always great to meet another writer/mother who is doing the balancing act. :)
A critique group can be the best thing ever, but it can also be the worst thing ever. I guess you'll have to wait and see. Criticism doesn't always have to agree with you, but it has to be constructive. If you feel it's just taking you down and you're not getting anything out of it, then leave. But if you're learning from it, then you may have found a true gem!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting with my alter-ego, lilicasplace today. :) I know how hard it is to put yourself out there. Good luck with the critiques! Eva
ReplyDeleteI've never thought of throwing my stuff out there as dropping trough. Great visual! It really is hard to be so exposed. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful experience with your critique group, no matter the nerves. Good luck, girl! :-)
ReplyDeleteWishing a happy holiday season and surprising insights from your critique group.
ReplyDeleteJuneta at Writer's Gambit
Thanks for co-hosting, but keep you pants on! lol.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
So very funny and it does feel like that!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for co hosting!
Now that (losing your pants) is not an analogy I've heard before. LOL Very apt. I feel that way every time I release a book. It's like exposing my secrets. Thanks for co-hosting this month.
ReplyDeleteyou better just have some back up pants because either way, you need something after all your dancing and tearing holes in it from cutting up a rug because you'll do just fine!! believe more in yourself :D
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the critique group! I hope it's the start of many good things to come! Thanks for co-hosting the IWSG, and I look forward to following more of your adventures!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Good luck with the critique group. I hope you have a good one. We do expose a bit of who we are when we share our work with others. Maybe that's where the imagery of losing pants is coming from?
ReplyDeleteIt's a scary, exciting, intimidating, and worthwhile process. best of luck.
ReplyDeleteGo you! It's nerve-wracking sharing your work with someone and I'm still working my courage towards it so you're way ahead of me! :D
ReplyDeleteAnytime someone tells me they are reading my work, I get all nervous. I want everyone to love it! I'm just glad the pants-lessness was f
ReplyDeletefigurative...my keypad likes to post before I am ready.
Delete