Writers and Toddlers: We're More Alike than You Think
The other night I decided to brave putting my three year old and twenty month old to bed together. I figured they'd play, etc. Ten minutes later I heard the three year old crying. I ran in and found him standing by the side of his little brother's crib, crying his little heart out. I scooped him up and asked what was wrong.
Sniffling, voice quavering, he said, "Sean's throwing toys at me."
The poor thing! I pulled him close and gave him lots of kisses, but I couldn't help but giggle too.
Nate could have moved at any time to avoid toy bombs. Instead of taking stock of his situation and making the logical choice to step away from the crib, he stayed and got pelted. Repeatedly.
This reminded me of some contest entries I'm going through for a previous manuscript which was rejected largely for characterization issues.
Before I'd ever subbed the manuscript, I had the judged scores. Little toy missiles aimed my way. As I went through these scoresheets the other day, I felt like slapping myself in the forehead.
Over and over, the judges (of different contests) pointed out flaws in my characterization. Lack of motivation, lack of empathy for the hero, concern over not enough info.
This was something I could have fixed. I should have fixed. If only I'd seen it.
But like Nate, I didn't see the logical course at the time and in the end got konked in the head with a rejection.
I know some of you have entered contests. Some of you have finaled recently (woohoo Eileen and Jody!).
How do you plan on dealing with your comments? Do you have a certain way of figuring out what's sound advice and what's subjective?
Sniffling, voice quavering, he said, "Sean's throwing toys at me."
The poor thing! I pulled him close and gave him lots of kisses, but I couldn't help but giggle too.
Nate could have moved at any time to avoid toy bombs. Instead of taking stock of his situation and making the logical choice to step away from the crib, he stayed and got pelted. Repeatedly.
This reminded me of some contest entries I'm going through for a previous manuscript which was rejected largely for characterization issues.
Before I'd ever subbed the manuscript, I had the judged scores. Little toy missiles aimed my way. As I went through these scoresheets the other day, I felt like slapping myself in the forehead.
Over and over, the judges (of different contests) pointed out flaws in my characterization. Lack of motivation, lack of empathy for the hero, concern over not enough info.
This was something I could have fixed. I should have fixed. If only I'd seen it.
But like Nate, I didn't see the logical course at the time and in the end got konked in the head with a rejection.
I know some of you have entered contests. Some of you have finaled recently (woohoo Eileen and Jody!).
How do you plan on dealing with your comments? Do you have a certain way of figuring out what's sound advice and what's subjective?
Comments
Contest comments can be - difficult to decipher. The one thing that I look for is a repitition in what the judges say. Then I run it by my writing partners. Sometimes I even try the changes and see if it makes the desired impact. If not - no loss - I have the original anyway.
Some suggestions are sound, others a matter of personal judge preference. But in every comment, there should be a way you can utilize what you're told, to learn from it. Whether that's to make the changes that make sense, or to look deeper into what the judge mentioned.
Even if the advice isn't something you want to use, looking up facts, asking questions, and trying to see your work from another's POV, can all help to strengthen your skills as a writer.
And the image you put in my head of the boys had me laughing. Thanks!
Candi
Great comment. I agree wholeheartedly with everything you said. At the time I received results, I didn't notice the repetition but now I know to look for it.
LOL about the kids. I'm sure yours have done the same things! :-)
Writing and judging is VERY subjective, so you really have to step back and see what really applies to your story and your voice.
I like your analogy, though!
GREAT analogy, Jessica!!
I used to change everything suggested, which in turn messed up my voice gigantically. Now, I'm finding if it's a generic type comment being given and it's affirmed by at least one other then I'll work on the ms to better that area. But if they go so far as to suggest a SPECIFIC scene change, which usually seems cliche to me, I leave it. That's their style, not mine. I still struggle to hold my ground with this--confidence still isn't the best--but at least I'm getting better.
All I can suggest is to revise in YOUR OWN VOICE. If it's not an idea you came up with, then it probably shouldn't be in YOUR manuscript. Take the repeated general suggestions and make them uniquely you! That's what I'm working on doing, anyway.
It just isn't. :-)
I'm so excited about your final!
I love reading comments too. So many of you have such a great knowledge. I feel like I'm constantly learning from you.
I love the name Nate!
What a cute story, and how wise of you to draw this analogy from it!
The only contest i've entered is the one on Gumbo Writer.
If I win a critique, I will have to pray about any negative comments, to see if they are useful and inspired. I tend to just change things willy nilly if anyone thinks i should, because I'm way too addicted to others' approval. I need to seek the Lord more, asking "What would you have me do?"
Jen
That doesn't mean I think you should ignore all advice and keep getting pelted with the toys. I think it means you have to be honest with yourself and with your story and listen. Think about what they've said. Decide if your MS would be improved with their suggestion. If so, make the changes. If not, and you feel it's their opinion only--and you disagree--don't change it.
That's what I do.
Yeah, I might have something in common with a toddler, too.
Cute story, Jessica!
I just love having kids. They teach us so much about everything. It's crazy.
I like what you said about seeking God. I don't do that near enough with my writing.
Great comment. Especially your advice about whether a crit improves the manuscript. That's a great point to consider. Sometimes a critter will ask or request info be added, and it's important to seriously weigh whether that info in that scene will improve the manuscript or not.
Thanks for commenting!
We've def. done this in more than just writing!
Great Metaphor Jessica!
I haven't received feedback yet to a contest I’ve recently subbed, but I know I am putting myself in the line of fire and there is no way to avoid getting hit with a few bad comments.
Contests and critiques can sometimes cause more damage than offer help.
A friend of mine had one judge love her piece so much it sounded like she wouldn't have any trouble getting it published and then the judge in the next round completely destroyed her manuscript with things they hated, and hate really is what that judge had to say. It was tough for her, but on the bright side she realized her work evoked strong emotions;)
This writing is a whole learning process, so I think making mistakes only makes us better. At least I hope!
I look for commonalities. If the majority of judges mark me down on the same aspect, I explore ways to strengthen it. I also have my trusty analytical CP give her thoughts. Then I make the changes I think are best for my story and are in keeping with my voice.
I haven't enter any contests because I don't know of any for suspense writers. The critiques I've received are from editors, agents, writer friends, workshops, clinics, etc.
It's been awhile since I've shown my book to anyone. Perhaps it's time to venture out again and see if there's improvement.
I think sometimes we cry out when we're bombarded with criticism instead of catching it and putting it under a microscope to see if it applies.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Me? Throw a temper tantrum? Ahem. *wink,wink*
Good luck with your contest scores. I hope there's no bad comments, just helpful ones. :-)
I really agree with you. Eventually we have to trust our own voice and instincts. I think, for the writer who doesn't have an agent but is past the need for anon. crits, that contests are a good target for trying to final.
Knowing, of course, how subjective they are. LOL
Good for your friend! Evoking strong emotions means the writing is probably strong and that it's the story/characters annoying or pleasing someone. LOL
Thanks for commenting. :-)
People always seem to love his books. Let us know what you learn from it. :-)
You just cracked me up! Yeah, if Nate got hit with something really hard he probably would've moved. Poor guy.
Finding the right person is so important. I think that's where knowing your audience comes in.
That's a great way to handle comments. I like how you ask your CP too. Very smart.
Now look whose coming up with great metaphors! :-) Yes, we need to catch it. I love how you put that.
There are some contests for suspense. Off the top of my head I can only think of one, RWA's Daphne Du Murier (I probably spelled that wrong, lol)
I'm fixing to tread the contest waters again too, I think.
Great comment. There are many ways we can "improve" but will it be true to the story? The characterization?
Interesting take on it. :-)
It's great that you make changes. Some writers don't but it's really important that we stay teachable.
As I learned. LOL
I totally understand. :-)